The Department for Education (DfE) has released the 2025-2026 Apprenticeship Funding Rules, setting out important changes that will impact how apprenticeships are delivered, funded, and assessed from 1st August 2025. Weston College can support you with these changes – which are the most significant since the funding reform in 2017.

To help you to understand how this could affect you, we have provided a summary of the key updates and their implications for employers and their new apprentices below. The new rules will apply to any apprenticeships starting on or after 1 August 2025; apprentices who began their programmes prior to this date will continue to follow the rules that were in place at the time they started.

Minimum Duration and Prior Learning: A More Flexible Model

From 1 August 2025, apprenticeships can now be as short as 8 months, provided they still meet key training requirements. This is a significant change from the current 12-month minimum, so what exactly will be changing?

• Prior learning must be assessed and recorded. Where prior experience shortens the programme, providers must show a reduction in both content and cost.
• The minimum eligibility for apprenticeship funding now stands at 8 months or 187 off-the-job (OTJ) training hours.
• If an apprentice has no prior learning, they must receive the full published OTJ training hours for that standard.
• Programmes can be delivered flexibly across any timeline (as long as they meet the 8-month minimum), without affecting OTJ hour requirements.

This change offers greater agility in designing apprenticeships tailored to individuals’ starting points, it also means robust initial assessment and clear documentation are more important than ever.

Simplification of Part-Time vs Full-Time OTJ Adjustments

DfE has removed the distinction between full-time and part-time apprenticeships when it comes to OTJ training delivery. This means we no longer need to automatically extend durations for part-time apprentices. Instead, we will ensure the planned training is realistic based on working hours.

Off-the-job training hours: New standard-by-standard requirements

The 20% rule is being phased out, marking a shift in policy. From August, each apprenticeship standard will have its own published minimum OTJ training requirement, removing the need to calculate hours based on working time.

These published figures apply only to apprentices with no relevant prior learning.

In practice, most of these figures remain close to 20% of normal working hours, but this standardisation brings welcome clarity and consistency.

We are here to provide support and guidance through these changes, so please contact apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk or speak to your Account Manager if you have any queries.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Foundation Apprenticeships: A new model for young people

Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) are a new entry route for young people or those with additional needs. They come with unique rules and funding conditions and are an opportunity to reshape your workforce and support young people into an apprenticeship.

Who’s Eligible?

Young people aged 16-21. Some aged 22-24, including: Those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), Care leavers and Individuals in or recently released from prison.

Key Features:

• Apprentices can do a Foundation Apprenticeship at the same or lower level than a qualification they already hold, if it develops new knowledge, skills and behaviours.
• Maths and English remain required, but the assessment is not mandatory before completion (though encouraged if appropriate).
• Incentive payments: Up to £2,000 in total is available to employers for eligible learners, plus an additional £666 progression payment for those who go on to a higher-level apprenticeship.

Accelerated Apprenticeships

An accelerated apprenticeship is now officially recognised. These are programmes shortened by at least three months due to prior learning.

In Summary

The 2025-26 apprenticeships represent a shift toward greater flexibility, personalisation, and clarity. They support a more inclusive and responsive apprenticeship system, with key implications for:

• Initial assessment and programme planning
• OTJ training hour calculations
• Eligibility and funding for new Foundation Apprenticeships
• Clearer guidelines on what training activity is funded
• Impending assessment reforms

Remember: They must still meet the minimum 8-month duration and 187 OTJ hour requirement.

If you have any queries about the above information, please contact apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk or your designated Account Manager.

On Thursday, 19th June, Weston-super-Mare's prestigious Winter Gardens venue played host to the highly anticipated Weston College Business Awards! 

On Thursday, 19th June, Weston-super-Mare's prestigious Winter Gardens venue played host to the highly anticipated Weston College Business Awards! 

The event celebrated the strong partnerships between Weston College and local businesses, recognising both learners and employers who have collaborated to provide meaningful work-based opportunities. Awards were presented across a range of categories, highlighting excellence in apprenticeships, adult training, industry placements, and community projects. 

Gareth Ireland, Hospitality Focussed General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House, said: "Being nominated was great recognition for the efforts of many of the team across the hotel, club and spa who drive these relationships with the college. It was an honour to collect the winners plaque on behalf of all our colleagues who help bring what we do to life."

This year’s winners exemplified innovation, dedication, and shared success, with each award spotlighting both the learner and their employer: 

Apprenticeship Partnership Award Winner – George Evans and The Bristol Port Company 

University Centre Weston Higher and Degree Apprenticeship Partnership Award Winner – Immanuel Oyetunde and Airbus 

Pathways for Young People Partnership Award Winner – Nikita Heeley and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust 

Career Excellence Hub Partnership Award Winner – DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol South – Cadbury House 

Adult Training Partnership Award Winner – Geerthana Anantharajah and ICTS UK 

Industry Placement Partnership Award Winner – Will McKillop-Duffy and William Haley Engineering 

Into Work Partnership Award Winner – Harry Bessant and Bakers Dolphin 

Community Project Award Winner – Media Charity Showcase Project 

Principal and CEO, Pat Jones said: “The Weston College Business Awards was a truly memorable evening – a celebration of the talent, dedication, and ambition that make our community so special. 

It was an honour to recognise the hard work of our incredible learners, whose determination continues to inspire us. We were also delighted to share the evening with our valued employer partners – your ongoing support and collaboration play such a vital role in our learners' success. 

The number of nominations we received this year speaks volumes about the high standards and commitment shown across the board. Every finalist and nominee should feel incredibly proud – your passion and drive shone through. 

A heartfelt congratulations to all our winners and finalists – your achievements are nothing short of inspiring.” 

A huge thank you to our sponsors Mendip Activity Centre, Mindful Education, Image Sign and Pace Agency. 

Last month, our Travel and Tourism students took a trip to Heathrow Airport where they attended the British Airways Cabin Crew training at the British Airways Global Learning Academy. 

This trip was a fantastic, hands-on experience for our students to gain a better understanding of the tasks entailed when working as part of a cabin crew. They got stuck in with a range of activities and recognised the important roles that cabin crew play in the safety and running of a flight. 

During this training, students looked at safety and emergency equipment, were taught the Learning Zones, and even simulated pilot incapacitation. They were taught the emergency exits from an aircraft such as the A320 Slide Descent, the slide raft practical, and the cabin evacuation and debrief. Finally, they even simulated a real-life fire, allowing the students to practice the smoke chamber exercise and the fire rig on a naked flame.

This trip offered our learners invaluable insight into the industry, allowing them to take part in intense training and lifesaving operations which is required to ensure the safety of all passengers on board. It provided them with more of an appreciation for all the work that goes on behind the scenes and gave them a better idea of the procedures and what a career in this industry would look like. 

Sinead, one of our Level 3 Travel and Tourism students who attended the trip, said, “I enjoyed the variety of activities we completed throughout the day; I particularly enjoyed the fire safety zone where I had to put out a real fire on an electrotonic device.” 

“The staff from British Airways were extremely supportive and knowledgeable, giving me an insight into the job and industry. This trip has also made me consider pursuing cabin crew as a job in the future.” 

It is immersive trips like this that help the next generation of employees decide on their future careers. It gives them an opportunity to obtain real-life experience, understand the responsibilities that accompany the position, and take part in activities and training that is a common practice within the role.  

Hannah Carstensen, our Travel and Tourism lecturer, said, “This is the second time we have run this trip for our Travel and Tourism learners and, again, it did not disappoint. Learners have been able to gain hands-on experience with emergency procedures and engage with tasks that mirror real-life emergencies which offers insight into the training intensity.” 

“Ian and Elaine were able to offer learners an understanding into airline standards and how a major global airline such as British Airways maintains professionalism, safety and service excellence, which gives them a benchmark for industry expectations.” 

Overall, this trip has enhanced our learners’ employability skills, as well as demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment to the sector which future employers will value. They were also taught a variety of transferrable skills that can be used across many roles in the Travel and Tourism sector and got the chance to network with industry professionals. 

Thank you to the British Airways staff for accommodating our learners and providing such a positive and educational experience. 

If you are interested in applying to one of our Travel & Tourism courses, click here. 

This curriculum trip forms part of the Travel & Tourism Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.