Off-the-job training and apprentices

all you need to know

What Counts Towards the 6 hours per week
‘Off-The-Job’ Apprenticeship Training?

From 1 August 2022, the minimum volume of hours will no longer be linked to working hours; instead will have a consistent figure, irrespective of the hours worked by the apprentice. This will be six hours per week (this figure was chosen as it represents 20 per cent of 30 hours, which all part-time apprentices are currently doing).

Off-the-Job Learning Activities	Description
Working through a relevant course or qualification	Working through a relevant course or qualification
Completing course assignments	Working on assignments, including practice/formative assessments
Guided mentor/coach visits	Sessions with a mentor/coach in which learning is taking place
Shadowing	Being assigned to shadow a colleague in order to observe them perform their job role
Mentoring	Using skills/knowledge to provide colleagues with developmental advice
Workshops/masterclasses	Meetings where training and/or discussions have taken place around topics or skills related to the apprenticeship
Industry visits	Visits to external organisations or departments within your organisation
Learning support	Support provided by your organisation related to professional development
Completing workbooks/tasks	Completing written material which is linked directly to the apprenticeship
Preparation for professional discussion	Any time spent preparing information or materials prior to a professional discussion
Gathering evidence for e-portfolio	Gathering evidence of progression for the e-portfolio
Gathering evidence for reflective discussion	Preparing information or materials prior to a reflective discussion
Attendance at conferences	Attending conferences relevant to the apprentice’s job role, professional development or apprenticeship
Simulation/role play exercises	Carrying out a controlled activity in order to practice for a real-life situation
Additional support/accommodations	Revision classes, personal support, additional time, or other accommodations for apprentices with additional learning needs
Networking events	Attending networking events related to professional development within the apprenticeship

Ask the following questions:

Is the learner currently enrolled on their apprenticeship?
Is the activity directly relevant to the apprenticeship (i.e. teaching skills, knowledge or behaviours that are set out in the apprenticeship standard)?
Is the activity teaching the apprentice new knowledge, skills and behaviours?
Is the learning taking place during the apprentice’s paid working hours (or are they receiving time off in lieu or additional payment if the learning must take place outside of their working hours)?

If the answer to all four questions is ‘yes’, the activity can be regarded as off-the-job training.

What doesn’t count as off-the-job training?

Anything that doesn’t meet the criteria above shouldn’t be counted as off-the-job training.
Some examples:

Travel time, for example when travelling to workshops
Training for skills, knowledge or behaviours that aren’t included in the apprenticeship standard, even if they’re necessary for your apprentice’s specific role in your organisation (for example, an HR apprentice that’s being trained to manage the company’s social media)> Is the activity teaching the apprentice new knowledge, skills and behaviours?
English and Maths training to meet the requirement that all apprentices hold a Level 2 English and Maths qualification by the time they complete their apprenticeship
Progress reviews and on-programme assessments that are needed for the assessment of the apprenticeship, rather than for the purpose of developing new skills

Still got questions about apprenticeships?

North West Community Services Training are a main provider on the Register of Approved Training Providers (RoATP) specialising in Childcare, Teaching Assistant, Business and Adult Healthcare apprenticeship training.

Our staff will be happy to help with any further questions that you may have.
Please contact Shirley on shirley-ashcroft@nwcsltd.uk / 07548 840179 for further information.

Further information

Apprenticeship off-the-job training

Department for Education document on policy background and examples

Off-the-job training - Myth vs Fact

Separate the myths from the facts with this handy guide

Off-the-job training flowchart

steps to help you determine whether an activity counts as off-the-job training

Your common questions, answered

What is off-the-job training for apprentices?

Training that is delivered outside of their normal working duties.

How much time should be dedicated to off-the job training?

The apprentice must receive off-the-job training for a minimum of 20% of the time that they are paid to work.

Is it a requirement?

Yes – All apprenticeships in England must include 20% off-the-job training

What is the benefit?

It reinforces practical, work-based learning with technical and theoretical learning.

Is this a new feature of Apprenticeships?

No
All apprenticeships in England must include 20% off-the-job training

Can we use our apprenticeship levy or Government funding to pay for extra on-costs and salary payments?

No – They can only be used for training and assessment of an apprentice.

Are there different rules for small and large employers?

No – The same rules apply equally to all employers – large or small, private or public sector.

How should it be recorded?

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) don’t prescribe the type of evidence that should be retained as they prefer learning providers and employers to use naturally occurring evidence where this is available

How will this be checked?

Learning providers, including employers who are also their own learning providers, will be subject to Ofsted inspections and ESFA audits.

Helping Shape Your Future

Since 1986

Helping Shape Your Future

Since 1986