IfATE takes a risk-based approach to prioritising the review of approved for delivery apprenticeships. This in line with Section 7 of our Change Request policy. Potential reasons for reviewing an apprenticeship include:

  • new developments in the occupation that need reflecting in the apprenticeship
  • the existence of any known problems with it. For example:
  • lower than expected starts
  • low achievement rate
  • high withdrawal rate
  • any issues with the availability of training or end-point assessment provision. This includes if caused by funding issues
  • when the apprenticeship is subject to a dispensation for which a permanent solution needs to be developed

Such issues may be identified via:

  • a sector-wide “Route Review”
  • routine performance monitoring and engagement with stakeholders including trailblazers

As part of these reviews, IfATE will decide whether an apprenticeship needs to be revised (via the change request process) or retired. By retired, we mean no longer available at all for any new starts.

An apprenticeship may need to be retired if, for example:

  • it is no longer needed for the sector
  • there are other existing training routes preferred by employers that will support competence
  • there is insufficient demand for the apprenticeship, and it has either no or low starts
  • occupational changes mean that competence now needs to be delivered by a different apprenticeship or product
  • the occupational standard or apprenticeship is subsumed into a ‘core and options’ apprenticeship
  • the apprenticeship no longer meets our approval criteria
  • the apprenticeship is no longer deliverable
  • the maximum government contribution to funding has been reviewed. This review satisfies us that the funding band represents typical, necessary and eligible costs. Despite this, the apprenticeship is still not being used sufficiently
  • there are other significant risks to the viability of the apprenticeship

Special considerations can be made where an occupation is categorised:

heritage, skills shortage, niche, high or low volume.

However, the apprenticeship must be viable. Retirement may therefore be considered if any of the above bullets apply.

In addition, starts will be paused where an apprenticeship either:

  • does not have an EPAO or
  • has not had starts for the past 12 months

Over the subsequent 12 months, we will work to address the blockers to delivery. However, if it is not possible to address them, the retirements process will generally be instigated after this time period. This is to ensure that only viable apprenticeships remain approved for delivery. Our pause to starts on apprenticeships guidance provides further information about this.

Where IfATE retires an apprenticeship, we will normally keep:

  • the underpinning Occupational Standard
  • its Occupational Map placement

This is because Occupational Standards may be utilised for other skills products. For instance, when approving Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs). 

 

1. Process for retiring an apprenticeship

A potential need to retire an apprenticeship can be identified by:

  • IfATE or
  • relevant stakeholders including trailblazers.

If a potential need to retire an apprenticeship is identified, IfATE will consider:

  • the reasons for retiring the apprenticeship and the impact on employers and learners
  • the impact retiring the apprenticeship may have on other products published or approved by IfATE. For example, T Levels or HTQs
  • how the other skills products will continue to be supported
  • concerns or considerations raised by the route panel around the proposed retirement

Unless IfATE believes that sufficient consultation has already been undertaken, IfATE will normally run a consultation which will typically last for 4 weeks. This is to enable affected parties to express their views about the proposed retiring of the apprenticeship. This will usually commence with a “retirement consultation banner”. The banner must be placed on the relevant apprenticeship webpage on IfATE’s website.

IfATE will take into consideration any responses received during the consultation period. The Approvals Committee will decide whether to retire the apprenticeship taking into consideration all relevant factors including the consultation responses.

IfATE, through the Route Manager (RM), will notify all relevant stakeholders with:

  • the outcome
  • the reasoning of the decision

If the Approval Committee decide to retire the apprenticeship, IfATE will seek to provide a minimum of 90 days’ notice before the apprenticeship is retired to new starters. This notice period may be longer depending on feedback received during consultation. The apprenticeship will remain on the website with an appropriate banner until all existing learners have completed their training.

 

2. Procedural review

If you are unhappy with the way any final decision has been made by IfATE in connection with an apprenticeship being retired, you may be able to challenge the decision by way of procedural review.

Procedural Review is an opportunity to challenge IfATE’s decision if:

  •  you feel that the published process has not been followed or
  •  you think there has been a material error made by IfATE during the process.

It is not an avenue to challenge a decision simply because you do not agree with it.

Time frames for submitting a procedural review and the permitted reasons for seeking a procedural review can be found in our procedural review guidance.