We have an important update to share on the changes to the English and Maths qualification requirements for Level 2 apprenticeships from 1st August 2022 which will be of interest to employers, providers and apprentices. These changes are detailed within the latest apprenticeship funding rules (2022 to 2023) and apply to both new and existing apprentices on-programme who had not yet reached gateway on 1st August 2022.
Where the apprenticeship standard explicitly requires a Level 2 qualification in English or Maths, the gateway requirement to hold or achieve an acceptable qualification (either Functional Skills Level 2 or GCSE) is unchanged.
However, where the apprenticeship standard does not require a Level 2 qualification in English or Maths (e.g. ST0299 Pharmacy Services Assistant) and the apprentice does not already hold the relevant acceptable qualification(s), the gateway requirements have changed. These new requirements supersede the current wording in the relevant apprenticeship standards and associated assessment plans hosted on the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) website.
The new English and Maths gateway requirements for these standards are based on the apprentice's pre-apprenticeship attainment, i.e. they are based on the qualifications an apprentice holds when they start their apprenticeship.
Where the apprentice holds neither Level 1 nor Level 2 approved English or Maths qualifications, they must achieve an approved Level 1 qualification in English or Maths. They no longer need to demonstrate that they have attempted Level 2 English or Maths assessments as a gateway requirement and to complete their apprenticeship.
However, where the apprentice already holds Level 1 approved English or Maths qualifications, they must still be assessed at Level 2 in English or Maths (either Functional Skills Level 2 or GCSE). For English, where Functional Skills is the qualification option used, this must include evidence of attempting all three assessment components / units.
If you have any questions, please contact enquires@openawards.org.uk and we will be happy to clarify how these changes may impact our gateway checks.