Big Changes for Apprenticeships: Shorter Courses and New English & Maths Rules

The way apprenticeships work in England is about to change in a big way. The government has announced that, from August 2025, the minimum length of an apprenticeship will drop from 12 months to just 8 months.
But that’s not the only update—there are also big shifts in the requirements for English and maths qualifications, especially for older apprentices.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and what it means for apprentices and employers.

Shorter Apprenticeships: What You Need to Know

The Department for Education (DfE) is cutting the minimum apprenticeship duration to 8 months, making it quicker for people to gain qualifications and enter the workforce.
To test this shorter model, three apprenticeship standards in high-demand industries will act as trailblazers:
✅ Level 2 Dual Fuel Smart Meter Installers
✅ Level 2 Healthcare Support Workers
✅ Level 3 Production Assistants (Screen & Audio)
The idea is to speed up training without sacrificing quality, helping fill skills shortages in crucial sectors like green energy, healthcare and film/TV production.
More apprenticeships could move to this shorter format over time, with Skills England responsible for identifying which roles would benefit from this approach.
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New English & Maths Requirements for Apprentices

Alongside the shift in duration, there’s a big shake-up in the rules for English and maths qualifications, making them optional for older apprentices from February 2025.
Here’s how the rules will work based on age:

For Apprentices Under 19 (16-18 Years Old)
📌 English & maths are still mandatory.
📌 If they don’t already have a GCSE grade A-C (9-4)* in these subjects, they must study:
•    GCSE English language or maths (or both), OR
•    Functional Skills English or maths up to Level 2.
📌 For Level 2 apprenticeships where Level 2 English/maths isn’t required:
•    If they have no prior qualification, they must achieve at least Level 1 and attempt Level 2.
•    If they already hold Level 1, they must study towards and take Level 2 assessments before their end-point assessment.
📌 For Level 3+ apprenticeships:
•    Apprentices must hold or achieve Level 2 in both English & maths before completing their apprenticeship.

For Apprentices Aged 19 and Over
🎉 English & maths will be optional from February 2025! 🎉
📌 If apprentices aged 19+ want to study for English or maths qualifications, they can but it’s no longer a requirement.
📌 The government will continue to fund English & maths training for those who choose to take it.
📌 Employers and training providers will discuss whether to include English & maths in an apprentice’s training plan.
📌 If included, apprentices must attempt assessments but passing them won’t be required to complete their apprenticeship.
🔸 What if an apprentice decides not to take English & maths?
•    It must be recorded in the training plan and no funding will be claimed for it.
•    If they start English & maths training but later withdraw, providers must remove them from the course and no further funding will be paid.
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What This Means for Apprentices & Employers

These changes are part of the government’s Plan for Change, designed to make apprenticeships faster, more flexible, and better suited to employer needs.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson put it simply:
“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.”

Key Takeaways:
✅ Some Apprenticeships will be shorter—minimum 8 months instead of 12.
✅ English & maths remain mandatory for under-19s.
✅ For 19+ apprentices, English & maths will be optional from February 2025 but still funded if chosen.
✅ More flexibility for both apprentices and employers.

These updates mean that apprenticeships will become more accessible, practical and employer-friendly, ensuring people can train faster and enter the workforce sooner.