Two documents are central to starting an apprenticeship in England: the apprenticeship agreement and the training plan. They serve different purposes and both need to be in place for a funded apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship agreement
The apprenticeship agreement is between the employer and the apprentice. It confirms the employment arrangements and the apprenticeship the individual is working towards.
- the occupation or apprenticeship standard
- the planned start and end dates
- the amount of training to be provided
- the employment and working arrangements relevant to the apprenticeship
The agreement must be signed at the start of the apprenticeship. Employers can use the current GOV.UK template or their own compliant document.
Training plan
The training plan is agreed by the employer, apprentice and training provider. It is the practical plan for how the apprenticeship will be delivered and should remain a current working document throughout the programme.
- the planned content and schedule for training
- the off-the-job training requirement and how it will be delivered
- what the employer, provider and apprentice are each expected to do
- how progress will be reviewed
- how questions, concerns or complaints will be handled
The employer must make sure the apprentice is released from their normal productive duties for the required off-the-job training during paid working time.
If the apprentice already has relevant experience
The training provider must assess relevant prior learning before the programme is finalised. Where genuine prior learning is evidenced, the training content, required off-the-job hours and price may be reduced. Any adjustment should be agreed with both the employer and the apprentice.
