Navigating the Changes to Functional Skills Regulations

Recent updates to functional skills regulations have brought a significant change for adult learners completing apprenticeship programmes. At GLP Training, we want to make sure it is something all apprentices and employers are aware of. We’re here to help you make sense of what’s new, what it means for you, and how to make informed decisions about training plans.

What are the Changes to Functional Skills?

With immediate effect, the Department for Education has confirmed that adult apprentices (aged 19 and over) will no longer be required to achieve Level 2 English and Maths qualifications (also known as functional skills) to complete their apprenticeship.

This change aims to improve completion rates and reduce barriers for adult learners, particularly in sectors like health, care, construction, and others facing skills shortages.

According to the DfE, the update could help around 10,000 more apprentices finish their training each year.

It’s important to note that this change only applies to adults. Apprentices aged 16 to 18 are still required to complete their Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths as part of their apprenticeship.

What Does This Mean for Learners?

If you’re an adult learner, this update means you may not need to complete Level 2 English and maths to finish your apprenticeship. However, it’s not an automatic removal, you will have a conversation with your tutor and employer to decide if these subjects are necessary for your specific role and career goals.

This decision will be recorded in your training plan, and your employer will confirm it too.

What About Employers?

For employers, this change brings added flexibility. You’ll work with us at GLP Training to assess whether functional skills should remain part of the apprentice’s learning journey. The focus is now on tailoring the apprenticeship to the needs of the job and the individual.

In some roles, strong literacy and numeracy might be essential. In others, they might not be as critical. This change allows more room to shape a training experience that’s relevant and achievable.

Are Functional Skills Still Worth Considering?

While the mandatory requirement is changing, we firmly believe in the value of functional skills training for the following reasons:

Workplace Competency: Proficiency in English and maths is fundamental to performing everyday tasks efficiently, from understanding technical documents to managing budgets and communicating effectively.
Career Progression: Strong literacy and numeracy skills enhance an apprentice's ability to advance within their chosen field, opening doors to supervisory and managerial roles.
Adaptability: In an ever-evolving job market, the ability to learn and adapt is crucial. Functional skills provide a foundation for continuous learning and development, and provide flexibility for opportunities that may arise.
Employer Expectations: Many employers still value and, in some cases, require evidence of functional skills proficiency, viewing it as indicative of a well-rounded and capable employee.

Our Approach

At GLP Training, we are committed to delivering comprehensive apprenticeship programmes that not only meet regulatory requirements but also equip our learners with the skills necessary for long-term success. We encourage all apprentices, where possible, to engage with functional skills training as a means of enhancing their personal and professional development.

We will continue to work closely with employers and apprentices to assess individual needs and tailor training plans accordingly, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to reach their full potential.