If you’re taking on an apprentice or already have one in your team, you’ll no doubt be focused on helping them gain the practical skills they need to do their job well. To get the most out of their apprenticeship and to meet national requirements, they must spend time learning away from their immediate role.
That’s where off-the-job training comes in!
We understand that setting aside working hours for training can raise questions, especially when managing a busy team, but off-the-job training is not only crucial for your apprentice’s qualification, it also brings real value to your business.
Off-the-job training is defined as learning which takes place during an apprentice’s normal working hours but is not part of their day-to-day role. It must account for at least 20% of their contracted hours throughout the apprenticeship.
This doesn’t mean they need to be in a classroom one day a week; off-the-job training is flexible and can take many forms, including:
We work with you to plan and track these hours, so they can fit around your business needs while ensuring the apprentice stays on track with their qualification.
We often hear from employees who see off-the-job as something that takes the apprentice away from their duties. But in reality, it gives them the space and structure they need to grow, understand their role more deeply, and become more effective in the workplace.
Here’s why it matters:
The purpose of an apprenticeship is not just to learn how to do the job, it’s to understand the theory, context, and best practice behind it. Off-the-job training helps the apprentice make the lines between what they’re doing and why they’re doing it. This results in employees who think more critically, spot opportunities for improvement, and contribute more effectively.
Apprentices who feel invested are far more likely to stay with the business. Giving them structured time to learn shows that you’re serious about their development. It builds trust, motivation, and a stronger connection to your organisation.
Every apprenticeship is mapped against an occupational standard, which outlines the knowledge, skills, and behaviours the apprentice must demonstrate. Off-the-job training is what helps them get there. Without it, they are unlikely to pass their End-Point-Assessment, which reflects on both the apprentice and you, the employer.
When apprentices spend time learning, they often bring fresh ideas and insights back into the team. Whether it’s a more efficient way of working, a new approach to a challenge, or a better understanding of customer needs, off-the-job learning feeds directly into better performance.
As the training provider, it’s our role to make sure the apprentice receives the minimum on-the-job training required by government guidelines. If this isn’t met, their apprenticeship cannot be successfully completed. We’ll support you to ensure everything is recorded correctly and delivered in a way that works for you both.
As the employer, you play a key role in supporting off-the-job learning. Here’s how you can make it work:
We know the time commitment involved in supporting an apprentice, and we also know that it pays off. Off-the-job training is not a hurdle, it’s a key ingredient in helping your apprentice develop into a confident, skilled and knowledgeable member of your team.
By supporting your apprentice to take their off-the-job time seriously, you’re not only helping them complete their qualification, you’re building a stronger future for your business too.
Got questions about off-the-job training or how to structure it around your business? We’re here to support you every step of the way.