What employers need to know
During this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, The Department for Education announced a number of apprenticeship reforms designed to increase accessibility and reduce bureaucracy. The most important of these, at least in the short term, is a relaxation of the requirement for some apprentices aged 19 and over on enrolment to achieve functional skills qualifications.
The other changes were, first, a relaxation of the 12-month minimum apprenticeship duration, initially for three apprenticeships in green energy, healthcare and film and TV production. This does not currently affect any Damar apprenticeships. Second, a plan to simplify end-point assessment. As yet there is no timetable for this and current apprentices are unaffected.
Below is a recording of the employer partner webinar we held on 26 February.
Functional skills: The changes
Previously, apprentices unable to evidence achievement of GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) in maths and English were required to achieve functional skills qualifications as part of their apprenticeship.
From 11 February 2025, this requirement has ended for apprentices aged 19 and over on enrolment.
There is no change for apprentices aged 16 to 18 on enrolment.
Importantly, apprentices aged 19+ can still choose to study for and attempt the test(s). Tuition, materials and test fees are paid for by the government. If unsuccessful, they then can drop functional skills and still complete the apprenticeship.
So, instead of being a blocker to apprenticeship achievement, functional skills are now an opportunity. At Damar, we see this as a good thing.
The value of functional skills
The importance of functional skills in maths and English cannot be overstated. Approximately 18% of adults in England have low proficiency in literacy, while 21% demonstrate poor numeracy skills. This is a brake on personal, organisational and economic growth.
The many Damar apprentices who achieve functional skills qualifications see an immediate increase in confidence and motivation. Some recent quotes from our apprentices include:
“Thank you so much for your patience with me and guidance. You really made such a difference to my learning. Your knowledge and kindness throughout really made all the difference. I am absolutely over the moon that I have conquered maths at 41!”
“Really appreciate all the work you put in to teach me both English and maths, and to help me enjoy the process.”
“With the determination and great support from my functional skills tutor, I have achieved 94%, although there were times when I didn’t believe I could do it. The lessons have always been well-organised and the explanations always very clear.”
However, for some apprentices, particularly those who are already working at the level of maths and English they need to be successful in their chosen career, or who have lost their GCSE certficates, not studying for the tests can be the right decision.
We will continue to do an initial assessment of maths and English before enrolment to inform decision-making. And, for roles that require a high level of literacy and numeracy (such as the solicitor apprenticeship), we will still require apprentices to demonstrate competence on enrolment.
Practical considerations and timing
Current apprentices aged 19 and over who are undertaking functional skills should continue with their functional skills training and scheduled exams for now. The Damar coach will speak to the apprentice and their supervisor, and the decision will be documented and recorded in the training plan by April 1, 2025.
For new apprentices, the decision about functional skills will be made at the start of the apprenticeship and documented in the training plan. The decision will be made collaboratively between the employer and the apprentice and informed by the initial assessment.
Some organisations have internal policies requiring functional skills completion. Apprentice supervisors should therefore check their organisation’s requirements before making decisions about functional skills with their apprentice.
Questions/further information
If employer partners need further support, they should contact the apprentice’s coach or functional skills tutor (for existing apprentices) or the Damar business development manager (for future apprentices). Employers are also welcome to contact our Business Support Unit on 0161 480 8171 or businesssupportunit@damartraining.com.