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The apprenticeship landscape is constantly evolving, and recent updates to the funding rules have brought significant changes, particularly regarding English and maths requirements. These changes, effective from February 11, 2025, have sparked a lot of discussion and, understandably, some confusion, at a time when we should have been focused on celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025.
This post aims to provide clarity for training providers, employers, and apprentices alike.
What's Changed?
The key change revolves around the mandatory nature of English and maths qualifications for apprentices. Previously, all apprentices were generally required to work towards achieving a Level 2 qualification in these subjects if they didn't already hold a suitable equivalent. However, the updated rules have shifted this requirement:
Apprentices aged 16-18 at the start of their apprenticeship training still must study towards and achieve English and maths qualifications
Apprentices aged 19+ at the start of their apprenticeship training are no longer required to study towards and achieve English and maths qualifications
It's important to note that apprentices aged 19+ can still choose to study English and maths, with the agreement of their employer, and funding will continue to be provided to support this training.
Impact on Training Providers
The changes have several implications for training providers:
Discussions with Apprentices: By April 1, 2025, providers must discuss the option of continuing or withdrawing from English and maths training with apprentices aged 19+ and their employers. This discussion needs to be documented in the training plan.
Withdrawal Process: If an apprentice chooses to withdraw from English and maths training, the provider must withdraw them accordingly; no further funding will be paid for that component. The provider must withdraw them back to the last day of English and maths learning.
Training Plan Updates: When English and/or maths content is removed from a training plan, the employer must re-sign the training plan.
Continued Training: For apprentices continuing with English and maths, providers must deliver the necessary training to prepare them for assessments, and apprentices must attempt these assessments.
Initial Assessment: Providers must record the decision of whether the apprentice will study English and maths within the training plan, which must be signed by the employer. Funding cannot be claimed until this decision is made.
Performance Reviews: Unusual retention patterns in English and maths provision for apprentices aged 19+ may be considered a contextual factor in performance reviews under the Apprenticeships Accountability Framework
Employer Responsibilities
Employers also have a crucial role to play in supporting their apprentices through these changes:
Open Communication: Facilitate open discussions with apprentices and training providers to determine the most appropriate path for each individual.
Informed Decisions: Support apprentices in making informed decisions that align with their career goals and the needs of the business.
Training Plan Sign-Off: If English and/or maths content is removed from the training plan, ensure that the updated plan is re-signed.
Continued Support: If apprentices are required to attend English and maths training, provide them with the necessary time and resources.
Apprenticeship Document Changes
To reflect these changes, providers need to make sure the training plan includes a clear indication of whether English and/or maths has been included in the planned delivery. Moreover, any removal of English and/or maths from the training plan necessitates a re-signature from the employer.
The Importance of Initial Assessment
Regardless of the English and Maths changes, a thorough initial assessment remains vital. It confirms learner eligibility, program suitability, and identifies any learning support needs. Providers must review prior learning and experience to tailor the training plan, avoiding duplication of already attained knowledge, skills and behaviours. A strong start sets the foundation for apprenticeship success.
Navigating the Future
These changes present both challenges and opportunities. By staying informed, engaging in open communication, and focusing on individual needs, we can ensure that apprenticeships continue to be a valuable pathway to skills development and career success.
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