Earlier this month the Department for Education (DfE) has announced changes to its funding rules for apprenticeships. The funding roles will now introduce more flexibility and reduced bureaucracy, including cutting the minimum duration from 12 to 8 months, setting published minimum off-the-job training hours per standard, launching new foundation apprenticeships, streamlining assessment, and clarifying eligibility and payment rule.
The key changes to the funding roles are:
End-Point Assessment (EPA) reforms
In February this year the DfE has announced new EPA principles and since April all existing assessment plans are being rewritten on a standard-by-standard basis. The aim of these reforms is to streamline the assessment process making it more proportionate and allowing for more on-program assessment where appropriate.
Shorter apprenticeships
Apprenticeships can now be delivered in as little as 8 months which is a significant change from the previous 12 month minimum. While this is a welcomed change, employers and training providers must work together to ensure that all essential training requirements are met. This update will allow for the creation of more tailored and bespoke training to fit the individual needs of the learner and their employer.
Updated minimum eligibility for funding
Off-the-job (OTJ) training requirements for apprenticeship funding are now 187 OTJ hours or 8 months, allowing for clearer baselines for the programme length and training volume.
Phasing out the 20% OTJ rule
Up until this change OTJ training had to be a minimum of 20% of the apprentice’s time. This meant that employers had to ensure that 20% of all working hours of the apprentice were dedicated to training outside of their day-to-day job. According to the latest funding rules each apprenticeship standard will now have its own published minimum OTJ training requirements.
More recognition for prior learning
Apprenticeship training providers must assess and record any prior learning the apprentice may have, emphasising the importance of robust initial assessments. Prior learning could help shorten the apprenticeship programme duration and providers must demonstrate the reduction in training content and overall cost of apprenticeships.
Programmes that have been shortened by at least 3 months due to prior learning will now be recognised as accelerated apprenticeships.
Removal of automatic part-time adjustments
Prior to this change providers and learners received an automatic extension for OTJ training delivery based on if the programme is full-time or part-time. Training providers must now ensure that training hours are realistic and appropriate to the apprentice’s working hours which will give more flexibility in delivery/
Foundation apprenticeships
The document now introduces a new model of Foundation Apprenticeships. These are aimed at young people aged 16-21 and some aged 22-24 (including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), care leavers, and individuals with recent prison experience).
The apprenticeship can be at the same level or at a lower level than a qualification the learner already holds as long as the training develops new knowledge, skills and behaviours. Functional Skills training is still required in these apprenticeships but assessment for them is not mandatory for the completion of the apprenticeship though it is encouraged.
Clear guidelines on funded training activities
The new funding rules now have more explicit guidance on eligible training costs. These costs include initial assessments and onboarding, tutor and delivery costs, learning materials, employer support (where required) mandatory qualification costs, subcontractor management, and end-point assessment administration.
Training and assessment costs
In line with the changes presented by the DfE in the new funding rule changes, LMP Education has updated its training and EPA cost structure. You can view the updated costs on our Apprenticeship Costs of Training and Resits page.
LMP Education is committed to supporting its employer partners in navigating these funding rule changes. If you have any questions regarding the changes and how it will impact your apprentices contact your client success manager or book a discovery call with the LMP team.
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