Suffolk college backs scrapping English and maths tests for adult apprentices

Why it matters: The Department for Education (DfE) reforms aim to overcome 'red tape' and will lead to "10,000 more apprenticeship starts every year", according to Education Secretary Bridgette Phillipson.

The big picture: The changes give employers, colleges and providers flexibility to decide whether adult apprentices need to complete GCSE-equivalent English and maths qualifications to finish their apprenticeship.

Local impact:

• 47 adult apprentices at Suffolk New College are currently required to complete English and/or maths qualifications, with 18 studying both subjects.

• The college is creating information packages to help employers understand the changes.

• Some apprenticeships can now be completed in eight months instead of 12, which Principal Alan Pease believes will help meet employer needs, "particularly on large infrastructure projects such as Sizewell C."

• Sizewell C HR Director Sarah Hancock said: "At least 540 of the 1,500 apprenticeships we're offering over the construction period will come from Suffolk. These are life-changing opportunities, providing hundreds of young people the chance to gain new skills and find opportunities to build careers right here in Suffolk."

What they're saying: Suffolk New College  Principal and CEO Alan Pease  said: "We very much welcome the news. I believe it will remove barriers for adult learners who will no longer need to take an English and maths qualification as they look to gain more skills via apprenticeships."

For context: The announcement comes during National Apprenticeship Week, with Suffolk New College hosting their annual apprenticeship awards night where nine learners received awards across various subjects.

What's next: Pease hopes the DfE will extend similar policies to younger learners, saying colleges should be trusted to "embed numeracy and literacy skills within a vocational context as part of their qualifications."

The bottom line: The college will work with current apprentices and employers to navigate the new process, while encouraging local businesses to reach out for support in understanding the changes.