The DfE has announced one of the most significant changes to apprenticeships since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017. Last week it was revealed that the current English and Maths exit requirements will be scrapped for over 19s.
Currently, all learners need to pass a level 2 functional skills course in order to complete their apprenticeship. According to the new rules, this course is now optional for adult learners. It is currently unclear if this rule will apply only to new learners or also to ones that are currently on programme with more clarification to come in the coming weeks.
This change is significant for adult learners as it can help reduce the barriers to entry for apprenticeships, supporting the career progression of these learners and increasing social mobility.
This new rule does not however apply for apprentices between the ages of 16-18 and they will still need to complete a functional skills course in order to pass their apprenticeship programme.
The DfE are also planning to shorten the minimum duration of apprenticeships programmes this summer.
At the moment apprenticeships programmes have a minimum duration of 12 months, but the DfE is planning to have this requirement reduced to 8 months in August 2025, but this is “subject to legislative timetables”.
The DfE is looking at three key sectors to kick off the shorter apprenticeships market: green energy, healthcare, and film/TV production.
LMP Education is dedicated to deliver the more key information about apprenticeships to our learners and employer partners and will continue to update about this story as it develops.
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