We are witnessing a rapid change in the FE and Skills sector, which presents new challenges to our apprenticeship planning and delivery. Apprenticeship reform is seen as a challenge for tomorrow but what are the challenges we need to focus on right now?
Assessment specialist Chris Cherry and funding specialist David Lockhart-Hawkins outline what we need to think for today, tomorrow and the future. In particular the shortfall of off-the-job (OTJ) hours and the risk that it poses for funding.
The NOW Challenge:
OTJ needs to be addressed immediately: Apprenticeship starts from the 1st of August might not have enough hours, and could be viewed as ineligible for your programmes. If this issue isn’t addressed immediately, all your funding for those learners would be at risk.
Our upcoming session on Off the Job training in 2025/26 covers everything you need to know to address this challenge now:
Understanding Apprenticeship Off-the-Job Training in 2025/26
We’ll help you to understand:
- The new published minimums for OTJT
- The transition timeframe
- Rules on planning and distributing off the job hours
- How to apply recognition of prior learning to content and price
- Monitoring ‘Active learning’ in 25-26
- How to use the new rules to open up new opportunities for business
The TOMORROW Challenge:
Minimum hours for some standards are different up to the end of December, and then are increased from January 2026. This will have a knock-on effect on your curriculum design and delivery.
This practical workshop helps you map, sequence and refine your programme in line with the coming sector changes – without adding unnecessary workload:
Curriculum Design for the New Apprenticeship Landscape
We’ll take you through:
- Building assessment into your curriculum from the outset.
- Designing learning activities and content that develop the right competencies.
- Linking sequencing and delivery to on-programme assessment points.
- Using digital tools to save time and improve planning.
- Stripping out “filler” and focusing on what works.