Government Announces Simplification of Apprenticeship Programme
The Government has announced changes to the apprenticeship programme to make it simpler for employers, training providers and apprentices.
The following changes are set to be introduced from August 2022:
- Apprentices will be able to accelerate their apprenticeship by acknowledging prior learning and experience, allowing unnecessary training to be cut out.
- A mandatory minimum number of hours will be set for a full-time apprentice to spend in training.
- Requirements for English and Maths qualifications will change so that apprentices can focus on securing a L1 English and Maths qualification, with the L2 qualification only being attempted by apprentices who are ready for the level 2 tests.
- An efficient payment service will be set up to help providers understand what they are being paid for each apprenticeship, and why.
The Government has allowed providers and employers to provide feedback on the proposed changes. Any comments or suggestions for further improvements should be sent to fundingrules.comments@education.gov.uk by 24 June 2022.