Functional Skills & Apprenticeships Policy Update

In February 2025, the Department of Education announced a policy change for functional skills qualifications and apprenticeships. Under the new rules, the requirement for Maths and English functional skills qualifications for apprentices aged 19+ will now be determined by the apprentice’s employer. The new rules state that the study of functional skills qualifications is now optional and in the gift of the employer to decide for apprenticeships.  

Apprentices aged 16-18 will still be required to secure up to a Level 2 functional skills qualifications or equivalent in English and Maths,  if they do not already hold them. 

A new approach to functional skills and apprenticeships - to deliver best practice in apprenticeships and functional skills - the employer, education provider and the apprentice themselves must all be aligned on this skill set.  For many learners, this policy change will not remove the need to acquire functional skills entirely. This is because for many roles in health and social care, these qualifications are still required by the HEI or employers.  NHSE have released guidance and FAQs with further information on this new approach which can be found on the National Skills for Life Network - FutureNHS Collaboration Platform. 

Further information and support 

The Functional Skills page on the NCL Training Hub website is up to date with the latest guidance on this policy change and new approach. The NCL Training Hub will continue to support primary care employers and their employees with advice on functional skills. This includes facilitating access to the self-learning platform BKSB.

Get in touch: nclicb.nclthapprenticeships@nhs.net