Overview
Apprenticeships are for everyone.
Over the last few years there has been a change in the funding of apprenticeships and this has led to a growth in the number and range of apprenticeships available. As a result, apprenticeships have become very popular for adults looking to change career or develop their existing career and qualifications. In 23/24, 339,580 people started an apprenticeship, with 48.4% aged 25+.
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships combine on the job training in a specific job role alongside study for work related qualifications. Learning could be online, day release or block release with a training provider.
If you are considering a career change an apprenticeship in the area you want to work in could be the ideal route in, as it can help you give you the skills, experience and qualifications to get in, whilst being paid.
Latest updates about apprenticeships
Removing the requirement for thousands of apprentices to have to take Level 2 English and maths tests
From 11th February 2025 only apprentices who began their apprenticeship training when aged 16 to 18 will continue to be subject to the mandatory requirement to study towards and achieve English and maths.
Apprentices who began their training when aged 19 or older, can still choose to study towards English and maths qualifications if they wish, but the choice is optional. Businesses now have the flexibility around whether they require a certain level of English and maths.
Minimum duration of apprenticeship to be reduced
The minimum duration of an apprenticeship will be reduced to 8 months, down from the current minimum of 12 months. The planned introduction of this change is from August 2025.