Changes to Maths and English requirements announced as part of apprenticeships reforms

Businesses to be given option to waive requirements for GCSE Maths and English for new apprentices aged 19 and over as part of reforms to boost uptake for apprenticeships in key areas such as healthcare and construction.

Changes, alongside reducing the minimum duration of an apprenticeship to eight months and reducing bureaucracy, hope to allow up to 10,000 more apprentices to qualify each year.

In response to calls from industry, businesses will now be able to decide whether adult learners over the age of 19 when they start their apprenticeship course will need to complete a Level 2 English and Maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) in order to pass it. This means more learners can qualify in high demand sectors such as healthcare, social care and construction, helping to drive growth and meet government targets in key areas such as housebuilding.

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.“

Changes to the minimum length of an apprenticeship will be introduced from August 2025 subject to the legislative timetable, with changes to English and Maths requirements coming into effect immediately. This will be hugely beneficial to employers in sectors like construction which have an urgent need for qualified workers, helping to meet the government’s mission to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this parliament.??