COMMENT: Legislative change makes apprenticeships more accessible
Posted on: 5th Aug 2024
Apprenticeships 
Sorcha Murphy, Business Development Manager at Ignite Training, discusses the impact of recent legislative changes on apprenticeships.
New measures announced by the Education and Skills Funding Agency to make apprenticeships inclusive to learners requiring extra support come into force this month.
The changes have been announced in recognition of challenges learners with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) face in any educational setting.
They include:
- Removing the requirement for SEND learners to have achieved a certain level in maths and English before starting an apprenticeship.
- Apprentices can now be screened at any stage of their qualification to check if they need additional learner support (ALS) – previously this only applied at the beginning of a study period.
- Quarterly reviews instead of monthly assessments.
- Cognitive and learning assessments for apprentices.
It’s without doubt these changes will unlock the opportunity to study an apprenticeship and enhance career prospects for thousands of school leavers, young professionals and established employees.
Learner focus
Working first-hand with SEND apprentices has provided valuable experience and development opportunities for our team, as they interact with young people with a range of skills and needs in the workplace.
In 2021, Ignite Training apprentice George James ended his vocational qualification winning the Special Recognition and Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year awards at the Oxfordshire Business Awards.
George lives with Tourette’s, and upon finishing his apprenticeship at Ignite secured a job working at a county-based golf club as a groundsman. George’s story epitomises how apprenticeships help people to become the best version of themselves both personally and professionally.
Effective screening
Identifying conditions which can impact a person’s ability to develop is a sensitive topic.
Today, technology is being used as a valuable tool when it comes to screening for ALS learners. Various screening tools give apprenticeship providers the opportunity to screen learners using an easy and user-friendly method.
The new rules about screening mean even if a learner is at an advanced stage of their apprenticeship, they can still be screened should concerns arise for any reason.
Inclusive learning
Understanding which of your learners may need to be taught in a different way or provided with different resources allows you as an employer to help your employees get the most out of their apprenticeship.
As oppose to running the risk of them falling behind schedule, instead learners can be equipped with the tools required to be successful.
The removal of the obligation to reach a certain level in maths and English for SEND learners means the apprenticeship space is becoming more diverse. Those with a valuable skillsets who were previously kept out by their struggles in these two subjects now have the opportunity to succeed and to learn skills which will set them up for life.
Professional support
Legislation is constantly changing, particularly off the back of a general election and change of government.
At Ignite Training, we pride ourselves on quality training, tailored education and working with our partners as a trusted advisor by helping to adapt systems to meet new requirements.
If support is required regarding screening or how to make a programme ALS friendly, our team are on hand to help.
Making apprenticeships as accessible to learners as possible is a key priority among our team. They not only provide the opportunity for people of all ages to unlock their dream careers and thrive in their chosen field, but also support employers to upscale and enhance productivity.
