Functional Skills Flexibilities: 4 Months On
Insights
Added 02.06.25
It is now over four months since the government announced flexibilities allowing apprentices to complete their programmes without needing to achieve their functional skills qualifications. This presents an opportunity to reflect on the impact of that decision.
Initially, there were mixed feelings across the sector. Leaders expressed varied responses: on one hand, there was the potential for a positive impact on apprentices who had previously struggled to complete their programmes due to difficulties with functional skills. On the other hand, concerns were raised around funding levels, the impact on Tutors in functional skills delivery roles, and how this change might affect an apprentice's future capability in their chosen role.
Four months on, we can observe the early indicators of this change:
- It is safe to say that there has not been a significant dropout among existing learners. The changes have been well received by employers, with most adopting the same approach: "We're happy to leave the decision to the apprentice; if they wish to complete the functional skills, we will support them." Many learners continue to recognise the value of functional skills and have chosen to study towards achieving them.
- A similar approach has been taken with new programme entrants. Learners are not reluctant to engage with functional skills and understand their importance. In the sectors in which Intec operates, 35% of learners now undertake a functional skill as part of their apprenticeship, compared to 53% prior to the introduction of the flexibilities.
- As anticipated, learner achievements have increased. We already know that our Qualfication Achievement Rate for 2024/25 will significantly exceed last year's performance. Further more, since the introduction of the functional skills flexibilities, we have seen a 35% increas in the number of learners progressing to the gateway.
- In terms of End Point Assessment, Intec has always had a high proportion of learners achieving Distinctions. Since the removal of the mandatory functional skills requirement, the number of Distinctions has increased by a further 8% - a very welcome outcome of the change.
- A final word should go to Intec's Functional Skills Tutors. Our Tutors report that learners remain motivated to achieve their functional skills qualifications, regardless of age. Learners and employer alike continue to appreciate the value of functional skills, recognising that the knowledge and abilities gained are transferable across a career. Intec employs Tutors dedicated solely to the delivery of functional skills, making them subject matter experts. They work on a one-to-one basus with learners and consistently deliver first-time pass rates above national averages across all functional skills areas and levels.