Great news for adult apprentices! The government has published a press release announcing big changes to the English and Maths exam requirements for apprenticeships. If you are thinking about starting an apprenticeship, the change means that adult apprentices (aged 19 and over) will no longer need to take English and Maths exams as part of their apprenticeship requirements. Here is what it means for you.

No More English and Maths Exams for Adult Apprentices

Until recently, apprentices had to pass Level 2 Functional Skills exams in English and Maths to complete their training. That has all changed. Instead of having to pass these additional exams, adult apprentices will only need to focus on the English and Maths skills that are built into their specific apprenticeship programme.

The Department for Education (DfE) go on to clarify that it “does not mean that apprentices won’t be assessed on core English and maths skills relevant to their occupation, but it does mean that apprentices will be able to focus more on their paid work”.

What About Current Apprentices?

It is not yet clear whether this change applies only to new apprentices or whether it also applies to learners who have already started their apprenticeships. However, more details will follow soon, so keep an eye out for updates.

16-18 Year Olds Still Need to Take Exams

Unfortunately, if you are under aged 16-18, this change will not apply to you. Apprentices under the age of 19 will still be required to complete their English and Maths Functional Skills exams as part of their apprenticeship.

What Does This Mean for future apprentices?

This change will come as a huge relief for those aged 19 or older, as it means less focus on exams and more time to focus on learning the practical skills needed for your career. This should help to reduce any stress or barriers to completing their apprenticeships, allowing older apprentices to move through their training more smoothly without the added pressure of English and Maths exams.

What Does This Mean for tutors and training providers?

Training providers and apprenticeship tutors will also have more time too. The end of English and Maths Functional Skills exams (and funding for those exams) for adult apprentices means that educators can now dedicate more time and resources to hands-on training of the core content of each apprenticeship programme, preparing learners for success in their chosen fields rather than for extra exams.

What is Next? Changes to the minimum length of Apprenticeships

There is another exciting update coming this year. From August 2025, the government have announced that the minimum length of apprenticeships will drop from 12 months to just 8 months. This will initially be piloted in the following three apprenticeship industries, which currently face critical skill shortages:

• Green energy
• Healthcare
• Film and TV production

Although decisions about the changes to the minimum length of apprenticeships are still being finalised, they give hope to the future of apprenticeships. The Department for Education is working closely with Skills England to determine which apprenticeships would benefit most from a shorter duration. Ultimately, this means that those who choose to complete an apprenticeship could get into work and start earning sooner, simultaneously addressing skill shortages in key sectors.

Stay Updated!

Overall, these changes mark a positive shift for apprentices, apprenticeship providers, and tutors, allowing a greater focus on industry-relevant skills and more adaptable pathways to success. It also opens the door for faster, more flexible apprenticeship options in different industries.

For more info, check out this article on FE Week.