Removing functional skills apprenticeship requirements for adult learners will make for a fairer and more accessible apprenticeship system.
The power is now in the hands of employers and learners to decide if achieving a level 2 English and Maths qualification should form part of their apprenticeship course – after the UK Government announced a change in the rules.
Employers have consistently told us that functional skills apprenticeship requirements act as a blocker to apprenticeship take-up – so removing this bureaucratic barrier is great news for both employers and apprentices.
Let’s explore what’s been announced and what it means for apprenticeship programmes.
What functional skills apprenticeship rules has the Government changed?
The government is relaxing the functional skills rules for adult apprentices (people aged 19 and over) with immediate effect.
Previously, learners who didn’t pass Maths and English at GCSE had to achieve a functional skills qualification to complete their course.
Now, businesses and apprentices have the power to choose whether functional skills qualifications should be an exit requirement on their courses or not. Apprentices will still have the opportunity to develop English and Maths skills relevant to their chosen apprenticeship standard as part of their programme.
Announced during National Apprenticeship Week, the Government says the changes will mean up to 10,000 more apprentices will qualify from training every year. It’s hoped this will boost the number of skilled people entering high-demand sectors.
The changes will apply to apprentices who are currently on programme (provided they were over 19 at the time of starting their course) as well as apprentices who have not yet started. Many of those that have previously withdrawn due to functional skills requirements, will also be able to re-enroll.
Apprentices aged 16-18 will still have to complete a functional skills qualification as a part of their course.
The Multiverse take on functional skills in apprenticeships
At Multiverse, we’ve consistently campaigned for the reform of functional skills and welcome the changes made by the Government. We believe they will make for a fairer and more inclusive apprenticeship system, improving access to skills at every age and every career stage.
For example, employers may already be satisfied with the Maths and English abilities of their employees, based on performance in their role – even if they don’t have formal qualifications, achieved through a written test. For some apprentices, the previous rules meant digging out evidence of old qualifications in order to finish their course – which might not always have been possible.
The changes will also improve access to apprenticeships for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Department for Education data(opens new window) suggests 38% of non-disadvantaged pupils without a Level 2 in English and maths by age 16 will achieve it by age 19, the proportion is only 24% for people from a disadvantaged background.
The change means employers can shift attention to tackling the skills gaps they want to address, and learners can focus on developing and deploying their skills.
Speaking in response to the Government’s announcement, Multiverse CEO and founder Euan Blair said the reforms will widen and expand access to apprenticeships:
“For years this requirement has created an artificial barrier between apprenticeships and those who could benefit from them, including young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and older workers whose roles are at risk of job displacement, while often diluting the quality and purpose of an apprenticeship.
“Apprenticeships are about giving as many people as possible the ability to improve their career prospects and contribute meaningfully to their employers: this move helps to underline that focus.”
What business leaders are saying about functional skills changes
Multiverse helps more than 1,500 leading companies upskill their workforces with our apprenticeship programmes – and we’ve trained more than 20,000 professional apprentices.
For a long time, employers have said the old rules acted as a hurdle to apprenticeship uptake. We know many of the organisations we work with are welcoming the news, including the John Lewis Partnership (JLP):
“We welcome the relaxation in functional skills requirements. It’s an important step towards the reform needed to help more people access apprenticeships. Gaining GCSE Maths and English qualifications can be a significant barrier to starting or completing one and we believe it will help more disadvantaged people, including those who leave the care system or those with learning disabilities, make a career for themselves.”
Jo Rackham
Executive Director of People, JLP
What other changes have the Government announced?
The Government also confirmed plans to cut the legal minimum length of apprenticeships from 12 to eight months, as part of the Growth and Skills levy reform. The change in the minimum length of an apprenticeship is expected to be introduced in August 2025.
Three Trailblazer areas will pioneer the approach first:
- Green energy
- Healthcare
- Film and TV production sectors
Multiverse is in conversation with policymakers on what this approach could look like for critical data and AI programmes.
What steps should employers take next?
If you need support navigating the changes to functional skills requirements, our expert team is on hand to help.
