The Apprenticeship Hive
Unlock expert insight into the apprenticeship reforms
The apprenticeship landscape is changing, and TQUK is here to guide you every step of the way. The Hive is your one-stop shop for news and insight about the reforms, helping you stay informed and updated. We’ll regularly refresh this page with the very latest, so keep checking back for more.
Exclusive webinars with interactive Q&As, available live and on-demand.
Live drop-in clinics to have your questions answered by our experts.
Insight blogs, explaining what the developments mean for you.
All the latest news about the apprenticeship reforms, as it breaks.
What’s happening?
The Department for Education (DfE) has announced a major reform of apprenticeships.
The reform includes shorter, more flexible apprenticeships, streamlined assessment plans, and new apprenticeship products called foundation apprenticeships.
These are not just tweaks; they represent a wide-scale change in how plans are developed, how assessments are delivered, and even how the industry refers to assessment.
Apprenticeship reforms at a glance:
Flexible and shorter programmes, with the minimum duration reduced to eight months.
Streamlined assessment principles that will inform both assessment design and delivery.
Introduction of new ‘foundation’ apprenticeships for 16–21-year-olds.
Changes to English and maths requirements.
Expert advice and guidance
We've seen the vocational landscape change significantly in the 12 years since our foundation and were at the forefront when end-point assessment first took shape, responding with bold decisions and clear purpose.
With decades of experience at training providers, colleges, other AOs and EPAOs, and the regulator Ofqual, our Executive and Leadership Teams know the ins and outs of the industry, and are ready to lead the way again as the system continues to evolve.
Customer champions
Head of Operational Services Stephanie Mannion and Head of Sales and Marketing Christopher Brown lead our customer teams.
Apprenticeship insights
Chief Operating Officer Kelle McQuade and Head of EPA Emma Archbold provide expert insight on all things apprenticeships.
Policy perfection
Chief Regulatory Officer Katie Orr and Head of Regulatory Compliance Patrick Giles are our experts for all things policy and regulation.
Standards in revision
Skills England is in the process of revising standards in line with the new assessment approach.
When a new list of in-revision standards is released, we’ll let you know here, along with which TQUK standards are included.
If you’re interested in offering any of the standards on the list that aren't currently part of our portfolio, please let us know below.
GOV.UKApprenticeship standards: revisions and adjustments
Last updated: 12 March 2026
View the latest revisions and adjustments report to see which standards are currently in revision.
The TQUK standards included:
Level 3 Business Administrator
Level 2 Adult Care Worker*
Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker
Level 5 Leader in Adult Care
Level 3 Early Years Educator*
Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner
Level 5 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner
*These standards were announced in October. The revised assessment plan for Early Years Educator has been published for illustrative purposes, while the plan for Adult Care Worker has been published with a start date of 27 May 2026.
Published assessment plans
Once revised, Skill England will publish the new assessment plans in line with the principles.
Current end-point assessments remain in place until a date for starts is released. You can view assessment plans, revision status, and more on our Standards Status page.
TQUK standards
You can view our explainer webinar, ‘Unpacking Apprenticeship Assessment: Early Years Educator’ here.
Latest news
Keep up to date with all the latest information…
FE WEEKApprenticeships purge: Team leader and chartered manager among 16 axed standards
15 March - 16 apprenticeships will be defunded as ministers attempt to divert funding towards young people.
FE WEEKFirst apprenticeship units limited to ‘strong’ providers
16 March – A limited group of “strong” apprenticeship providers will be eligible to deliver the first apprenticeship units when they launch next month, the government has announced.
FE WEEKNew level 2 admin apprenticeships limited to under-25s
16 March – The first apprenticeship with an age restriction outside of level 7 apprenticeships has been released.
Shorter Duration Apprenticeships
The minimum length for an apprenticeship is coming down.
From 1 August 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) have reduced the minimum duration for apprenticeships to eight months. The change applies to all apprenticeship standards, and impacts new starters from 1 August who can demonstrate occupational competence in under 12 months.
LEARN MOREShorter Duration Apprenticeships
Dig into the details about SDAs – why they’re being introduced, who they apply to, and what the jargon means.
GOV.UK10,000 more apprentices as government slashes red tape to boost growth
Along with the DfE’s announcement about English and maths requirements, they also announced changes to the minimum duration for apprenticeships.
Foundation Apprenticeships
As part of the UK’s strategy to tackle workforce shortages and boost youth employment, entry-level apprenticeships are being introduced. They’ll be more accessible, flexible, and better aligned with the evolving needs of young people and the wider economy.
We’ve launched our first foundation apprenticeship in Health and Social Care. To find out more, click here.
LEARN MOREFind out why foundation apprenticeships are being introduced, which standards are available, and how TQUK can support you.
SKILLS ENGLANDFoundation Apprenticeship Finder
Take a look through the foundation apprenticeship standards that are approved for delivery.
Off-the-job Training
Off-the-job training (OTJ) hours are changing.
In May, the Department for Education (DfE) introduced plans to specify a minimum number of OTJ hours per standard, to go live in August in line with the 2025–26 funding rules. This removes the need for you, as training providers, to calculate the amount based on the length of the apprenticeship. Stay up-to-date with the latest developments here, ahead of the new academic year.
FE WeekDozens of apprenticeships granted ‘transitional’ off-the-job hours
15 July – DfE temporarily slash minimum OTJ hours following concerns that the timing to implement new rules was too short.
GOV.UKApprenticeship funding rules, 2025 to 2026
15 May – Take a look at the spreadsheet that outlines the minimum OTJ hours required for each standard.
On-demand webinars
Navigating the Apprenticeship Assessment Reforms
Hosted by our Head of EPA, Emma Archbold, and Head of Product Development, Chris Tubbrit, our latest webinar unpacks the recently published assessment plans, and outlines how TQUK will work with you in the new era of apprenticeship assessment.
Unpacking Apprenticeship Assessment: Early Years Educator
Our Head of End-Point Assessment, Emma Archbold, and Head of Product Development, Chris Tubbrit, unpack the published assessment plan for Early Years Educator. Three assessment plans have been published for illustrative purposes, and our experts are here to guide you through the changes.
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