Championing Change in Functional Skills

HIT Training Ltd has been selected by the Department for Education to take part in a pilot to improve accessibility to apprenticeships.

For the first time ever, SEND learners without evidence of an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or Learning Difficulties Assessment (LDA) statement and low English and maths levels who were previously not eligible to access apprenticeship programmes will be able to enrol and access support.

As the current system stands, only learners with a pre-existing EHCP or LDA are eligible for exemptions from having to pass Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills for any apprenticeship schemes that require these. Under the pilot, learners without evidence will also be able to work towards and pass the lower level of Functional Skills English and maths at Entry Level 3.

The pilot will enable HITs Special Educational Needs and disabilities coordinator (SENDCO) to conduct additional assessments, and to judge whether a learner would have the equivalent need for an EHCP or LDA and then approve this flexibility.

Micaela Barlow, Quality Director of HIT Training Ltd comments, “We are honoured to be involved in this pilot to help improve accessibility of apprenticeships to some of our most vulnerable learners. Whether it be from learning difficulties or a poor experience with the education system, there are a number of reasons that individuals struggle with academic focused work but would make brilliant apprentices. By breaking down some of the barriers to entry, we know that these learners will gain confidence from their new found skills and qualifications that will help them progress in both their careers and lives.”

By taking part in this innovative SEND exemption pilot, HIT hopes to revolutionise apprenticeship requirements and smash traditional barriers that have hindered employees from accessing apprenticeships. No longer will low English and maths levels or the absence of a formal ECHP or LDA statement stand in the way of anyone wishing to embark on a rewarding apprenticeship journey.

The pilot is running from May 2023 to April 2024 and is open to any apprentices, including those already in the workplace, with training provided by HIT Training, Connect2Care or EDN.

To find out more or part please complete this form.