Pause to starts on apprenticeships

Pausing apprenticeships 

 IfATE and DfE want to ensure that apprenticeships meet the needs of both employers and apprentices. 

This is partly about making sure only high-quality apprenticeship content is approved for delivery. It is also about the activities needed so that approved apprenticeships are ready to be delivered successfully.

We will do all we can to support delivery readiness, however when we detect an issue, we may need to consider whether to recommend to DfE that new starts should be paused while the issue is explored.

Our website sets out the very latest information about the delivery readiness of apprenticeships.  You can view the status of each individual apprenticeship, including filtering your search results to view a list of paused apprenticeships.

When considering whether to recommend to DfE that an apprenticeship is paused we will have regard to the reasonable requirements of employers and learners, as well as the need to ensure that apprenticeships are of an appropriate quality and represent good value for money.

We may recommend to DfE that an apprenticeship is paused in one or more of the following circumstances:

 

Apprenticeship considered no longer suitable for starts

Sometimes we may consider an apprenticeship is no longer suitable for starts and a pause is an appropriate step while the remedy is considered.

This could include where the Trailblazer no longer considers the apprenticeship to deliver the intended occupational competence because:

• changes to regulatory requirements mean an apprentice would be disadvantaged by starting the published apprenticeship at this time 
• developments within the occupation have left the apprenticeship outdated, and as yet no updated apprenticeship is approved 
• the occupation may no longer exist, and the Trailblazer would like to explore this further before the apprenticeship is considered for retirement 
• the Trailblazer believes there will be no further starts in the foreseeable future

In these cases, we will ask the Trailblazer to provide evidence that they have the support of the sector and have sought assurances that no one is planning to make use of the published version of the apprenticeship.  

Evidence could include written support and assurance from:

• a sector body or regulatory body
• a range of employers that have previously used, or intended to use the apprenticeship, or
• publicly available evidence which demonstrates significant technological developments, economic developments, regulatory changes that impact the employability of learners that have completed the apprenticeship

Alternatively, we may identify that an apprenticeship may no longer be suitable for starts. Where this is the case, we will engage with the Trailblazer before making our decision about whether to recommend that the apprenticeship is paused.

 

Apprenticeships with zero starts 

IfATE will regularly review all apprenticeships that are approved for delivery but have not had any starts in the last 12 months:

• this will not impact apprenticeships that have been reviewed within the last 12 months and received a relevant update to content.
• where there are exceptional circumstances, we may increase this review timeline, for instance (but not limited to) where planned regulatory changes in the foreseeable future, impacting an occupation, will likely allow new starts
• we anticipate timeline increase to be rare, and generally limited to new apprenticeships 
• it may be reasonable to give more time for delivery readiness and first starts where a new degree is being implemented, or where seasonality factors mean a new apprenticeship will launch at a later date 
• where an apprenticeship with zero starts in the last 12 months is no longer required, we will consider the apprenticeship under our retirement policy

We will inform the Trailblazer group of our intention to recommend apprenticeship is paused. We may not recommend a pause where the trailblazer group confirms that: 

• the apprenticeship is still required and in demand; or 
• there is intent to use the apprenticeship in the foreseeable future  

 

Apprenticeships where there is no end-point assessment organisation in place

We announced in November 2023 that apprentices should only start on an apprenticeship with a confirmed end-point assessment organisation (EPAO). 

It follows our commitment to:

• improving the quality of end-point assessments (EPA) 
•  securing the best experiences and outcomes for apprentices 

Since November 2023:  

• a limited number of apprenticeships with no EPAO in place have been paused
• where apprentices are already on programme alternative EPA arrangements are in place
• apprentices are not able to begin on them until an EPAO is found 

IfATE's website has banners on paused apprenticeship webpages which clearly state the reason the apprenticeship is paused to new starts.  

 

Pause and unpause decisions

Approval Committee makes approval decisions on products. Following a recommendation from an IfATE official, Approval Committee will make a decision on whether to recommend that an apprenticeship is paused.

Where an apprenticeship is paused, this will be reflected by a banner on the apprenticeship’s webpage.

Following a pause, we will work with the trailblazer to identify and seek to address factors that are preventing successful delivery.  The apprenticeship will be paused for new starts until we: 

• are satisfied the issue is resolved. For example where an EPAO has been found 
• have firm and reasonable assurances the blocker will be removed and new starts are likely in the foreseeable future

Following a recommendation from an IfATE official Approval Committee, or their delegated official, will make a decision on whether to unpause an apprenticeship or not.

We will generally work to help unblock an apprenticeship for no more than 12 months, before referring to our Approval Committee to approve retirement.

We may reduce this time if it is evident there is no foreseeable prospect of apprenticeship starts. A retirement decision is one that falls within our published approvals process and it is for Approval Committee to approve. 

 

Published 20 September 2024
Last updated 9 January 2025
(DS, AG)