The UK government is cutting bureaucracy to accelerate economic growth, enabling up to 10,000 more apprentices to qualify each year.

New reforms will give employers flexibility over English and maths requirements for adult apprentices (19+), removing barriers in high-demand industries like construction, healthcare, and social care.

Rules slowing down worker training will be scrapped, and Skills England will see new leadership as part of the drive to boost growth industries. Employers will now decide whether apprentices need a Level 2 English and maths qualification (GCSE equivalent) to pass, ensuring apprentices focus on paid work while still being assessed on job-relevant skills.

Additionally, the minimum apprenticeship duration will be reduced from 12 to 8 months, fast-tracking skilled workers into key roles. These long-called-for changes will help businesses, break down barriers to success, and support government targets, particularly in housebuilding and infrastructure.

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.”

Sheila Flavell CBE, COO of FDM Group, commented: “The government’s investment in apprenticeships is vital to creating a high-skilled and productive UK workforce, plugging the growing skills gap.”

With the rapid adoption of AI across industry, apprenticeships enable businesses to build a workforce tailored to their specific data and analytics needs, forming the backbone of AI talent through hands-on, industry-standard training. Successful apprenticeship schemes also rely on tapping into underrepresented talent pools who hold unique, transferable skill sets to tackle specific challenges.”

She added: “As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, it’s important that businesses understand the potential of on-the-job training, empowering early talent and building a workforce to drive economic prosperity.”

The Education Secretary announced these reforms during National Apprenticeship Week, celebrating the contributions of apprentices to businesses, communities, and the economy. These changes build on the Prime Minister’s October pledge to improve skills and growth opportunities for young people. Three trailblazer apprenticeships in green energy, healthcare, and film/TV production will pilot the new shorter format, helping to fast-track skilled workers into key industries.

The reduction in apprenticeship duration will take effect from August 2025, subject to legislation, while the flexibility on English and maths requirements comes into force immediately.

This will provide immediate benefits to sectors like construction, which urgently need more qualified workers to support the government’s ambition of building 1.5 million homes by the end of this parliament.

To lead the government’s national skills strategy, former Cisco CEO Phil Smith CBE has been appointed Chair of Skills England, with Sir David Bell as Vice Chair. Tessa Griffiths and Sarah Maclean will serve as Co-CEOs, while Gemma Marsh will take on the role of Deputy CEO. Smith’s appointment reflects the government’s commitment to driving economic growth through a strong, industry-led approach to skills development.