What exactly has changed about functional skills for apprenticeships?

The Department for Education now makes functional skills English and maths optional as an exit requirement for apprentices who were aged 19 or over when they started their apprenticeship. Apprentices aged 16–18 at the programme start still must achieve suitable English and maths unless they already have recognised equivalents. The change does not stop you or your provider from delivering or funding functional skills if you choose to.

Who is affected by this rule change — my apprentices, my training provider or both?

Both. Employers who recruit apprentices aged 19+ at the start of training, training providers and assessors are affected because functional skills may no longer be mandatory at the end of the apprenticeship. Apprentices aged 16–18 remain subject to the old requirement and must achieve English and maths unless they have equivalents.

Can I choose not to include functional skills for a 19+ apprentice on my team?

Yes — for apprentices who were 19 or over at the start, functional skills are optional as an exit requirement, but only if the employer agrees and this is recorded in the apprenticeship training plan. You should still assess whether English and maths are needed for the job or to pass the end-point assessment before deciding.

How should I check an applicant’s English and maths before they start?

Ask for certificates or other proof of prior qualifications at onboarding and keep copies on file. If records are missing, use an initial skills assessment to identify actual needs and record the outcome in the training plan so you can decide on any support or training.

Will removing mandatory functional skills make it harder for apprentices to pass their end-point assessment (EPA)?

It can if English and maths are important for the EPA tasks, safety or job accuracy. Employers and providers must consider EPA requirements when deciding whether to include functional skills, and provide training or support where lack of these skills would hinder an apprentice’s performance.

Can functional skills still be funded or delivered if I want them for a 19+ apprentice?

Yes. Apprentices aged 19+ can be funded to study English and maths up to an approved Level 2 if you, as the employer, agree and include it in the apprenticeship training plan. Providers can deliver these qualifications even though they are not a mandatory exit requirement.

What practical policy should my business adopt now about functional skills?

Create a clear, written policy that covers checking prior qualifications, using initial assessments, assessing job-specific needs and recording decisions in training plans. Include processes to fund or arrange support where needed, review apprentices’ progress regularly, and document reasons if you decide not to include functional skills.

Functional Skills Changes for Apprenticeships: What Employers Need to Know

Apprenticeships are changing. The Department for Education (DfE) has relaxed some rules about English and maths for adult apprentices. This matters if you hire or train apprentices. This blog explains the changes, who they affect, and what you should do next. VQ Solutions is here to help you make the right choices for your business and your apprentices.

What has changed?

Until recently, many adult apprentices had to achieve a functional skills qualification in English and/or maths to complete their apprenticeship. The DfE has changed that rule for apprentices who were aged 19 or over when they started their apprenticeship.

Key points from DfE guidance:

Apprentices aged 16 to 18 at the start of training must still achieve English and maths qualifications if they do not already have suitable equivalents.
Apprentices aged 19+ at the start of training can be funded to study up to an approved Level 2 in English and/or maths, but only if the employer agrees this should be part of the apprenticeship training plan.
The change makes functional skills optional as an exit requirement for those 19 and over. It does not remove the option to deliver or fund functional skills.

Who is affected?

You, if you employ apprentices aged 19 or over at the start of their programme.
Training providers and assessors who support apprentices on standards and end point assessment (EPA).
Apprentices already on programme who were 19+ at their start date. Many can now avoid a mandatory functional skills exit requirement.

Apprentices aged 16–18 remain subject to the old rule. They must achieve suitable English and maths qualifications unless they already have recognised equivalents.

Why the change matters

Employers and providers have long argued that mandatory functional skills can block apprenticeship take-up and completion. The rule change:

Reduces a barrier for adults who lack formal GCSEs.
May increase apprenticeship starts and completions for older learners.
Lets employers focus training on job-relevant skills rather than a formal test.
Still allows you to include functional skills where they matter for the role.

But the change also places responsibility on employers and providers to make sensible choices. Removing a mandatory test does not mean English and maths are unimportant. These skills affect safety, communication, accuracy and an apprentice’s ability to pass their EPA.

Practical steps for employers

Decide a clear policy. Use this checklist to guide you:

Check starting qualifications
- Ask for certificates or other proof of prior English and maths qualifications at onboarding.
- If records are missing, use initial assessments to find actual skill levels.
Assess job needs
- Consider whether the role needs formal English or maths competence (for example, literacy for customer-facing roles, numeracy for stock control or calculations).
- If the job demands these skills, include functional skills in the training plan.
Agree and record the training plan
- If you want the apprentice to take a Level 2 in English or maths, record this in the apprenticeship training plan and secure funding.
- Make sure the apprentice understands the plan and why the skills matter.
Choose how to teach the skills
- Contextualise English and maths to the job. This helps learning stick and improves workplace outcomes.
- Offer blended learning: short workshops, on-the-job tasks, and targeted tutor support.
Support apprentices who need it
- Provide study time during work hours where possible.
- Offer coaching, mentoring or access to a functional skills tutor.
- Monitor progress and adapt support early if someone struggles.
Liaise with your training provider
- Work with your provider (for example, VQ Solutions) to design appropriate delivery and assessments.
- Check how the provider prepares apprentices for EPA without a mandatory Level 2 qualification.

What to tell apprentices

If you employ apprentices, explain the rules and choices clearly:

If you require a Level 2 English or maths qualification as part of the apprenticeship, the employer will fund it.
If you choose not to require it, apprentices can still study voluntarily with employer agreement.
Completing an initial assessment early will show what help they need.
Functional skills can still help in work, progression and future opportunities.

Clear communication helps apprentices stay motivated and reduces drop-out risk.

Funding and compliance — the practical side

The DfE still funds up to an approved Level 2 in English and/or maths for apprentices aged 16–18 and for 19+ where the employer includes it in the training plan. Funding rules can be complex:

Funding sources include the apprenticeship levy or non-levy government funding, depending on your organisation.
Always record decisions and the apprentice’s start age correctly. Funding and rules hinge on the apprentice’s age at the start of training.

Talk to your provider about funding options. VQ Solutions can help you understand funding, document the training plan properly, and set up delivery that fits your workforce.

Risks and considerations

Leaving functional skills out of a programme may affect EPA readiness in some standards. Check EPA criteria with your provider.
Some roles legally require formal qualifications or evidence of competence. Make sure you meet any regulatory requirements.
Social mobility: removing mandatory tests may boost access, but you should still offer support to those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

How VQ Solutions can help

At VQ Solutions we work with employers to design apprenticeship programmes that fit business needs. We can:

Carry out initial assessments for English and maths.
Recommend whether functional skills should be part of the training plan.
Deliver contextualised English and maths that link directly to the job.
Help with funding, documentation and employer compliance.
Provide coaching to help apprentices succeed at EPA.

Our approach balances skills development with practical workplace outcomes. We ensure your apprentices have the literacy and numeracy they need, without adding unnecessary barriers.

Conclusion — make a clear choice

The DfE change gives employers more control. You can decide whether functional skills are an exit requirement for apprentices aged 19+. Use that control wisely. Think about the job, the apprentice’s needs, and EPA requirements. Make a clear policy, record it, and give the right support.

If you need help assessing skills, setting a training plan, or delivering functional skills in a practical way, VQ Solutions can support you. Contact us for tailored advice and practical solutions that work for your business and your apprentices.