Changes to Apprenticeship Rules: What Employers Need to Know

The government has announced important updates to apprenticeship rules, bringing more flexibility for apprentices and employers. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and how it might affect your business.

English & Maths Requirements: What’s Changing?

From 11 February 2025, new rules came into effect:

• Apprentices aged 16-18 still need to achieve English and Maths qualifications, even if they turn 19 during their apprenticeship.

• Apprentices aged 19+ are no longer required to pass English and Maths to complete apprenticeships. Employers can decide at the start of the process whether they would like their apprentices to achieve Maths and English as a mandatory element of their employment, as well as if they are willing to support an adult apprentice who chooses to study towards these.

• Funding remains available for all apprentices who opt to study English and Maths, regardless of age.

• English & Maths still matter and will still be integrated into apprenticeship standards as relevant skills.

What This Means for Employers

When you take on an apprentice aged 19+, we’ll discuss whether achieving English and Maths should be part of their training programme. This decision will be included in the training agreement.

End-Point Assessments (EPA): What’s Changing?

• Skills England will replace the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and oversee assessments reviews to ensure they meet industry needs.

• Employers may take part in assessments for practical skills or behaviours where it makes sense for their industry.

• EPAOs remain responsible for overseeing the assessment process and will support employers if they have assessment responsibilities.

What This Means for Employers

Right now, there’s nothing you need to do. We’ll keep you updated on which apprenticeships are affected and support you every step of the way.

Apprenticeship Duration: What’s Changing?

• Currently, apprenticeships must last at least 12 months and 1 week.
• From August 2025 (pending approval), some apprenticeships will be eligible for a shorter duration of 8 months.
• This change is designed to fast-track apprentices with prior learning or experience and support industries with critical skills shortages.
• Eligibility for shorter programmes will depend on the individual apprentice and specific sectors identified by the government.

What This Means for Employers

For now, there’s no action required. We will inform affected employer partners as more details become available.

Exciting Opportunities…

These changes present exciting opportunities to build a skilled workforce more efficiently, particularly with greater flexibility for adult apprentices around English and Maths. At SS&L, we’re committed to keeping you updated and guiding you through these developments.

If you have any questions or concerns about how these changes may affect your apprentices, feel free to get in touch with me, Heidi Oliver, or any of the Business Development Team – we’re here to help!

Heidi Oliver, Business Team Manager