The Department for Education have released details of additional flexibility coming to apprenticeships.
When adult learners over the age of 19 start their apprenticeship course, businesses will now be able to decide whether they need to complete a level 2 English and Maths qualification (equivalent to a GCSE) in order to pass the course.
The Department for Education stressed that apprentices will still be assessed on the core English and Maths skills that are relevant to the work they do. However, they will be able to focus more on their paid work.
The minimum duration of an apprenticeship is also being reduced from the current 12 month minimum to 8 months. This change will come into effect from August 2025. However, the changes to English and Maths requirements have taken immediate effect.
It is estimated that these changes could lead to up to 10,000 more apprentices a year being able to complete their apprenticeship, as well as helping learners qualify more quickly in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, social care and construction.
