Apprenticeship funding changes for the 2023/2024 academic year

Support for English and Maths Training

• All apprentices understaking a Level 3 or higher apprenticeship must have a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths in order to complete their course.

Initial Assessment

• The employer will be given an opportunity to contribute to the initial assessment of an apprentice if they are unable to attend.
• Both the training provider and employer will be able to discuss an agreement on learning recognition earlier in the apprenticeship in order for them to understand their roles in the course better.
• Employers will have a clearer indication of pricing and how much they need to contribute.
• The employer must agree to take part in interim progress reviews at least every 12 weeks. This helps to gauge the apprentice’s progress and align with the goals of the employer.

Employment arrangements

• Apprentices do not need to spend at least 50% of their course duration with the employer whose PAYE scheme they’re on. (If they’re employed by an employment agency or business. Valid for Courses starting prior 31st December 2023.) This allows organisations taking on placements to apply to the FJAA Register.

Minimum Duration and Employment Hours

• Apprentices working part-time/zero-hour may complete their apprenticeship earlier than their planned learning date where practical to do so, granted that the minimum off-the-job training hours have been met.

Off-the-Job Training

• Examinations and testing does not count as off-the-job training.
• Statutory leave is the only deduction that counts as off-the-job training. Annual leave may be higher than statutory leave entitlement, however will not be counted towards this calculation.
• All off-the-job training must be agreed prior to course delivery.
• Active learning must take place at least once per calendar month during the apprenticeship. A break for learning must be used where there is no active learning during a calendar month. The only exception is for apprentices on a term-time contract where no break in learning is required during the month of August.
• Changes within policy regarding active learning will apply from 31st July 2023.
• If planned off-the-job learning cannot take place when planned during the calendar month, a break in learning is not required as long as there is active learning the following month. All missed activity must be rescheduled and delivered as normal so the full course content can be taught.
• Evidence should have a broad descriptor to allow for a cross check with training plan.

Training Plan

• Training plan must be agreed before any active training takes place. Additional content related information can be added when available.
• The Training Provider must be the lead in developing the training plan. This has been clarified to be signed for prior to the course delivery.

Progress Review

• Progress reviews must take place at least 4 times per year. The must be carried out at least every 12 weeks. Alternate frequencies must be agreed with the employer due to scheduling.
• If the employer is unable to attend a progress review they must be given the opportunity to contribute to the meeting, they must also be sent all relevant information after the meeting for review and signature.
• Progress reviews may be virtually held.
• These changes will apply to all apprenticeships from 31st July 2023.

End-Point Assessments

• Rules have been clarified on when an apprentice may change employer before they complete their end-point assessment.
• Clarification has also been made on when there may be a change of organisation after the end-point assessment has started.