MATHS & ENGLISH NOT ESSENTIAL FOR APPRENTICES AGED 19+

The Government has changed the rules about maths and English in apprenticeships. They want to remove barriers for people starting and completing apprenticeships, so from now on, apprentices aged 19 and over do not have to do maths and English (Functional Skills) on their course.  

What’s changed?

Previously, all apprentices had to complete and pass Functional Skills qualifications in Maths and English as part of their course. Anyone doing a level 2 apprenticeship needed to achieve a minimum of level 1 in maths and English by the end of the course if they hadn’t already. And if apprentices already had already achieved level 1 maths and English when they enrolled, they would have to work towards level 2 during their apprenticeship. Anyone on a level 3 apprenticeship had to achieve level 2 qualifications in both subjects before completion. 

Now, apprentices aged 19 and over can choose to do their apprenticeships without doing these subjects at all and instead focus 100% on developing their specific professional skills. Anyone who wants to do maths and English as part of their apprenticeship still can if their employer agrees.

Younger apprentices aged 16 to 18 still have to work towards level 1 or 2 qualifications in maths and English if they haven’t already achieved them. The government believes that younger learners still require these foundational skills to prepare them for future careers. 

Why the change?

Many adults have opted against doing apprenticeships because they worried about doing these qualifications, particularly if they have struggled with maths and English in the past. By removing this barrier, more individuals are likely to consider the apprenticeship route. 

Employers will welcome this reform in sectors experiencing skills shortages. The change will inevitably speed up the process of training apprentices, allowing businesses to fill critical roles more quickly. 

If you’re aged 19+

If you’re 19 or over and have decided against doing an apprenticeship because you were worried about doing maths and English, you can reconsider. This change allows you to focus entirely on acquiring new technical skills and growing into your role without the additional pressure. Of course, if you feel improving your maths or English skills will benefit your career, and your employer agrees, you can still opt to undertake Functional Skills training as part of your apprenticeship.

Addressing gaps in industries

With maths and English no longer required for apprentices aged 19 and over,  apprenticeships become more inclusive and will go further in tackling skills gaps in key industries. This reform will appeal to many employers. It’s reassuring, though, to know the option is still there to keep apprentices developing their maths and English skills through apprenticeships if their employers want them to.