New Functional Skills Flexibilities: How Apprentices With Learning Difficulties Can Achieve Their Career Goals

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In a significant move towards inclusivity and accessibility in education, the government has announced the rollout of functional skills pilot flexibilities.

This initiative is set to transform the landscape for apprentices with learning difficulties, providing them with enhanced opportunities to succeed in their chosen fields. Dynamic Training, as a key participant in this pilot, has already supported nearly 50 learners who previously faced barriers in achieving functional skills, enabling them to embark on their apprenticeship programmes.

To find out more about apprenticeships, functional skills and accessible education, view our blog or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook.

Under the current rules, apprentices are required to achieve level 1 English and maths functional skills qualifications if they are on a level 2 apprenticeship and did not pass these qualifications at GCSE (or equivalent). Similarly, those on a level 3 or higher apprenticeship must achieve functional skills at level 2. However, apprentices with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or a Learning Difficulties Assessment (LDA) have been allowed to work towards and pass the lower level of functional skills English and maths at entry level 3.

The new flexibilities extend this provision to apprentices with learning difficulties who do not have a pre-existing EHCP or LDA. Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities Coordinators (SENDCOs) can now conduct additional assessments to determine if these learners, with equivalent needs, can be approved for this flexibility. This change is a game-changer, allowing many who were previously blocked from apprenticeship opportunities to enrol and thrive in their programmes.

Dynamic Training is proud to have been a part of this pilot initiative. Over the past year, we have worked closely with nearly 50 learners, supporting them through this new flexibility. These learners, who would have otherwise been unable to start their apprenticeship programmes due to the stringent functional skills requirements, have now been given a chance to pursue their career goals.

Our commitment to inclusivity and support for all learners is at the core of our values. By participating in this pilot, we have demonstrated our dedication to providing accessible apprenticeships and bespoke training courses tailored to the needs of each individual. This initiative aligns perfectly with our values of Integrity, Transparency, Accountability, Teamwork, and Inclusivity, and our behaviours of being Positive, Dedicated, Flexible, and Creative.

The impact of this pilot cannot be overstated. Providers involved in the trial have reported significant success, with hundreds of learners benefiting from the new flexibilities. This reform has opened doors for many who found themselves blocked from apprenticeship opportunities due to their inability to achieve the required functional skills levels.

At Dynamic Training, we have witnessed firsthand the positive outcomes of this initiative. Learners who were previously unable to meet the functional skills requirements are now progressing in their apprenticeships, gaining valuable skills and experience that will enhance their career development. This initiative not only supports individual learners but also benefits organisations in the health, social care, and business sectors by providing them with skilled and capable staff.

Dynamic Training remains committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all our training programmes. We believe that every learner deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their learning difficulties or disabilities. The rollout of these functional skills flexibilities is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

If you are an organisation in the health, social care, or business sectors looking to enrol your staff in an apprenticeship or training programme, we invite you to partner with Dynamic Training. Our expertise in providing accessible apprenticeships and bespoke training courses ensures that your staff will receive the support they need to achieve their career goals.

To find out more about apprenticeships, functional skills and accessible education, view our blog or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook.

All of the Apprenticeships and Workshops we offer are purpose-built with accessibility and inclusion in mind. You can view our courses or contact us to find out more about how we can empower you or your workforce with apprenticeships or training programmes.