Many employers are still getting to grips with the 20% off the job rules, what you really want to know is… what does this mean for you?
This is not a new rule, it has been a part of apprenticeship programmes for a long time. According to the ESFA’s apprenticeships funding rules here ESFA PDF, all new standards must contain 20% off-the-job training. “the requirement for at least 20% off-the-job training is one of our core, and well established, principles that underpins a quality apprenticeship”
First things first, what is meant by off the job training? This is learning that is vital to your apprentice’s journey and knowledge, this will be done outside of their normal working routine but during contracted hours, this can either be delivered on or off site (companies offices or grounds).
“The 20% threshold is the minimum amount of time that should be spent doing off-the-job training during an apprenticeship and this applies to both apprenticeship frameworks and apprenticeship standards. All apprenticeship standards have been developed under the guidance that they are sufficiently stretching to require at least a year of employment, with off-the-job training accounting for at least 20% of the apprentice’s employed time.” – Source
“On-the-job training reinforces practical, work-based learning with technical and theoretical learning. The focus of off-the-job training is on teaching new skills rather than assessing existing skills”. – Source
Tip: The provider and the employer both hold responsibility to ensure the apprentice is spending 20% of their apprenticeship doing off-the-job training and is part of the planning stage before an apprentice starts their programme.
Some examples of off-the-job training are;
• Classroom Training
• Role Play
• Reflective thinking
• Online learning
• Coaching and/or Mentoring
• Shadowing
• Learning support
• Writing assignments/assessments
What isn’t considered to be off-the-job training;
• English and Maths study
• Any training undertaken outside apprentices contracted working hours
• Inductions
Fact: Off the job training must be relevant to the apprenticeship programme.
How to record this and comply with the ESFA funding rules
Every apprentice you employ should be given a commitment statement, part of this will enclose their programme of training they will receive throughout the apprenticeship and more importantly how the training provider will integrate the 20% off-the job.
Fact: The training provider will take responsibility to maintain evidence of this.
Sources:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/621565/OTJ_training_guidance.pdf
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