The Department for Education (DfE) has announced a significant relaxation of the functional skills for apprenticeships rules, a move that is expected to have a profound impact on the apprenticeship landscape.
The significant policy shift by the DfE sees the removal of English and maths functional skills as exit requirements for apprentices over the age of 19. This change is expected to have a profound impact on apprenticeship completion rates, accessibility and the overall apprenticeship system.
Although this change is likely caused by cuts recently made to the adult skills budget, it does remove one of the biggest deterrents from adult apprenticeships and reduces barriers to completion.
What are the Changes to Functional Skills for Apprenticeships?
Under the current rules, apprentices must achieve level 1 English and maths functional skills qualifications if they are on a level 2 apprenticeship and did not pass these subjects at GCSE.
For those on a level 3 or higher apprenticeship, achieving functional skills at level 2 is mandatory.
The new rules, however, will make these requirements optional for apprentices aged 19 and older.
This means that many adults who previously avoided apprenticeships due to the requirement to pass these tests can now pursue them without this barrier.
Why is this Important?
Many employers and adult learners have been deterred from apprenticeships due to the amount of time needed to fulfil or prove the functional skills requirements. This change removes that deterrent and addresses one of the biggest barriers to apprenticeship completion.
“The overall market view is that FS exit requirement is a significant blocker to attract and retain apprentices – so we welcome the new flexibility to attract apprenticeship candidates previously put off by this hurdle.” says Al Bird, CEO of Instep.
Functional skills exit requirements have been a significant hurdle, contributing to high dropout rates among apprentices.
By making these requirements optional, the DfE aims to increase apprenticeship completion rates and provide more opportunities for adults to gain valuable skills and qualifications.
Time and Cost of Completing Functional Skills for Apprenticeships
Completing functional skills for apprenticeships can take several months, depending on the individual’s starting level and the intensity of the training.
The cost can vary, but typically, it includes registration fees, assessment fees, and potentially additional costs for tutoring or study materials.
For example, the cost for each functional skills qualification can range from £12.50 to £16 per assessment.
The cost of functional skills training and testing, which typically amounts to £640 per person per skill, can usually be covered by government funding, but there can still be indirect costs for the individual, such as time off work and the funding available for adult skills grows smaller each year.
Alternatives to Functional Skills
For those who have studied English and maths in another country, getting international qualifications accredited in the UK has been an alternative. This comes at a cost and can take a lot of time to complete causing frustration and early dropouts.
This process involves having your qualifications evaluated to determine their equivalence to UK standards.
Other alternatives include taking GCSEs or other equivalent qualifications like National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) or Access Courses.
Providing proof of alternative qualifications may not always be easy for some, particularly if they were acquired a long time ago before digital records were kept. This issue rings particularly true for prospective learners of advanced age, who may have the skills and qualifications needed but have difficulties proving it.
Impact on Social Mobility
Functional skills have been a hurdle to social mobility, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds who may have struggled with traditional academic subjects.
By removing this barrier, the new rules can help more individuals from diverse backgrounds complete their apprenticeships and improve their career prospects.
Why Were Functional Skills Required?
Functional skills were initially required to ensure that all apprentices had a basic level of literacy and numeracy, which are essential for most jobs.
These skills help individuals perform everyday tasks and improve their employability.
However, the strict requirements have often been seen as a barrier rather than support, leading to high dropout rates and discouraging potential apprentices from enrolling.
Impact on Employers and Apprentices
Employers have long advocated for more flexibility in apprenticeship requirements.
This change is expected to make it easier for employers to support their apprentices and help them complete their training.
For apprentices, especially those who struggled with English and maths at school, this change offers a more accessible pathway to completing their apprenticeship and advancing their careers.
In addition, older apprentices who may have struggled with these requirements can now focus on their vocational training without the added pressure of passing English and maths tests.
Employers and training providers also stand to gain, as higher completion rates will enhance the overall effectiveness of apprenticeship programmes.
Functional Skills are Important
While the relaxation of these requirements is expected to increase apprenticeship completion rates, there may be concerns about the overall skill levels of apprentices.
“Instep will continue to actively promote functional skills as a valuable funded support option for those that need it so we can continue to help our clients optimise their levy funding to deliver the right business capabilities with an inclusive, numerate, literate and data-confident workforce,” says Al.
The responsibility now lies with employers and training providers, like ourselves, to ensure that apprentices still receive adequate support to develop their literacy and numeracy skills, even if passing functional skills tests is no longer mandatory.
A Step Towards Growth
This move aligns with Labour’s growth agenda, aiming to create a more skilled workforce and drive economic growth.
It is a long-awaited change that will be welcomed by many in the education and training sector.
As the market adjusts to these new rules, we can expect to see a ripple effect, with more adults taking up apprenticeships and completing them successfully.
Positive Economic Impact
The relaxation of functional skills rules for apprentices is a significant step forward.
It removes a major barrier to apprenticeship completion and provides greater flexibility for both apprentices and employers.
“Instep will support our clients to set a policy that’s beneficial for their learners and business needs. We’ll actively lobby to offer FS support to those who need and want it while extolling the benefits of no-longer-mandated FS for those who were previously put off,” says Al.
