Louise James was taken on as an apprentice at a local butcher in January, but was made redundant just eight months later due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 33-year-old was “devastated” by the decision, but her employer’s business had completely dried up.
Provisional figures show Louise is not alone. The number of apprenticeships ending in redundancy in lockdown two thirds higher than in 2019.
The BBC obtained the data under the Freedom of Information Act.
Between March and July, 1,033 apprentices in England were withdrawn made redundant, ending their apprenticeship program, compared to 615 in the same period in 2019.
Over 740,000 people are taking part in apprenticeship training in England in total.
This highlights the challenge in the apprenticeship system throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
The ESFA said the total number of apprentices made redundant would be higher than the figures they disclosed.
The numbers on account for those who do not continue an apprenticeship program after being made redundant, with a number of apprentices finding new placement.
Some cases may also not be registered as redundancies, the agency said.
More substantial data is expected to follow.