The ESFA is introducing a number of changes to apprenticeships through the 2022 to 2023 funding rules:
- Making it simpler for individuals to accelerate their apprenticeship. By improving how providers assess prior learning and experience at the start of the programme – and funding providers to deliver a robust assessment – apprentices will be able to cut out training they do not require and complete their apprenticeship more quickly.
- Introducing a new minimum number of off-the-job training hours. From 1st August, the minimum time spent on off-the-job-training will no longer be linked to the apprentice’s working hours. Instead, there will be a consistent figure, irrespective of the hours worked by the apprentice. This will be 6 hours per week. This change will simplify the reporting for providers and create a level-playing field among apprentices who are on the same standard but working different hours.
- Changing English and maths requirements for those Level 2 apprentices who start with the lowest level of prior attainment in English and maths. People who start a L2 apprenticeship without L1 English and maths will no longer need to automatically attempt L2 English and Maths tests to complete their apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship funding rules are published in draft on gov.uk to give providers and employers an opportunity to provide feedback on how to make them better understood. Please email any suggestions to fundingrules.comments@education.gov.uk by 24 June 2022.
You can find a fuller description of these changes in this news story on GOV.UK.