What is an apprentice?
An apprentice is an employee who combines on-the-job training from experienced staff with off-the-job training through studies and training for at least 20% of their normal working hours. Apprentices earn a wage and receive holiday pay and other employee benefits while they learn and progress through their apprenticeship.
Off-the-job training is a vital and mandatory part of every apprenticeship programme. It refers to any learning undertaken by the apprentice during paid working hours that is outside of the usual day-to-day duties, but directly related to the development of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required by their apprenticeship standard.
It’s important to note that off-the-job training must take place during the apprentice’s normal working hours, this means the hours they are paid for, excluding any overtime. Recently, the Department for Education (DfE) introduced changes to how off-the-job training is measured and delivered. Rather than applying a single standard approach across all apprenticeships, the requirement is now tailored to each apprenticeship programme. This means that the minimum number of off-the-job training hours an apprentice must complete will differ depending on the specific apprenticeship they are enrolled on.
These hours are not optional. Apprentices must meet the minimum off-the-job training requirement in order to progress to the gateway stage, the point at which they are assessed for successful completion of their apprenticeship. If this requirement is not met, they cannot move forward, which may cause delays and affect both the apprentice’s progress and their apprenticeship duration.
Employers play a key role in supporting this part of the apprenticeship. This includes allowing apprentices time within their normal working hours to complete their off-the-job learning, working closely with the training provider to plan and structure training time effectively, and creating a supportive environment.
KSBs are essential soft skills that apprentices must achieve before they are assessed at their End Point Assessment (EPA).
Knowledge
The information the apprentice will learn. Covering theory and technical skills. Some of this will be specific to the job, and some will be general skills that are useful in lots of different roles.
Skills
Taking what the apprentice has learnt and using it to do their job. Apprentices will pick these up through training and experience, but they should be about more than just the day-to-day tasks.
Behaviours
Involves demonstrating appropriate professional conduct within the organisational context. While some behaviors are inherent, many can be cultivated and are highly transferable across various occupations, including teamwork, adaptability, and professionalism.
What are functional skills?
The Department for Education announced that from 11 February 2025, for apprentices that are 19 or older, the employer and or apprentice will have the ability to choose to include delivery of English and or maths functional skills qualifications alongside the core apprenticeship delivery.
16-18 year-olds: Must still continue to complete separate Functional Skills Qualifications where they do not already hold the required level.
Find out more on our Functional Skills page.