The news comes as the Government guaranteed everyone under-25s will get a job, training or work experience after six months' unemployment.
Secretary of work and pensions Yvette Cooper also announced a guarantee that every person on benefits for at least six months, whatever their age, would be at least £40 per week better off when moving into work.
Launching the White Paper - Building Britain's Recovery: Achieving Full Employment - the Department of Work and Pensions set out a £400 million programme for the next 18 months, including £300 million to tackle youth unemployment.
On top of the opportunities set out in the White Paper, which includes more help for those looking to start their own businesses, the Government also announced further jobs in policing and transport earmarked for those struggling to find work.
Cooper said: "In the 1980s youth unemployment continued to rise for four years after the recession ended. A generation of talent was wasted. We are determined that must never happen again, so we will guarantee a job, training or work experience at six months for 18 to 24 year-olds.
"And, because we believe that work is the best way out of poverty we are continuing with radical reform to the welfare system. This means that everyone - be they lone parents, carers or disabled people - will get the support they need, not only to get work but also to stay in work. We will also guarantee that people will be better off in a job than on benefits."
But the Electrical Contractors' Association's head of education and training Iain Macdonald believes the move will not go far enough to encourage small to medium sized businesses to take on apprentices.
He said: "Small to medium sized businesses have been hit hardest by the recession. Instead of a one off financial incentive, it would have been better for the Government to give these businesses the opportunity to offset apprentices' wages against national insurance or at the very least, give more recognition for the real cost to employers."
And Kevin Brennan, minister for further education, skills and apprenticeships, added: "We must invest for growth, and that means investing in our young people. That is why this Government is expanding apprenticeships, increasing the number of university places, and is making sure that young unemployed people get the skills they need to get work and get on at work."
