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The Government has announced plans to reform the apprenticeship system in England, and the Scottish Government has introduced a Bill which will make changes to how apprenticeships are provided in Scotland.
The announcements were recently revealed by the Education Secretary at the start of National Apprenticeship Week, which celebrates the achievements of apprentices around the country and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses, and the wider economy. Currently in the UK, apprenticeships can last between 1-6 years, depending on their type and level and the apprentice’s previous experience.
Some of the new changes include:
- Reducing the minimum duration of an apprenticeship from the current length of 12 months down to 8 months;
- Updating End Point Assessments to make the system simpler and more flexible while ensuring apprentices prove their competence for skilled work; and
- Giving employers more control over English and maths requirements.
Leading businesses and employers, including the Federation of Small Businesses, have widely welcomed these changes, with many stating that they will help to widen access to apprenticeships and remove barriers with this new flexibility. The changes will also allow these employers to decide whether adult learners need to complete a Level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSEs) to pass their apprenticeship.
Additionally, the changes are proposed to lead to an increased number of learners qualifying in high-demand sectors such as healthcare and social care, with the Government estimating that it will lead to up to an additional 10,000 new apprentices qualifying per year. The Government contends that this will be significantly beneficial for the construction sector, which has an urgent need for qualified workers, helping to meet the Government’s aims to build 1.5 million homes by the end of the current Parliament.
The changes for the English and maths requirements came into immediate effect as of 11 February 2025 and the changes for the increased apprenticeship minimum length will come into effect from 1 August 2025.
To discuss any of the points raised in this article, including on apprenticeship reforms, please do not hesitate to contact Daniel Onafuwa, Matt Warren or another member of the Employment team.
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