MATHS and English test pass requirements for apprentices will be scrapped under plans to boost home-grown talent and slash immigration.
The move will give bosses the flexibility to sign off a trainee’s qualification if it is clear they can do the job but struggle academically.
A poll of bosses, who, like Alan Sugar, take on apprentices, found 71 per cent backed the idea[/caption]
Ministers are understood to be considering the change, with hopes it will help wean the economy off overseas labour.
A poll of bosses, who, like TV’s Lord Alan Sugar, take on apprentices, found 71 per cent backed the idea.
Institute of Directors spokesman Alex Hall-Chen said: “Flexibility would encourage more employers to offer apprenticeships.”
Mike Worley, of apprenticeships provider HIT Training, added: “Does passing an exam make someone a better chef or care worker?
“In my experience, it does not.”
At present, trainees who do not make the grades at GCSE must pass level 1 numeracy and literacy tests.
The Department for Education said: “We recognise employers want more flexibility and are looking into what improvements can be made.”
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Requirements for home-grown apprentices to pass English and Maths could be axed to wean economy off overseas labour[/caption]
