Functional Skills requirement scrapped & Apprenticeships to be shorter

Huge news! From 2025, the government announced major changes to apprenticeship rules, removing a key barrier to entry and completion.

Let’s break down what this could mean for you.

Functional Skills requirement removed

Until now, apprentices (no matter their age) who hadn’t achieved GCSE Level 2 in Maths and English or were unable to provide their certificates had to complete Functional Skills training before finishing their apprenticeship.

From 11th February 2025, this requirement is no longer mandatory for most apprentices!

Who does this affect?

Apprentices aged 19+ are no longer required to complete functional skills but can choose to if they or their employer prefer.

Apprentices aged 16-18 are still required to complete Functional Skills as part of their training.

What if I’m already doing an apprenticeship?

If you are 19 or older you can stop your functional skills training. This also applies if you started your apprenticeship at 18 and have since turned 19.

However, your employer and training provider must agree that you must opt-out by 1st April 2025. If not you’ll need to complete the training.

Apprenticeship duration reduced

Another big change is the minimum apprenticeship duration will drop from 12 months to 8 months starting in August 2025. However, this won’t apply to all apprenticeships- more details are expected soon.

Stay tuned as we keep an eye on the updates!

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For further insights and guidance on maximising your apprenticeship funding, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at:

Tel: 023 8017 0380

Email: hello@kiwieducation.co.uk

Kiwi & Yuzu Ltd is committed to empowering businesses and individuals through quality education, training, and skills development.