The Government has confirmed it will axe English and maths functional skills exit requirements for adult apprentices with immediate effect.
Ministers will end the current requirement that apprentices aged 19 or older must pass Level 2 functional skills courses to complete their Apprenticeship.
This news, delivered during National Apprenticeship Week, follows intensive lobbying by some quarters to remove one of the major barriers to engagement with Apprenticeships by providers, employers and apprentices.
Although being removed as an exit requirement from those aged 19+ those apprentices aged 16-18 will still be required to pass Level 2 functional skills exams to complete their apprenticeship if they do not hold a pass at GCSE.
Devon & Cornwall Training Provider Network (DCTPN) members NCFE are keen to gauge initial thoughts and feedback from the sector. Claire Bridger, Commercial Manager, NCFE, said: “We are keen to understand how this announcement will impact on providers, their current delivery and most importantly their learners.”
DCTPN Training Providers are being asked to share their views via this quick survey.
Also announced yesterday (11th February) by Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, was the news that the minimum duration of apprenticeships will be shortened from 12 to eight months from the next academic year.
These changes to the apprenticeship system are the start of a number of expected apprenticeship reforms promised by this Government, aimed at streamlining the system and significantly increasing numbers of people taking the apprenticeship route.
It is hoped that up to 10,000 more apprentices will be able to qualify per year as the Government cuts red tape to boost economic growth by giving employers more flexibility over maths and English requirements.
The Secretary of State for Education said: ”Growing the economy and opportunity for all are fundamental Missions of our Plan for Change, and we are determined to support apprentices throughout this National Apprenticeship Week and beyond.
“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.
“Skills England will be a major driver in addressing the skills gaps needed to support employers up and down the country and I look forward to working with the new leadership.”
