The version of an apprenticeship standard that an apprentice should be registered on is determined primarily by two factors:
The apprentice’s start date on programme
The start and end dates of the standard version
Each version of a standard has a defined lifecycle, including a version start date and, where applicable, an end date.
Key Principles
Apprentices should normally be registered on the version of the standard that aligns with their programme start date
The version must be in effect at the time the apprentice starts their apprenticeship
Flexibility to Use Newer Versions
In some cases:
Apprentices may be registered onto a newer version of the standard than the one that directly aligns with their start date
This allows providers to take advantage of updated content or assessment arrangements where appropriate
However:
Apprentices cannot be registered onto a version of the standard that has an end date prior to their own start date
In other words, a version that has already expired before the apprentice begins must not be selected
How to Identify the Correct Version
Training providers should refer to the version log available on the relevant standard page on the Skills England website:
The version log will show:
All available versions of the standard
The start date for each version
The end date where a version has been withdrawn or replaced
Using this information, providers should ensure they:
Select a version that was active at the apprentice’s start date, or a valid newer version
Avoid selecting any version that falls outside of the apprentice’s eligibility window
Apprentices should be registered on the version of the standard that matches their start date wherever possible. While opting onto a newer version is permitted, it is not acceptable to register an apprentice onto a version that predates their programme start date and is no longer active.