FUNCTIONAL SKILLS UPDATE

Effective: 18th February 2025.

Existing Apprentices Update

The following is a summary of the recently announced changes to Functional Skills/Level 2 qualifications for Degree Apprentices (over 19).

If you are currently on programme, you will be required to undertake a Progress Review within the next 5 weeks and it is for you, the apprentice, and your employer to determine whether you will continue to undertake the Functional Skill/s - your Apprenticeship Tutor will support in this, as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRB), such as Social Work England require a Level 2 qualification in English and/or maths.

You will be asked to ensure this is noted as part of the Progress Review, and should you wish to continue, we will honour the funding of this through our provider, Runway.

Should both your employer, and you, decide this qualification is no longer required, with the support of your tutor's advice, we will withdraw you from the Functional Skill with immediate effect.

Please do seek clarification from your Apprenticeship Tutor should you require further guidance.

Changes to Functional Skills Requirements for New Apprentices

During the week commencing 10 February 2025, the government announced — and this has now been confirmed in the latest issue of the Department for Education’s Funding Rules — that the requirement for apprentices aged 19 or older to pass Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths in order to complete their apprenticeship will be made optional for new starters.

So, what does this mean for prospective apprentices?

• Apprentices aged 16-18 at the start of their apprenticeship training: The Level 2 English and maths requirements remain mandatory. If a prospective apprentice begins their apprenticeship before their 19^th birthday, they must work towards and achieve these qualifications to successfully complete their apprenticeship. We can facilitate their learning through our approved subcontractor and will access government funding to support this provision.

• Apprentices aged 19+ at the start of their apprenticeship training: The requirement to achieve Level 2 English and maths is now optional. However, the government will continue to fund these qualifications where both the prospective apprentice and their employer agree that they should be included in the apprenticeship training plan. As part of the onboarding process, we will engage with both the employer and apprentice to determine whether the apprentice will pursue these qualifications if they do not already hold them upon entry. The outcome of this discussion will be documented in the apprentice’s training plan, which must be signed by the employer, the apprentice, and the Training Provider before enrolment and any functional skills funding approval. If it is agreed that the apprentice will not undertake English and/or maths, this decision will be reflected in the training plan at the outset, and no funding will be accessed for these qualifications. The employer will ultimately be the decision maker in this process.

It is important to note that, the above guidance is subject to any PSRB (Professional, Statutory, and Regulatory Body) requirements in relation to English and Maths, as well as any programme-specific entry requirements that mandate a higher level of attainment in these subjects for entry. In such cases, the PSRB or programme specific requirements will take precedence over the recent policy change for functional skills.

The Work-based and Professional Learning Team will integrate the discussion on functional skills into the onboarding process for new applicants, ensuring it receives the attention it deserves.

The above guidance is subject to any further updates or revisions to the functional skills requirements. We will continue to monitor government announcements and respond to any future policy changes in this area.