Knowledge Centre

Off-the-job training is defined as learning which is undertaken outside of day-to-day work duties and leads towards the achievement of the apprenticeship.

Apprentices in England must complete the minimum number of off-the-job training hours set for their apprenticeship standard, which are delivered during paid working hours. The minimum duration for each apprenticeship standard can be found here. 

It is a mandatory requirement for all apprenticeships in England and is designed to give apprentices the skills, knowledge, and behaviours they need to perform their job competently and effectively.

Off-the-job training must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship and can take many forms, including:

• Classroom or workshop training: Apprentices may attend classes or workshops with their training provider to learn specific skills or theoretical knowledge related to their job.
• E-learning: Apprentices may access online learning resources such as videos, interactive modules, or virtual classrooms to learn at their own pace.
• Role-playing or simulations: Apprentices may take part in role-playing exercises or simulations to practise practical skills or decision-making in a safe and controlled environment.
• Mentoring or coaching: Apprentices may receive guidance and support from a mentor or coach who helps them develop their skills and knowledge.
• Industry visits or conferences: Apprentices may attend industry events, conferences, or site visits to gain a broader understanding of their sector and learn from experts in their field.

Employers are responsible for ensuring that their apprentices have access to high-quality off-the-job training and that they are making satisfactory progress towards achieving their apprenticeship standard.

Recording off-the-job training

It’s important to accurately record and track off-the-job training hours to ensure that apprentices meet the minimum requirement and are able to progress to the end-point assessment.

Connect2Care works with apprentices and their line managers to develop a  that outlines all off-the-job training activities and hours, which can be tracked and monitored through our online learning system. This system allows learners to log their off-the-job activities and time spent, providing an easy and efficient way to record and track their training progress.

What are the employer’s responsibilities when offering apprenticeships?

An apprentice is a regular full-time employee and all employment law, health and safety regulations and your normal workplace operating policies and procedures apply.

When offering apprenticeships, employers have a number of responsibilities to fulfil, including:

• Providing a safe and suitable workplace for the apprentice
• Ensuring the apprentice receives the training and support required to achieve their apprenticeship
• Paying the apprentice a wage in line with national minimum wage requirements
• Providing the apprentice with a contract of employment
• Allowing the apprentice to attend training sessions or off-the-job training as required by their apprenticeship
• Giving the apprentice time to complete their apprenticeship, without interfering with their learning and development
• Ensuring that the apprentice is treated fairly and not discriminated against based on their gender, age, race, or any other protected characteristic
• Providing regular feedback and reviews to the apprentice, to help them develop their skills and knowledge.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, employers can create a positive and supportive environment for their apprentices, which helps them to succeed and contribute to the growth and success of the business.