What do the recent changes mean for Apprenticeships?

Recent changes have been announced specifically concerning both the minimum length of stay (which affects all apprentices) and functional skills requirements (for those aged 19 or over at the start of programme).

The minimum duration for apprenticeship programmes has been reviewed with the belief that in some industries it is feasible to become professionally competent in a shorter period of time, however there is no requirement for delivery models to be altered.  What this really means is that, while in some instances it may be possible for an apprentice to go to gateway and progress to the End Point Assessment sooner than they could do previously, we as a provider will still need to ensure that they have had sufficient time on programme to cover the depth and breadth of their required learning, as well as to fully prepare for their end point assessments.  As we feel quality of provision is fundamentally important to the experience both our apprentices and employer receive, we will not be adjusting a blanket rule to reduce all programme durations, but will instead be using this flexibility to apply individual adaptations where an apprentice comes to us with previous experience for example, or has a requirement to complete within a shorter timeframe.  We are reviewing all programmes to ascertain whether any would suit a 'fast track' route, allowing cohorts of those with prior experience or knowledge to work together to achieve faster.  

Additionally, for apprentices who are 19 or older at the start of their apprenticeship, it is no longer required for them to complete assessments in English and maths in order to be put forward for end point assessment.  The theory is that where apprentices are professionally competent, these elements should not be what holds them back from progression.  While this is understandable as an overall ruling, there are some programmes where these elements are required in order to be confident with the content of the apprenticeship itself, and there is no change to the fact that entry requirements for programmes are set by training providers individually. At South Hampshire College Group we believe in ensuring our apprentices have the best chance of success at end point assessment, and use entry requirements as one mechanism to support this goal.  We therefore do not operate a standard entry requirement based on programme level, but based on the specific apprenticeship standard being considered (table below)

While it is no longer required for those 19 or over to complete English or maths, should there be appetite for them to do so, either individually or because their employer believes it is essential to their holistic development, we will work with both parties to ensure the elements desired are included within their delivery.