14 Feb 2025
Further changes to apprenticeships. Here’s what you need to know…
Further changes to apprenticeships. Here’s what you need to know…
Following the changes to apprenticeship minimum durations and maths and English qualification requirements announced earlier this week, the government has made further commitments to reforms designed to slash more red tape. The latest announcement introduces significant improvements designed to benefit employers, training providers and apprentices and simplify the apprenticeship system. Apprenticeship Central look at what this means for the industry.
What’s new
Streamlined End-Point Assessments (EPA)Assessments may now occur during the apprenticeship, with some elements delivered by training providers instead of external assessors. Apprentices will no longer face costly re-testing for skills already proven, such as previously mandatory industry exams.
Reduction of duplicated work
From August 2025 providers will no longer need to submit overlapping data across multiple systems to receive funding for apprenticeship training.
Why this matters
For Employers: Faster and simpler assessments mean skilled workers can qualify and enter the workforce sooner, with employers gaining greater authority to confirm apprentices are demonstrating required behaviours.
For Training Providers: Less data duplication reduces administrative time, allowing providers to focus on high quality training delivery and take control of assessment elements without relying on external bodies.
For Apprentices: Fewer assessments mean a faster, clearer path to qualification and employment.
A step towards employer-led apprenticeships
These reforms aim to simplify the system by cutting unnecessary processes while maintaining assessment rigour, ensuring high quality standards. They also mark a shift toward a more employer-centric model, aligning training outcomes with business needs and improving apprenticeship accessibility.
Industry Insights:
“These changes will help SMEs invest in apprenticeships more easily and fill skills gaps faster.” — Craig Beaumont, Executive Director, Federation of Small Businesses
“This is a welcome step in reducing barriers to apprenticeship growth and ensuring programs are aligned with industry needs.” — Alex Hall-Chen, Principal Policy Advisor, Sustainability, Skills, and Employment
At Apprenticeship Central, we’re dedicated to supporting the industry through these changes. We'll keep you informed with updates on the implementation of the reforms and their impact on apprenticeships.