Upskill without the Stress: Government Eases Apprenticeship Functional Skills Requirements

Upskill without the Stress: Government Eases Apprenticeship Functional Skills Requirements

If you’ve ever thought about upskilling through an apprenticeship but were put off by the requirement to complete Maths or English qualifications after not passing these subjects in school, then now is the perfect time to take the leap. The government has cut red tape, giving businesses more flexibility over Functional Skills requirements, meaning more learners age 19 and above can qualify for apprenticeships without the added pressure of studying subjects that many still struggle with as adults.

more flexibility, more opportunity

Apprentices over the age of 19 and businesses now have the power to decide whether a Level 2 Functional Skills English and Maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) is necessary. This means that if your chosen career path doesn’t require formal qualifications in these subjects, you won’t have to worry about additional work and exams beyond your apprenticeship training. This change, introduced by the Department for Education (DfE), could enable up to 10,000 more apprentices each year to complete their training.

Previously, English and Maths requirements were a major barrier to completing apprenticeships, with more than 45% of apprentices dropping out before finishing their courses. By removing this requirement for learners aged 19 and above, the government hopes to encourage more people to enrol in apprenticeships and complete them successfully, particularly in high-demand sectors like healthcare, social care, and construction.

A game changer for adult learners

For many adults, Maths and English have long been a stumbling block. Recently, I came across a story from Mariah Sutton, 27, a Business Admin Apprentice, who had to take extra night classes and invest in additional study materials just to pass her Maths qualification. She expressed Maths was always a “massive struggle”, and it was always at the back of her mind, restricting her full potential. This highlights the unnecessary stress these requirements have caused. While literacy and numeracy are crucial in certain fields, many skills can be learned through practical, on-the-job training rather than through a separate qualification.

As Skills Minister Jacqui Smith stated, “if you are learning a construction skill, of course you need to be able to measure, you need to understand ratios – but perhaps you are best off learning those as part of your on-the-job training, rather than having to do a separate English and Maths qualification”.

summary: what this means for learners aged 19 and above

This is a golden opportunity for those aged 19 and over looking to boost their career prospects without the fear of being held back by compulsory Maths or English qualifications. With this recent news being announced in February, businesses across various industries will begin to welcome these changes, as many employers recognise that these alterations will make apprenticeships more accessible to a wider range of learners.

• Previously, apprentices who hadn’t passed GCSE English and Maths were required to complete a Level 1 functional skills qualification if they were enrolled in a Level 2 apprenticeship. Those in Level 3 or higher apprenticeships had to achieve a Level 2 functional skills qualification.
• However, under the new rules, these requirements will now be optional for apprentices aged 19 and over. This change removes a major hurdle, making it easier for adult learners to start and complete apprenticeships without the stress of additional exams in subjects they may have struggled with in the past.

If you have been considering an apprenticeship but have hesitated due to academic concerns, now is the time to act. With fewer barriers in place, you can focus on gaining hands-on experience and developing the skills needed to advance your career.

So why wait? Take advantage of this new flexibility and start your apprenticeship journey with us today!

Check out our latest vacancies here.

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