IoD press release Cutting red tape will remove unnecessary barriers to increasing apprenticeship numbers
Responding to the Government’s announcement of new measures to make apprenticeships more flexible, Alex Hall-Chen, Principal Policy Advisor for Skills at the Institute of Directors, said:
“Apprenticeships are a vital tool in tackling the UK’s persistent skills shortages, and this announcement is a welcome step in removing unnecessary barriers to increasing apprenticeship numbers.
“Research with IoD members clearly shows that giving employers flexibility when it comes to English and Maths qualifications for adult apprentices has the potential to unlock more apprenticeship opportunities.
“Employers are well-placed to judge whether English and Maths qualifications are the most appropriate route through which to develop the literacy and numeracy skills needed for success in a given career path.”
In January 2025, the Institute of Directors called for increased flexibility in English and Maths apprenticeship rules.
A December 2024 survey of IoD members found that:
- 71% of business leaders think that employers should have the flexibility to decide whether adult apprentices should be required to undertake English and Maths qualifications
- 34% of business leaders think that this flexibility would make their organisation more likely to offer an apprenticeship.
Full results
497 responses from across the UK, conducted between 13-30 December 2024. 13% ran large businesses (250+ people), 18% medium (50-249), 21% small (10-49 people), 36% micro (2-9 people) and 11% sole trader and self-employed business entities (0-1 people).
Do you think employers should be able to decide whether apprentices over the age of 18 should be required to undertake an English and Maths qualification as part of their apprenticeship?
Would this flexibility make your organisation more or less likely to use apprenticeships?
