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Your skills partner through apprenticeship reforms

Supporting providers and employers through the apprenticeship reforms in England

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What you need to know about apprenticeship reforms

You will find key policy updates, guidance on end-point assessment changes, new products in development, and upcoming events to help you navigate the future of apprenticeships with confidence.

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A new chapter for work-based skills development

The government has announced a major overhaul of the apprenticeship system, designed to boost opportunity, streamline assessments, and better align training with national skills needs.

Key drivers of reform include:

Apprenticeship reform in England is driven by the need to boost economic growth by addressing skills shortages through simplifying and streamlining the education and skills system. The Department for Education’s ‘Plan for Change’ prioritises flexibility and increasing accessibility. The changes reflect a strategic shift toward inclusive, employer-led, and economically impactful targeted training pathways to better drive regional economic growth.

The reforms include a new target to have:

10%

of young people participating in higher-level academic, technical or apprenticeships learning – up from 50%.

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0%

of young people pursing higher technical education or apprenticeships by age 25 by 2040.

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Key policy changes

There are a lot of changes to keep up to date with. As the leading apprenticeship awarding organisation in a world-class apprenticeship system, we continue to engage regularly with the regulator and government departments to work on behalf of our customers and bring you the latest updates.

We’re not just responding to reform - we’re helping shape it.

Understanding the policy changes

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End-point assessment is evolving for learners

Awarding Organisations, like City & Guilds, will not be restricted to designing assessments to be taken at the end of an apprentice’s journey. As such, the term ‘end-point assessment’ is being replaced with ‘apprenticeship assessment’.

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Foundation Apprenticeships as an accessible pathway

These new level 2 programmes provide paid, structured training for young people aged 16-21 (and up to 24 for care leavers, prison leavers, and those with EHCPs). They are a stepping stone onto a larger level 2 or higher-level apprenticeship.

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Minimum duration for faster completion

Apprenticeships can now be completed in as little as 8 months, down from the previous 12-month minimum. This change supports learners with prior experience and can accelerate progression into employment.

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English and maths rules revised to enable progression

Apprentices aged 19+ are no longer required to pass Level 2 English and maths qualifications to complete their programme. Employers now choose if English and maths will be a requirement of their apprenticeship programme.

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Off-the-job training is now more flexible

Minimum off-the-job training hours now apply per standard. Adjustments due to recognition of prior learning must be documented, ensuring training is tailored and proportionate to each apprentice’s existing skills and experience.


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What’s next?

Skills England is going through a process of revising and releasing assessment plans. City & Guilds will review every apprenticeship assessment plan that is released. A range of factors go into our review process such as, feedback from our customers, advice from our industry boards, estimated demand, progression pathway options, and how it fits with our existing portfolio and development roadmaps.

We are committed to our current sectors and will be exploring new opportunities with our customers. We will continue to engage in conversations with Skills England and customers as assessment plans are released.

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Foundation apprenticeship in construction launching early 2026

This foundation apprenticeship is 8 months in duration and:

    Combines classroom learning with real-world experience.

    Focuses on core skills, safety, and industry readiness.

We are in the process of engaging with industry stakeholders, training providers and colleges to develop this for the construction sector.

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Conference

Save the date:

Apprenticeships & Training Conference – Liverpool

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2-3 March 2026
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Liverpool

City & Guilds is the headline partner for the UKs leading conference for skills, apprenticeships & workforce training, ATC 2026.

Find out more

What to look for in an Awarding Organisation

As apprenticeship reforms continue to evolve and new assessment plans are introduced by Skills England, selecting the right awarding organisation is more critical than ever. You need a skills partner that offers clarity, confidence, and a strong commitment to quality - while also providing the support needed to boost apprenticeship retention and improve success rates. If you want to know what that looks like – read on:

Flexibility in design and delivery

City & Guilds adapts to your delivery model and apprentice needs.

    Flexibility - for effective scheduling of assessments.

    Seamless integration of assessments into training plans.

    Enables providers to deliver learning their way.

Proportionate and streamlined assessment

We focus on what matters to reduce assessment burden and increase efficiency.

    Eliminates duplication of knowledge, skills, and behaviours.

    Broad provision and pathways enhance efficiency.

    Reduces admin and streamlines delivery.

Capacity to deliver at scale

We ensure reliable assessment bookings, even at peak times.

    Infrastructure built for high-volume delivery.

    Over 90% of preferred booking dates secured.

    Confidence in timely apprentice assessment.

    No 1 Assessment Organisation confirmed by Ofqual.


Deep expertise in assessment types

We bring proven assessment expertise across all methods.

    Internal and external, observation and professional discussion.

    Robust quality assurance and expert guidance.

    Over 100,000 EPAs certified with robust quality assurance.

Smart digital tools for delivery

Our platform simplifies apprenticeship management.

    EPA Pro: comprehensive online delivery platform.

    Supports registration, evidence upload, tracking, and results.

    Designed for multi-cohort and multi-employer delivery.

    Intuitive design for easy navigation.

Exceptional customer support

Our support helps providers achieve success.

    Dedicated customer service teams, technical advisors and apprenticeship partnership managers.

    Proven impact with a 90% apprentice achievement rate.

    Network events, webinars and guidance.

    Apprenticeship packs, examiner reports and exemplars.

30K

EPAs certified: across 60+ standards

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Award winning excellence

We’re proud to be finalists for the Federation of Awarding Bodies End-Point Assessment Organisation of the Year Award 2025 – a recognition of our commitment to continuous improvement and outstanding customer service.

Choose City & Guilds – an awarding organisation that listens, leads, and delivers.

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30%

Average apprentice achievement rate

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The latest updates in apprenticeship reforms

Apprenticeships are changing

Don’t miss key updates on apprenticeship reforms, policies, and events.

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