📢 Easy Guide to Apprenticeship Funding UK (2025–2026)
Apprenticeship funding UK changed from 1 August 2025. This guide explains the 2025–2026 updates in simple terms. It covers foundation apprenticeships and how the changes affect your business.
🔍 What’s Changing?
✅ Shorter Apprenticeships
- Some apprenticeships now take just 8 months to complete.
- This is for learners with past experience or those in fast-paced roles.
- Providers must record what the learner already knows.
✅ Fixed Training Hours
- The old 20% off-the-job rule is gone.
- Each course now has a set number of hours (e.g. 187).
- These hours can be delivered in a way that suits your business.
✅ Foundation Apprenticeships
- A new option for young people aged 16–21.
- Some aged 22–24 with extra needs also qualify.
- Employers may receive:
- £2,000 per learner
- £666 extra if the learner moves to a higher-level course
- Maths and English are still needed, but don’t need to be passed before the course ends.
✅ Easier Assessments
- Final tests are now less repetitive and more flexible.
- Providers can help with parts of the test. They must follow official rules.
✅ Fairer Rules for Part-Time Apprentices
- Part-time apprentices don’t need longer courses.
- Training should match their working hours.
🏢 Why This Matters to Employers
These updates help employers:
- Train staff faster
- Plan with clearer rules
- Get more support for hiring young people
- Use flexible training that fits your business
📋 What You Should Do
To prepare for the new rules:
- Read the full guidance on GOV.UK.
- Talk to your training provider (like Ginger Nut Training).
- Explore foundation apprenticeships if you’re hiring young people.
- Check your apprenticeship account to see how the new rules can help.
💬 Need Help?
At Ginger Nut Training, we make apprenticeships easy. Whether you’re new or updating your programme, we’re here to help.
👉 Contact us today to plan your apprenticeship strategy for 2025–2026.
Apprenticeship Funding Changes UK