Apprenticeship Updates 2025-2026: What you need to know

So, if you’re a business looking to grow your workforce or an individual planning your career next steps, it’s important to understand how these changes may affect you.

With Fareport, we can help you navigate these changes and ensure you get the most from your Apprenticeship journey, whether you’re an employer or an employee.“ 

Here’s what you need to know, whether you’re a business or a learner planning your next step.

Adult Apprentices no longer need to sit Functional Skills English and maths exams as part of their Apprenticeship.   

This is good news for apprentices aged 19+ as it means they can focus on their practical learning, and their completion will not be delayed. Apprentices will still be taught all the English and maths they need for their job and the Apprenticeship. Fareport would always encourage the completion of English and maths functional skills, but recognises that it might not be right for everyone to study these alongside their Apprenticeship. However, any apprentice aged 16-18 must still achieve functional skills Maths & English.  

Other study options exist, and everyone is entitled to English and maths education for free up to GCSE level. 

From August 2025, the minimum duration for an apprenticeship will be reduced from 12 months to 8 months. This change is designed to reflect the reality of learners who enter programmes with significant prior knowledge, experience, or qualifications. 

Off-the-job training will now be set per Apprenticeship standard, as opposed to the current 20% training quota. This will offer a more tailored and manageable approach for apprentices. 

These changes support faster progression and reduced disruption to business operations, especially for employers training upskilled or experienced staff. 

Public funding for Level 7 Apprenticeships will be available to those aged between 16 and 21. 

Coming into effect in January 2026, Apprentices aged 22 and over will no longer be eligible for government funding at Level 7. This is part of a broader shift towards career training and investment. 

Employers or employees looking to pursue level 7 Apprenticeships for candidates who fall out of the age bracket will need to consider alternative funding arrangements. This change reflects a government strategy to refocus investment on early-career training and skill-building. 

While Fareport doesn’t currently offer Level 7 Apprenticeships, we do supply Apprenticeships between Level 2 and 6. So, a level 6 Apprenticeship is a great substitute for anyone over 22 looking to gain a degree-level Apprenticeship. 

Aimed at apprentices whose 16th birthday is between the last Friday of June and 31st August, and eligibility includes those who are still in care. 

All apprentices aged 24 or under must be asked about their care background during the enrolment process. This will ensure vulnerable learners don’t miss out on the vital support they need to complete their Apprenticeship. 

In June 2025, Skills England was launched to oversee apprenticeships and technical education, replacing the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). 

Skills England aims to take a more strategic, employer-led approach, with stronger alignment to industrial needs and economic goals. 

The new governing body will help to align skills funding, levy use, and standard reforms under one collective. 

These new updates provide more flexibility in course delivery, as well as reducing the time spent learning for employees. This further aids Apprenticeship delivery without sacrificing more time for the training, meaning you can focus on your business initiatives. 

With shorter training durations, especially for experienced or upskilled staff, this will help you get your team qualified sooner.  

Fareport can work with you to align training needs to the new, shorter duration standards and support the transition without disrupting your operations. 

The reduced Apprenticeship durations will offer faster training for skilled individuals, providing a smoother route through Apprenticeships for anyone over 19 who is no longer required to complete functional skills. Giving employees more opportunities to upskill or retrain. 

For employees aged between 16 and 18, they are provided a better chance to complete more advanced level Apprenticeships with support and funding from the government. 

Faster training and smoother completion for adult learners while mitigating the additional pressure of the Functional Skills exams, helping you focus on the necessities of your course. 

For school leavers and those aged between 16 and 21, there are now more accessible routes into employment that drive your success. 

Our team at Fareport will help you choose the right pathway, including support options that reflect your age, care background, and learning goals.