Apprenticeship Functional Skills FAQs
Posted on 26th February 2025 at 14:00
Update and FAQs - Functional Skills Requirement Changes for learners aged 19 and over
On February 11, 2025, the DfE announced that effective immediately, adult apprentices are no longer required to achieve Level 2 English and Maths Functional Skills qualifications to complete their apprenticeship.
FAQs last updated 26/02/2025.
Do I need to complete Functional Skills during my apprenticeship?
Learners aged 16-18 who do not have exemptions will be required to achieve Level 1 or 2 Functional skills prior to their apprenticeship EPA.
Learners 19 and over will have the option to either opt in or out of Functional Skills training and examinations. For those who choose to opt out, Fareport remains committed to supporting all learners in developing their literacy and numeracy skills by embedding these essential topics within the curriculum and assessments of the apprenticeship.
I’ll turn 19 during my programme. Can I wait and then opt out of functional skills?
Unfortunately the requirements are based on your age when you start your apprenticeship. So if you were 16-18 when you started you will still need to achieve functional skills in Maths and English.
What if I want to continue with Maths and/or English, will this delay Gateway if I fail?
Learners can continue their English and/or Maths studies as they currently are. If they have not yet taken their exam, they will still have the opportunity to do so. In the event of an unsuccessful attempt, we will provide ongoing support and training to help them prepare for a resit. However, with the new flexibilities, passing the exam is no longer a requirement to progress to Gateway and End-Point Assessment (EPA). Once all other learning is complete, learners can move forward with Gateway and EPA, with the option to return to their Functional Skills afterwards.
Can I opt out of Maths but continue with English?
Yes, we will update your training agreement to reflect your choices. You have the flexibility to complete both or just one, depending on your preference. We would normally expect to have the discussion on opting out with the learner and their line manager.
If I choose to opt out, does this means I will no longer receive support for Maths and/or English?
No. All learners will have the opportunity to continue developing their literacy and numeracy skills, even if they choose not to sit the exam. These skills are naturally integrated into all qualifications, ensuring that trainers provide ongoing support in areas such as accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar (SPaG), as well as essential numeracy relevant to their qualification and roles. This approach allows learners to upskill in a practical and meaningful way without the pressure of formal assessment.
If you can’t find the question you are looking for, please just ask.
Contact us to find out more about the apprenticeships available to you.
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