In February 2025, the Department of Education announced a change in policy regarding functional skills qualifications and apprenticeships. Under the new rules, the requirement for English and math functional skills qualifications for apprentices aged 19 and older will now be determined by the their employer. As a result, studying functional skills qualifications is now optional and left to the employer's discretion for apprenticeships. 

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

This new approach to functional skills and apprenticeships aims to deliver best practice in apprenticeships and functional skills. The employer, education provider and the apprentice must all be aligned on the necessary skill set. For many learners, this policy change will not remove the need to acquire functional skills entirely. As certain roles in health and social care, still require these qualification for higher education institutions or employers. NHS England have released guidance and FAQs with more information on this new approach, available on the National Skills for Life Network - FutureNHS Collaboration Platform. 

Further information and support 

The Functional Skills page on the NCL Training Hub website provides 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, including access to the self-learning platform, Basic Key Skills Builder.