As an apprentice, you will spend at least 20 per cent of your working time being trained. Typically, this means you will receive a day of off-the-job training every week, though some employers do it differently. For instance, you might be expected to undertake two half-days of training every week; or perhaps spend a week on training every month.
What’s important is that you are given the proper amount of time to learn new skills and further your understanding of the job.
All apprenticeships must offer a minimum of 20 per cent off-the-job training as well as on-the-job learning, but a higher quality apprenticeship may offer even more.
Off-the-job training
Off-the-job training is an opportunity to learn a broader set of skills and behaviours relevant to your future occupation. It is called ‘off-the-job’ training because it is time set aside for things you wouldn’t normally do during the rest of the week on your apprenticeship. Crucially, you will be learning new knowledge and improving your abilities.
Time spent on training is included as part of your regular working hours, which means you will be paid for it. In some rare circumstances you might be asked to attend a training session outside of your normal hours (e.g. evenings or weekends), in which case you would be compensated with time off or extra pay.
Training may be given at a college, a training centre or at your normal place of work. Again, it all depends on your employer.
Here are some of the things you can expect from off-the-job training:
- Learning theory – through lectures, written assessments or online exercises
- Learning relevant behaviours, perhaps through role playing or simulations
- Practical training such as shadowing and mentoring
- Health and safety training relevant to the occupation
- Networking events, industry visits and competitions
Support for those that need it
As part of your apprenticeship you can also get training in English and maths, if you don’t already have Level 2 in those areas (or the equivalent qualifications, such as a GCSE).
Your training provider will help with an initial assessment of your English and Maths and extra support can be given. This is not considered as off-the-job training and is in addition to the apprenticeship training you will receive
How is it funded ?
As an employer that doesn’t pay the apprenticeship levy (larger companies only) , you pay just 5% towards the cost of training and assessing an apprentice.
The government will pay the rest up to the funding band maximum. You’ll pay the training provider directly and agree on a payment schedule.
If you employ fewer than 50 employees, the government will pay 100% of the apprenticeship training costs up to the funding band maximum for apprentices aged:
- 16 to 18
- 19 to 24 with an education, health and care plan provided by their local authority or has been in the care of their local authority
If you exceed the funding band maximum, you’ll need to pay all the additional costs.
For more information go to https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/
For more information of off the job training CLICK HERE
