With multiple high level changes taking place, you do not have to navigate them alone. Amanda Scott NAS/IOC UK Skills Led reports on the latest change — the new 8 Month Foundation Apprenticeship.
Love it or loath it, it’s here, and with it comes a whole new range of criteria, eligibility, and funding changes for both employers and education providers in our sector. I am more than aware that some may view this as a plaster over the wound of our skills crisis; whilst others might say it is aimed at the Housebuilding Sector and Tier One Contractors — a potential quick fix and way for the government to tackle its own housing crisis and affordable housing build targets. To create a sense of balance, you could say that FAs benefit our employer membership as they get to see the foundation apprentice in work-based settings, while the apprentice receives extra support. Employers also benefit from accessing a broader talent pool of young learners than they might otherwise do.
Despite any critical appreciation, as of August 2025 the FAs for on-site trades has landed. Here is what the Government reforms mean for the industry:
- Rules slowing down the training of workers in key industries like construction have been changed. Employers will now be able to decide whether adult learners over the age of 19 when they start their apprenticeship course will need to complete a level 2 English and Maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) to pass it.
It does not mean that apprentices will not be assessed on core English and Maths skills relevant to their occupation, but it does mean that apprentices will be able to focus more on their paid work. The minimum duration of an apprenticeship will be reduced to 8 months.
Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson said:
“Businesses have been calling out for change to the apprenticeship system and these reforms show that we are listening. Our new offer of shorter apprenticeships and less red tape strikes the right balance between speed and quality, helping achieve our number one mission to grow the economy. Skills England will be a major driver in addressing the skills gaps needed to support employers up and down the country and I look forward to working with the new leadership.”
The Foundation Onsite Trade Apprenticeship – Overview of the Role
Onsite construction trades relate to bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, and plasterers. Onsite construction work is found in both the new build and refurbishment construction sector. Project size will vary, ranging from domestic repairs to larger contracts for homebuilders, commercial and retail developments.
This foundation apprenticeship requires a minimum 187 hours off-the-job learning (OTJ). Upon successful completion, the apprentice will be competent in the knowledge, skills and behaviours outlined in this standard. Someone who completes some or all of this content will be part-way through a journey to a more specialist occupation. Taking another apprenticeship after this one is one way of progressing to an occupational competence-based qualification such as the Level 2 Trailblazer Apprenticeship. On completion, it is anticipated that the CSCS will issue FAs with an Industry Placement card.
Mapped to Occupational Standards, the Foundation Apprenticeship will cover:
- Technical Knowledge
- Technical Skills
- Employability Skills and Behaviours
The full break down and assessment methodology can be found here: https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/foundation-apprenticeships/FA0003
Foundation Apprenticeship Eligibility, Rules and Funding
Considered a new model for young people, the FAs are a new entry route for young people or those with additional needs. They come with unique sets of funding conditions and rules.
Who is eligible?
- Young people aged 16 – 21
- Some aged 22-24, including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and Care Leavers
- Individuals in or recently released from prison.
Key Features:
- Apprentices can do a Foundation Apprenticeship at the same or lower level than a qualification they already hold, if it develops new knowledge, skills, and behaviours
- Maths and English remain required, but the assessment is not mandatory before completions
- Incentive payments: up to £2,000 in total is available to providers and employers for eligible learners, plus an additional £666 progression payment for those who go on to a higher-level apprenticeship.
Sector Impact
For our sector it means critical changes will impact how apprenticeships in England and Wales are delivered, assessed and funded from August 2025. Here is what it means for FE colleges, training providers, employers and apprentices with the new rules applying to any apprentice starting on or after 1 August 2025.
What has changed?
- Prior Learning must be assessed and recorded. When prior experience shortens the programme, providers must show the reduction in both content and cost
- The minimum eligibility for apprenticeship funding now stands at 8 months or 187 off-the-job (OTJ) training hours
- If an apprenticeship has no prior learning, they must receive the full published OTJ training hours for that standard
- Programmes can be delivered flexibly across any timeline (so long as they meeting the 8-month minimum), without affecting the OTJ hour requirements.
This change offers greater agility in designing apprenticeships tailored to individuals’ starting points, it also means robust initial assessments and clear documentation are more important than ever.
The Department of Education (DoE) has also removed the distinction between full-time and part-time apprenticeships when it comes to OTJ training delivery. Providers must ensure planned training is realistic based on working hours.
OTJ training hours — New Standard by Standards requirements means that the 20% rule is being phased out and marks a shift in policy. From August 2025 onwards each apprenticeship standard will have its own published minimum OTJ training requirement — while most will remain close to the 20%, it will provide consistency.
Amanda is on hand to aid, represent and guide you through the changes, do not hesitate to reach out with any concerns, thoughts, and feedback regarding the new FAs, and more broadly, on any of the major changes our sector is currently navigating.
Many significant and further high-level changes are underway, and we are on point representing you. The government also announced a new set of End-point Assessment reforms (EPA) currently underway. In the next edition of Cutting Edge, we will report on our deep dive updates and skills leadership navigation.
