The New Apprenticeship Reforms: What They Mean for Technical Trades

The UK apprenticeship landscape is set for a significant shift with the introduction of new reforms to English and maths requirements. From February 2025, apprentices aged 19 and over will no longer be required to achieve English and maths qualifications unless they or their employers choose to include them in their training. These changes, designed to make apprenticeships more accessible, raise important questions about their impact on industries such as maintenance and engineering.

So, what do these reforms mean for technical trades, and how will they affect apprentices, employers, and the sector as a whole?

A Summary of the Key Apprenticeship Reform Changes

1. English and Maths Now Optional for Adult Apprentices
   • Apprentices aged 19 and over at the start of their programme are no longer mandated to study or pass English and maths. Employers and apprentices can opt in if they feel it is necessary.
2. Implementation Timeline
   • The change took effect on 11 February 2025 and applies to both new and existing apprentices. Training providers must discuss and document the decision on whether English and maths will be included in individual apprenticeships by 1 April 2025.

Pros and Cons for Technical Trades

The reform aims to boost completion rates and support more individuals into skilled roles. However, its implications for maintenance and engineering apprenticeships are mixed.

Pros

• Higher Apprenticeship Completion Rates
  Many apprentices struggle with English and maths, and making them optional could remove a significant barrier to completing their training. This could lead to more skilled workers entering the technical trades workforce.
• Greater Focus on Trade-Specific Skills
  In maintenance and engineering, hands-on technical skills are paramount. Without the added pressure of passing English and maths exams, apprentices can dedicate more time to mastering their craft.
• Increased Employer Flexibility
  Employers can tailor apprenticeships to their specific needs, deciding if and when English and maths training is necessary. For some technical roles, on-the-job experience and problem-solving skills may be more critical than formal academic qualifications.

Cons

• Risk of Skill Gaps
  While technical ability is crucial, English and maths are still fundamental skills in the workplace. Engineering and maintenance professionals need to understand technical drawings, write reports, interpret regulations, and perform accurate calculations. The risk is that apprentices without basic English and maths competencies may struggle in these areas.
• Reduced Career Progression Opportunities
  Many employers and industry bodies still value English and maths qualifications. Apprentices who do not obtain these may find their future career options—such as moving into management roles, higher-level apprenticeships, or further education—more limited.
• Inconsistency in Training Standards
  Making English and maths optional could lead to an uneven playing field. Some employers may continue to prioritise these skills, while others may not, creating inconsistencies in the capabilities of newly trained apprentices across the industry.

Finding the Right Balance

For maintenance and engineering employers, the key question is whether removing English and maths as a requirement will genuinely benefit the industry. While it may help more apprentices complete their training, ensuring they still develop the necessary literacy and numeracy skills remains crucial.

Some solutions to mitigate the risks include:

• Offering contextualised English and maths training relevant to the trade rather than generic academic courses.
• Embedding literacy and numeracy within technical training instead of separate exams.
• Encouraging apprentices to take English and maths qualifications voluntarily to improve long-term career prospects.

DMA Group’s Perspective

DMA Group has a well-established apprenticeship programme that plays a vital role in developing skilled professionals for the maintenance sector. Commenting on the reforms, Wendy Bennett, DMA’s Chief Operations Officer, Maintenance Business Unit said:

Conclusion

The new reforms bring opportunities and challenges for technical trades. While making apprenticeships more accessible is positive, employers must carefully consider how to maintain high standards in a sector where precision, problem-solving, and clear communication are essential. The key will be striking the right balance—ensuring apprentices are equipped with both technical expertise and the fundamental skills needed to thrive in their careers.