Young people without grade 4 GCSEs in English and maths are being shut out from hundreds of entry-level apprenticeships intended to provide a first step into work. An FE Week analysis of all 1,286 level 2 vacancies advertised through the government’s Find an Apprenticeship service on September 18 found 252 – almost one in five – made grade 4 or higher in both subjects an ‘essential’ entry requirement. Only 12 of those adverts explicitly said functional skills or equivalent alternative qualifications would be accepted. A further 125 vacancies required passes in both subjects at a lower or unspecified grade. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits. subscribe If you have an account, please login. Sign in