Navigating the apprenticeship assessment reforms

To better align with employer needs and increase flexibility, apprenticeship assessment processes are being updated from April 2025. These reforms include the timing of assessments, provider involvement, and a clarified role for employers in confirming apprentice behaviours. 

• Assessments can now take place during the apprenticeship programme, where appropriate. 

• Training providers may deliver specific assessment elements, with EPAOs validating outcomes. 

• Employers will confirm whether apprentices are demonstrating expected behaviours. 
• Updated Assessment Plans will roll out from April 2025 to better reflect sector needs. 

Read the assessment reform guidance 

Ofqual is consulting on its regulatory approach to apprenticeship assessments, specifically focusing on the framework for regulating new apprenticeship assessments.  The consultation opened on 20 June and will close on 27 August.

Learn more

This consultation is an opportunity for interested groups to comment on the way Ofqual proposes to regulate the new apprenticeship assessments.

Ofqual have confirmed this will be one of two consultations that will take place.

Key changes to funding 

From August 2025, several changes to apprenticeship funding rules will come into effect:

• Shorter minimum duration: for new starts from 1 August 2025, the minimum duration has been reduced from 12 months to 8 months. 

• Simplified off-the-job training: providers no longer need to calculate off-the-job hours. A set minimum (for apprentices with no prior learning) will be published per standard. 

• Functional Skills flexibility: apprentices aged 19+ are no longer required to achieve English and maths qualifications. Participation is now optional. 

• Higher subcontracting threshold: the limit increases from £30,000 to £100,000, allowing providers to work with non-APAR subcontractors for contracts under this value. 

• Co-investment changes for SMEs: from 1 April 2025, the 5% employer contribution will no longer apply for non-levy employers hiring apprentices aged 16 to 21. Payments for April and May will be backdated in June. 

View full details on GOV.UK 

The minimum duration for apprenticeships has been reduced to 8 months from August 2025.

• The following standards have been updated to reflect a shorter typical duration to gateway:
• Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker (Health and Social Care) – 8 months
• Level 2 Dual Fuel Smart Meter Installer (Construction and Built Environment) – 8 months
• Level 3 Production Assistant – Screen and Audio (Creative and Design) – 9 months
• Level 6 Postgraduate Teacher (Education and Early Years) – 9 months

See the government’s latest announcement on shorter apprenticeships 

Foundation apprenticeships are a new training route for young people, usually aged 16–21, combining paid work with structured learning in priority sectors. They are shorter than standard apprenticeships and aim to give young people a fast track into technical careers.

Key points:

• Who can apply: primarily 16–21-year-olds (with some exceptions, as set out in DfE funding rules).
• Length: around 8 months (pending legislation that allows shorter apprenticeships).
• Learning requirements: at least 187 hours of off-the-job training.
• Approval needed: providers must have EPAO recognition before starting delivery.
• Employer incentive: up to £2,000 per apprentice, depending on retention and progression.

 Available foundation apprenticeships: -

Explore foundation apprenticeships on IfATE 

NCFE foundation apprenticeships

NCFE are pleased to announce that we have received Ofqual approval for the following foundation apprenticeships.

• Software and data foundation apprenticeship
• Health and social care foundation apprenticeship

We are developing our assessment strategy and will be sharing further details in the coming months. This will include our approach, pricing, guidance, and the support we’ll provide.

Speak to a member of our team about our foundation apprenticeships.

The government is refocusing investment towards young people at the start of their working lives, rather than those already in work with higher levels of prior learning and qualifications.

From 1 January 2026, Level 7 apprenticeships will be government-funded for young people aged 16-21, and under 25 for care leavers and those with an EHCP at the start of their apprenticeship in England.Apprentices who started a level 7 apprenticeship before 1 January 2026 will continue to be funded through to completion.

• As part of the government’s 10-Year health plan for England level 7 apprenticeships in five health professions will continue to be funded until 2028-29.
• The professions are advanced clinical practitioner, specialist community public health nurse, district nurse, clinical associate in psychology, and population health intelligence specialists.

Find out more about Level 7 apprenticeships