Changes to rules surrounding apprenticeships in the UK now mean businesses employing adult apprentices can decide whether Maths and English qualifications should be part of the prescribed course. Such has been the problematic nature of such qualifications that more than 45% of adult apprentices drop out of their course, which the government hopes this change will alleviate. By reducing the necessity of such qualifications, the hope is that more individuals will apply for and complete apprenticeships in sectors experiencing high levels of demand, such as healthcare, social care and construction.
The relaxation of rules is not being extended to apprentices aged 16-18, who will still have to complete an English and Maths functional skills qualification – equivalent to a GCSE – as a course requirement. Gabby Reid, a former apprentice who works for the Coach Core Foundation, said Maths, and English qualifications should be optional and “could be the one thing that is putting them off applying for, or completing, the course”. She added: “It shouldn’t be a necessity”.
Some however feel the duration of apprenticeships in the UK is too short, and removing the requirement for learners, over the age of 19, to receive qualifications could further exacerbate the problem. David Smith, Chief Executive of Lifetime, England’s largest apprenticeship provider, believes the new rules will help the most disadvantaged apprentices, although expressed concern that the rule change did not apply to 16-18 year olds.
The Learning and Work Institute also believes it to be a mistake to reduce the minimum length of an apprenticeship – from 12 months down to eight months from August 2025 – and criticised the government’s decision to remove any requirement for those over 19 to obtain qualifications in English and Maths. “Lowering standards in this way will increase the disparity between different countries”, explained CEO Stephen Evans.
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