New Apprenticeship Rules Aim to Fill Skills Gaps Faster

The UK government has announced changes to apprenticeship programs aimed at increasing economic growth by reducing bureaucracy. The new measures will enable up to 10,000 more apprentices each year, especially in sectors like healthcare, construction, and social care.

One key change allows businesses to decide whether adult learners (19 and over) need a Level 2 English and Maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) to complete their apprenticeship. This will help adult learners, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, qualify for apprenticeships by focusing more on work skills and less on academic requirements. Apprentices will still be assessed on relevant core skills for their jobs.

The minimum duration for apprenticeships will also be reduced to 8 months, allowing quicker entry into the workforce. This change is expected to benefit industries with high skills demand, such as construction, and support the government's goal of building 1.5 million homes by the end of the Parliament.

The government also appointed new leadership for Skills England to address skill shortages and improve the apprenticeship system. Phil Smith CBE, former Cisco chair, will lead the body, which aims to align the skills system with employer needs. Skills England will help identify sectors where shorter apprenticeships would be most effective and work with employers, educators, and government to close skills gaps.

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."