Your Weekly Apprenticeship Insights Newsletter | A Recap of National Apprenticeship Week

Plus: English & Maths no longer mandatory? What it means for apprenticeships📢

Author

Rafe Houston
February 20, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Welcome to Apprenticeship Insights, your weekly guide to navigating the future of skills and workforce development.

THIS WEEK’S LEADING VOICE🌟

Hear from Samantha Sawyer, CEO of Accelerate People about her view on the latest EPA reforms announced during National Apprenticeship Week

Press the link below to read more👇

A new chapter for EPA: What the latest reforms really mean

After more than two decades in apprenticeships, I've seen a lot of changes. But the EPA reforms announced during National Apprenticeship Week feel different - they represent a genuine shift in how we think about assessment.

APPRENTICESHIP STRATEGY

Recent shifts in apprenticeship requirements present intriguing considerations. The halving of the minimum duration from 12 to 8 months signals a responsive approach to skill shortages, notably in sectors like construction and healthcare. Yet, omitting mandatory English and Maths for adult apprentices invites scrutiny. Given the UK's already low literacy and numeracy, bypassing these skills could weaken critical capacities necessary across industries. This decision carries implications for maintaining high training standards within fast-paced market demands.

APPRENTICESHIP PROMOTION

The Apprenticeships Fair held at the Senedd in Cardiff celebrated Apprenticeship Week Wales 2025 and was heralded as a triumph by Welsh work-based learning providers. Organised by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW) and CollegesWales ColegauCymru, it highlighted the significant role apprenticeships play in strengthening the Welsh economy.

The Welsh Government aims to create 125,000 apprenticeships by 2026, a target believed achievable through collaboration and innovation. The event underlined the vital contribution of apprenticeships to individual growth and business success. A joint statement from NTFW and ColegauCymru reinforced the necessity of investing in apprenticeship pathways. By showcasing talent and innovation, the Apprenticeship Fair provided a platform for reaffirming the importance of apprenticeships in building a skilled workforce and fostering a stronger and more equitable Wales.

APPRENTICESHIP ECONOMICS

Recent research highlights apprenticeships as a potent economic force, contributing £25 billion to England's economy—an impressive increase compared to 2018. This surge underscores apprenticeships' strategic role in advancing the government's Plan for Change, evident in the rise of apprenticeship commencements and completions. New roles in the clean energy sector, such as wind turbine and heat network maintenance technicians, illustrate the alignment with national energy goals. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson's statements and initiatives point towards a reduction in regulatory constraints to enhance training opportunities across essential fields like construction and healthcare.

APPRENTICESHIP REFORMS

The recent decision by the UK government to remove the mandatory Level 2 Maths and English requirements for apprentices aged 19 or older is a change aimed at increasing apprenticeship completion rates. By placing the onus on businesses to decide if these skills are necessary, this initiative is anticipated to encourage more mature individuals to pursue apprenticeships without the intimidation of academic barriers. With 90,000 individuals aged 19 or older beginning apprenticeships between August and October 2024, the Department for Education hopes to raise completion rates beyond the current attrition of nearly 50%. This policy reform aligns with National Apprenticeship Week's focus on accessibility and skill enhancement.

Local academic leaders and officials, including Swindon's Mayor and New College's Vice Principal, have expressed optimism, seeing this change as an opportunity to support diverse career transitions and workplace integration. As Wiltshire's largest apprenticeship event unfolds, authorities highlight the potential for this policy shift to open ‘golden doors’ for aspiring professionals. Consequently, younger apprentices aged 16-18 will continue to meet existing educational requirements, ensuring foundational skills are upheld for this demographic.

APPRENTICESHIP INITIATIVES

Recent adjustments to apprenticeship regulations in transport and logistics, announced during National Apprenticeship Week, mark a strategic evolution in the sector. With the minimum apprenticeship length now reduced from twelve to eight months, and the optionality for businesses to forgo the level 2 English and maths requirement for learners over 19, the changes streamline entry into the workforce. These reforms, backed by the Road Haulage Association (RHA), remove longstanding barriers and address the pressing demand for 200,000 new lorry drivers, thereby strategically positioning the industry for sustained growth.

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

In 2025, academic integrity will become pivotal as AI writing tools advance, fostering a culture of honest learning through collaboration among students, educators, and parents. Assignments will evolve, requiring verifiable sources to prevent AI misuse. Educators are encouraged to teach AI ethics consistently, beyond a single lesson, stressing the importance of research skills and original thought. The challenge lies in mitigating socio-economic gaps in AI literacy by ensuring equal access in classrooms, making them training grounds for understanding AI ethically and effectively.

Despite AI's rise, human writing skills, like articulating complex ideas clearly, will remain crucial. Encouraging dialogue about AI's role, particularly in writing, can help define its boundaries. AI integration should begin from day one, enabling students to enhance critical thinking while using AI responsibly. Educators, however, face a knowledge gap in AI literacy. Thus, continuous self-education is vital, utilising updated resources to stay abreast of AI's evolution. This approach ensures educators can effectively guide students in an AI-augmented environment, promoting ethical and critical AI use for future readiness.

Apprenticeship Insights is a Contentive publication in the Education division