The government has announced that up to 10,000 more apprentices will be able to qualify per year as it cuts red tape to boost economic growth, with rules “slowing down” training in industries such as construction set to be changed.
Rules slowing down the training of workers in key industries like construction will also be changed as the government reveals plans to turbocharge growth industries with reduced bureaucracy for apprenticeships and new leadership also appointed for Skills England.
Effective immediately, businesses will now be able to decide whether adult learners over the age of 19 when they start their apprenticeship course will need to complete a level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) in order to pass it. This means more learners can qualify in high demand sectors, such as construction, helping to drive growth and meet government targets in key areas such as housebuilding.
Furthermore, from August 2025, the minimum duration of an apprenticeship will be reduced to eight months, down from the current minimum of 12 months.
Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson said: ”Growing the economy and opportunity for all are fundamental Missions of our Plan for Change, and we are determined to support apprentices throughout this National Apprenticeship Week and beyond.
“Businesses have been calling out for change to the apprenticeship system and these reforms show that we are listening. Our new offer of shorter apprenticeships and less red tape strikes the right balance between speed and quality, helping achieve our number one mission to grow the economy.
“Skills England will be a major driver in addressing the skills gaps needed to support employers up and down the country and I look forward to working with the new leadership.”
The Education Secretary has also announced that Phil Smith CBE will chair Skills England, the new nationwide body for skills, with Sir David Bell serving as Vice Chair. Tessa Griffiths and Sarah Maclean will jointly serve as CEO, while Gemma Marsh will serve as Deputy CEO.
Phil Smith is the former chair and CEO of international tech and telecoms giant Cisco. He brings extensive industry experience in digital, tech and innovation.
Sir David Bell has four decades of experience in the education and skills sector and is currently vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Sunderland.
Industry reaction:
David Crosthwaite, chief economist, Building Cost Information Service (BCIS), said: “On the surface, easing restrictions on apprenticeships and creating greater flexibility for businesses is a welcome step. However, we need to ask serious questions about how much of an impact this will have in the short-term. The headline figure of 10,000 more apprentices sounds impressive but in reality, it’s not even enough to address the significant loss of skilled labour seen over the past five years.
“Further, while reducing the minimum apprenticeship duration from 12 months to eight months might improve completion rates, it raises concerns about training quality. If it previously took a year to equip apprentices with the necessary skills, can this be effectively achieved in just eight months without compromising standards?
“If the government is serious about tackling the construction skills shortage, it needs to commit to a broader strategy, which cannot ignore the historic importance of overseas workers. Of course, the industry has to play its part in this too by making construction an attractive career with more direct employment in place of self-employment.”
