Early in 2025, the Government brought in changes to apprenticeship programs across the country. These changes have benefitted learners and employers in varying degrees, but mostly in making apprenticeships more accessible.
What have the Government already changed?
English and Maths Reform.
As of February 2025, the government has removed the mandatory requirement for adult apprentices (aged 19 and over) to achieve Level 2 Functional Skills in English (and maths) to complete their apprenticeship. They are expected to demonstrate skills through real work tasks instead.
Apprentices aged 16 to 18 at the start of their training are still required to work towards and achieve Level 2 English and maths qualifications.
In cases where English is required (e.g., for 16-18 year olds), learners must achieve a Level 2 Functional Skill or GCSE grade A*-C (or 4-9).
Minimum Duration
Prior to February 2025, apprentices were required to take on a minimum 12 months placement within their apprenticeship. However, this was reduced to 8 months (where applicable).
Assessment Changes
The Department of Education announced changes to the apprenticeship assessment better reflect the needs of employers and apprentices.
The assessment process will be streamlined by enabling more design and delivery flexibility so that:
- Assessment is more proportionate to the competency being tested and removes any duplication
- Where appropriate, assessment can be designed to take place throughout the duration of the apprenticeship
- Where appropriate, providers will be able to mark elements of the assessment
- Assessment organisations (previously known as end-point assessment organisations) will continue to shape the assessment and continue to ensure the validity of outcomes
Level 7 Funding Refocus
From January 2026, Level 7 apprenticeships are only funded for 16-21 years olds (under 25 for care leavers/Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP))
New Apprenticeship Level
In August 2025, the Government, in select sectors, launched a new Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeships. While these are currently not available for hospitality, we are hopeful that the change will soon become applicable across the industry.
What is changing with August 2026?
August 2026 brings more changes that can be positive for the industry, including a range of various increases to funding for apprenticeships.
Under 25 Funding Expansion
Non-Levy employers will receive a fully funded apprenticeship for eligible under 25s within their business.
- What is a Non-Levy employer? – A non-levy employer is a UK business with an annual payroll under £3 million that does not pay the mandatory 0.5% Apprenticeship Levy tax.
This means that more opportunities will be available for employers to on-board apprentices into the business as the funding for apprenticeship wages will come straight from the Government.
Stronger Focus on Hiring Young People
A £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant will be given for employers who hire eligible young people aged 18–24 who are currently receiving Universal Credit, helping hospitality businesses create opportunities for young people entering the workforce.
Incentives of £2,000 for small and medium-sized hospitality businesses to recruit apprentices aged 16–24, supporting the sector to attract and develop the next generation of talent.
The government has confirmed that some apprenticeship standards will be removed from the funded system from September as part of efforts to streamline the apprenticeship system and prioritise opportunities for young people entering work.
Core hospitality apprenticeships remain unaffected, and the sector is increasingly recognised as a key route for supporting young people into work. This places hospitality employers in a strong position to benefit from the shift towards a youth-first apprenticeship system.
For more information about apprenticeships in hospitality, you can visit our Workforce Partner, HIT Training.
