The successful completion of an apprenticeship programme is not possible without the commitment of the apprentice, training provider and, crucially, the employer. The nature of the employer commitment varies from apprenticeship standard to standard, but there are a few key commitments that apply across the board.
The employer commitment
Apprentices are required to spend 20% of their contracted hours off the job engaged in training, assessment or associated activities. Apprentices are typically employed on a contract of at least 30 hours, so should have time off for the job training for an average of at least 6 hours per week. Off-the-job hours can be delivered in blocks or weighted differently at different times of the year.
An apprenticeship lasts for the duration of the apprenticeship training. The minimum duration is a year and a week. You should have an apprenticeship agreement in place with the apprentice. You will also need to comply with Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) rules about apprentice wages as set out in the apprenticeship funding rules and guidance for employers.
All apprenticeship standards set expectations for employer support with work-based learning and End Point Assessment. This can include progress meetings with line managers, workplace mentoring and, in some cases, additional placement components.
Before the start of the apprenticeship, the University or partner College will agree a commitment statement with the employer and apprentices which outlines the specific commitments required for completion of the training.