Following a review by the Government, businesses employing adult apprentices now have the power to decide whether a Maths and English qualification is a requirement of their apprenticeship programmes.
But apprentices aged 16-18 will still have to complete an English and Maths Functional Skills qualification - equivalent to a GCSE - as a programme requirement.
We’ve asked our experts and put together some answers to a few frequently asked questions that will help both businesses and learners understand the changes.
“Functional skills are the fundamental, applied skills in English and mathematics, which help people to gain the most from life, learning and work.” (Ofqual, 2012)
Will all learners need to complete Functional Skills?
We must ensure that every learner has the necessary skills to achieve their qualification and pass their End Point Assessment. All learners should be working towards improving their knowledge with the goal of achieving their Functional Skills.
However, since Functional Skills is no longer an exit requirement for some programmes, learners who face difficulties in passing their Functional Skills exams, which may become a barrier to completing their qualification, can now be eligible to have the Functional Skills requirement withdrawn, provided they meet the criteria, and their employer supports this decision.
Do all 16–18-year-olds need to complete Functional Skills?
Any learner who was aged between 16 and 18 at the start of their apprenticeship is required to complete and pass their Functional Skills qualifications.
If a learner has been on a Break in Learning or has returned from one, the age they were at the very start of their apprenticeship is the one that will be used to determine this requirement.
Do all 19+ learners have the option to withdraw from Functional Skills?
The decision to discontinue the learner's Functional Skills programme will be made collaboratively between the employer and the learner, taking into account the qualification the learner is working towards.
In some cases, employers may still require learners to complete their Functional Skills qualifications, especially if completion is a mandatory exit requirement for certain programmes. In these situations, the learner will still be expected to achieve the necessary Functional Skills qualifications.
Does the learner's employer have to agree before a withdrawal can be requested?
Yes, the learner and employer must both agree that the learner can be withdrawn from the Functional Skills programme.
Will all learners have to attempt the exam before Functional Skills can be removed?
Any learners enrolled prior to the rule change on 11th February 2025 do not need to provide evidence of an exam attempt to request a withdrawal, provided this is agreed upon with their employer.
Any learner who has not completed the Functional Skills Withdrawal Agreement Review, signed by both the learner and employer, by 1st April 2025 will be required to attempt the exam(s) before a withdrawal can be requested. The attempt needs to be an exam, not a mock assessment.
For further details on specific employers and qualification requirements, please reach out to your Account Managers.
Need any additional support or have questions about Functional Skills? We can help.
Contact usFunctional Skills provide colleagues with the knowledge and understanding to help them not only in their career, but also personal lives. They really can change lives and give confidence to help colleagues do things they never thought possible. This includes their children’s homework, working out change, checking a bill and even writing an email.
