Foundation Apprenticeships: a new way to build your workforce

9 June 2025

From August 2025, employers will be able to access a new type of apprenticeship designed to support young people and those with additional needs into the workplace. Foundation Apprenticeships offer a practical, flexible route into employment and give businesses a chance to tap into motivated, emerging talent.

Here, the team at Bridgwater & Taunton College explains more.

Whether you’re looking to recruit new team members or provide opportunities to those who need a supportive start, Foundation Apprenticeships could be the perfect solution.

What are Foundation Apprenticeships?

These programmes are open to:

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

Learners can take a Foundation Apprenticeship even if they already hold a qualification at the same or higher level, as long as they’re gaining new, job-relevant skills. It’s a chance to build confidence, boost employability, and prepare for progression onto full apprenticeships.

Key sectors

Foundation Apprenticeships will launch in four key sectors:

• Engineering
• Construction
• Digital
• Health and Social Care

We also have a Talent Pool of enthusiastic learners currently looking for apprenticeship opportunities across these areas.

Financial incentives for employers

Employers can access up to £2,000 in incentive payments.

Key apprenticeship rule changes from August 2025

Alongside the new Foundation model, there are some important updates all employers should be aware of:

• Shorter durations: Apprenticeships can now be as short as 8 months, where the apprentice has prior learning or experience.
• Off-the-job training: Programmes must include a minimum of 187 hours of off-the-job training.
• Simplified training hour calculations: The previous 20% rule is being scrapped. Instead, each apprenticeship standard will now have its own fixed OTJ requirement, making planning and delivery more consistent.
• Upcoming EPA reforms: The government will release new guidance on end-point assessments in summer 2025, aimed at making the process clearer and more consistent across standards.

Still exploring your options?

We continue to offer full apprenticeships across a wide range of industries, including:

• Automotive
• Construction
• Business and administration
• Health and social care
• Engineering
• Agriculture
• Creative arts
• …and more.

We also provide Skills Bootcamps, flexible learning programmes, and bespoke training solutions – perfect for recruiting new talent or upskilling your current workforce. Our expert team can also help you navigate available Government funding.

Join us for our employer breakfast morning

📅 Friday, June 27
🕗 8am–10am
📍 Bridgwater Campus
Book your free place

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and speak with our Business Growth Team about your workforce plans. Whether you’re looking at apprenticeships, Foundation options, or other training routes, we’re here to offer guidance – no commitment required.