Up to 10,000 more apprentices will be able to qualify per year as the government cuts red tape to boost growth giving employers more flexibility over maths and English requirements.
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.
It does not mean that apprentices won’t be assessed on core English and maths skills relevant to their occupation, but it does mean that apprentices will be able to focus more on their paid work.
The government also announced that the minimum duration of an apprenticeship will be reduced to eight months, down from the current minimum of 12 months.
“Introducing more flexibility into apprenticeships is something UKHospitality has long been calling for and I’m pleased the government has acted on this,” said Kate Nicholls, chief executive of the trade body.
“Having run our own highly successful skills training pilot in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, we know how effective hospitality is in getting people into work.
“I’m confident that these changes can help us go even further and drive more apprenticeships in hospitality, a sector with huge growth potential.”
Greater flexibility
She added: “Hospitality is unique in its ability to offer unrivalled career opportunities, demonstrated by the majority of its workforce and management entering the sector without a degree. Many of those people will have come through apprenticeships.
“I look forward to working with the Government on its plans for both apprenticeships and the Skills and Growth Levy, where I hope to see further moves to give business greater flexibility across funding and the introduction of modular training.”
Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of Greene King, said: “As one of UK hospitality’s leading providers of apprenticeships, we have long been calling for the government to improve the system’s flexibility and increase its inclusivity.
“We are proud to have supported nearly 18,000 apprenticeships since 2011, and today’s announcement will enable even more people to access fulfilling training in key sectors. We welcome this first step in apprenticeship reform and look forward to further working with government to create a system that provides opportunities for all and drives the UK’s economic growth.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, added: “The beer and pub sector employs over one million people, 49% of whom are under 25. However, so that our sector can support its joiners and existing workers, it is vital that our industry can benefit from the full extent of relaxations announced by the government. This includes shortened duration apprenticeship programmes.
“Pubs and brewers across the UK are passionate about supporting and developing their teams, and apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity for people to both start or develop their careers.
“The beer and pub sectors’ commitment to the younger generation is clearer than ever. We have worked hard over recent years to expand the offering across the industry for younger people, so that we now boast superb opportunities from brewing to pub operations. These help people of all ages to further their skills and support an industry that pours billions into the UK economy.”
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