Ian Sollom, the Liberal Democrat spokesman for universities and skills, said: “The Government has focused on creating more apprenticeships, but the benefits are diluted if young people don’t finish their course.
“More than a third of apprentices drop out, and young people from disadvantaged areas are the most likely to fall through the gaps.
“Apprenticeships are a fantastic pathway for young learners to develop the practical skills they need for well-paid and rewarding careers.
“But this report from the Sutton Trust shows the reality that, for too many, poor training and weak support mean these courses aren’t actually delivering what they promise.
“No young person should be forced to quit because of travel costs or a benefits system that penalises their family, and employers, especially small businesses, need far more help to train and support apprentices well.”