Following the announcement by John Hayes Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning on 19 December 2011, the minimum duration of 12 months for Apprenticeships for those aged 16-18 will start in August 2012. This will be a requirement in the 2012/13 Funding Rules, expected to be published by the Agency by the end of March 2012, and will apply to all new starts from 1 August 2012 onwards.
Whilst the introduction of the new funding rule does not formally apply to those already in learning prior to August, we strongly encourage all training organisations and employers to start implementing, with immediate effect, the offer that all existing apprentices aged 16-18 are on a 12-month minimum programme.
The National Apprenticeship Service is currently reviewing the position with regard to a minimum duration time for those apprentices aged 19 and over and will continue to work with and consult the sector and stakeholders in undertaking this review. Once the review is completed, we will ensure that adequate notice is given should any changes to current funding rules be called for by government ministers.
More information is available on the
Agency website.