Apprenticeship Reforms Aim To Cut Red Tape And Time

Changes to English and maths qualifications for over 19s and shorter apprenticeship duration included

by AMANDA | INFORM

The Department for Education is removing English and maths functional skills exit requirements for adult apprentices, alongside a reduction in the minimum apprenticeship duration from 12 to eight months and a streamlining of End Point Assessments. 

Businesses will now be able to decide whether adult learners over 19 need to complete Level 2 English and maths qualifications to pass their apprenticeship. The change comes in with immediate effect. 

The reduction in the minimum amount of time it takes to complete an apprenticeship – cut from 12 to eight months – will take effect from August 2025, with an eye on speeding up the development of future workers.  

 Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, said: “Businesses have been calling out for change to the apprenticeship system and these reforms show that we are listening. Our new offer of shorter apprenticeships and less red tape strikes the right balance between speed and quality, helping achieve our number one mission to grow the economy.”  

The reforms also include changes to End Point Assessments (EPAs). From April 2025, the assessment process will become more streamlined. This includes more proportionate assessment methods that remove duplication, potential for on-programme assessment where appropriate and greater flexibility for training providers to deliver certain assessment elements. 

Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the National Hair and Beauty Federation, commented that the change to English and maths requirements could appeal to those who “excel in practical skills but struggle with formal qualifications”. “This could lead to a more diverse and skilled workforce, better equipped to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” she said. 

Cathy Weston, director of quality and standards at the NHBF, added that the change was “particularly promising” when considering completion rates and could “significantly improve success rates” while maintaining high standards. 

 However, Larissey said the increase in apprentice minimum wages and the need for “more robust employer incentives” still posed challenges: “The NHBF will be pressing the government for answers on how they plan to support employers in maintaining sustainable apprenticeship programmes, particularly in a sector where margins are already extremely tight.”