The government is introducing key reforms to streamline apprenticeships, aiming to qualify up to 10,000 more apprentices annually by reducing bureaucratic barriers. These changes include

greater flexibility for employers in setting English and maths requirements and shortening apprenticeship durations to support workforce growth in critical sectors.

Key changes to apprenticeships

Under the new policy, employers will have the discretion to decide whether apprentices aged 19 and over need to complete a Level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) to pass their apprenticeship. This change will help more learners complete apprenticeships in high-demand industries such as healthcare, social care, and construction, directly addressing workforce shortages. While core English and maths skills relevant to each profession will still be assessed, apprentices will be able to focus more on their paid work.

Additionally, the minimum duration for apprenticeships will be reduced from 12 months to 8 months starting in August 2025, subject to legislative approval.

Government and industry support

Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson said:   “Growing the economy and opportunity for all are fundamental missions of our Plan for Change, and we are determined to support apprentices throughout this National Apprenticeship Week and beyond.

Businesses have been calling out for change to the apprenticeship system and these reforms show that we are listening. Our new offer of shorter apprenticeships and less red tape strikes the right balance between speed and quality, helping achieve our number one mission to grow the economy. 

Skills England will be a major driver in addressing the skills gaps needed to support employers up and down the country and I look forward to working with the new leadership”.

Craig Beaumont, Executive Director, Federation of Small Businesses, said:  

“It’s encouraging to see government shorten the length of apprenticeships, and give employers the right to decide whether Level 2 English and maths is needed. These flexibilities should help SME employers fill skills gaps faster”.

National apprenticeship week and future plans

The reforms coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, celebrating the achievements of apprentices and their contributions to businesses and the economy. The changes also build on the Prime Minister’s previous commitment to improving skills training and workforce readiness.

A pilot program will introduce shorter apprenticeships in green energy, healthcare, and film and TV production, testing the new approach in key industries facing worker shortages.

Additionally, the government has announced leadership appointments for Skills England, a new national body focused on addressing skills gaps. Phil Smith CBE, former CEO of Cisco, will chair the organization, with Sir David Bell serving as Vice Chair.

With these reforms, the government aims to accelerate workforce development, support economic growth, and ensure a steady supply of skilled workers for industries in need.

Phil Smith CBE said: “I know from my time in industry how valuable direct engagement from employers can be in shaping government policy.  We need a dynamic skills system that can drive economic growth, and I’m excited to be involved in shaping Skills England as part of that”.

Sir David Bell said:   

“I look forward to working with Phil Smith, other colleagues in Skills England, and the Department for Education to help deliver economic growth and meet the nation’s skills needs. 

I know from my experience in public policy and higher education that providing the skilled workforce which Britain requires depends on industry, government and education organisations working together. I am very confident therefore that Skills England will provide the strategic oversight to make that happen.

Skills England will bring together key partners to meet the skills needs of the next decade across all regions of England. More than 700 stakeholders have already been engaged through roundtables, webinars and engagement events. 

It will work with employers; national, regional and local government; providers; and unions to identify skills shortages and provide strong strategic direction for the skills system.  

One of Skills England’s first orders of business will be to identify which apprenticeships would be best served by the shorter duration approach. Skills England will prioritise key shortage occupations as per the industrial strategy, helping to boost growth under our Plan for Change”.   

Euan Blair MBE, founder and CEO, Multiverse, said: 

“This important announcement will do so much to widen and expand access to apprenticeships and should be welcomed as a move to put our skills system at the heart of the growth mission. 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”.

Sharon Blyfield, Head of Early Careers, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB, said:

“At Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, we believe that the inclusion of functional skills as an exit for apprenticeships have often hindered many people from reaching their full potential. The announced changes will help make apprenticeships a more viable option to more people, not only new recruits but also for our current employees who missed out on these skills during their school years. These changes will enable them to successfully complete their apprenticeships without added barriers, which is brilliant news”.

Alex Hall-Chen, Principal Policy Advisor, Sustainability, Skills and Employment, said:

“Apprenticeships are a vital tool in tackling the UK’s persistent skills shortages, and this announcement is a welcome step in removing unnecessary barriers to increasing apprenticeship numbers. 

Research with IoD members clearly showed that giving employers flexibility when it comes to English and maths qualifications for adult apprentices has the potential to unlock more apprenticeship opportunities. 

Employers are well placed to judge whether English and maths qualifications are the most appropriate route to evidence or develop the literacy and numeracy skills needed for success in the given career path”.

Chris Bailey, Early Careers Manager, Starbucks UK, said:

“Starbucks UK welcomes the announcement around relaxing the requirements of functional skills for learners over the age of 19 . Removing this significant barrier will support our commitment to enrolling more apprentices, particularly those who may have previously faced challenges with functional skills assessments. By embracing this change, we can empower more of our partners to gain valuable recognised qualifications, develop their skills, and progress within Starbucks and their careers”.

Lisa Pinfield, Group Director of Performance and Development, Capita, said: 

“Making functional skills requirements more flexible for apprenticeships will open doors for more adult learners, especially those from diverse backgrounds. By removing unnecessary barriers, employers can welcome a wider pool of talented apprentices who bring valuable skills and experience. This change will help businesses grow, support social mobility, and give more people the chance to succeed through apprenticeships”.

Jo Rackham, Executive Director of People, the John Lewis Partnership, said:

“Apprenticeships help us build and retain the skills we need to deliver brilliant service to our customers and power our growth. They’ve helped 5,000 employees – or, as we’re called, partners – progress in their careers since 2017.

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”.

Matthew Percival, Future of Work and Skills Director, CBI, said:

“Apprenticeships have an important role to play in building the skills for growth. Greater flexibility on minimum length and on English and maths requirements will help businesses to offer more workers the opportunity to add to their skills”. Photo by Sebastiandoe5, Wikimedia commons.