What is off the job training?

What is off-the-job learning?

Apprenticeships must last a minimum of 12 months and involve at least 20% off-the-job learning. This 20% off-the-job learning is measured over the course of the apprenticeship and is an essential part of the apprenticeship and therefore must take place during employed time.

If learning activities must, by exception, take place outside of contractual hours we would expect this to be recognised (for example, through time off in lieu). We recognise that some apprentices may wish to undertake learning activities outside of their working hours, however learning undertaken outside paid employment (and therefore outside the apprenticeship) cannot be counted towards meeting the 20% requirement.

The off-the-job learning must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship framework or standard and must teach new knowledge, skills and behaviours that will contribute to the successful achievement of the apprenticeship.

It could include the following:

• The teaching of theory e.g., lectures, workshops, role playing, simulation exercises, online learning.

• Practical training e.g., work shadowing, mentoring, industry visits, attendance at competitions.

• Learning support and time spent writing assessments/assignments.

Off-the-job learning does not include:

• English and maths (up to level 2).

• Progress reviews or on-programme assessment needed for an apprenticeship framework or standard.

• Learning activities which take place outside the apprentice’s paid working hours.

To decide whether a learning activity constitutes off-the-job learning, it may be helpful to consider it in comparison to activities undertaken by other staff that are fully occupationally competent.

The apprentices’ commitment statement should, amongst other information, outline the programme of learning that the apprentice should receive and set out how the training provider intends to fulfil the 20% off-the-job learning requirement.

Off-the-job learning should be seen as an opportunity to upskill your apprentice that will bring real long-term benefits.

Where off-the-job learning should take place

Off-the job learning activities can take place at the apprentice’s workplace or off-site e.g. in a classroom or from home via distance learning, as part of a blended approach.

It is the activity, rather than the location that determines whether the learning meets the criteria. It is possible for an apprentice to be undergoing learning activities outside of their normal working duties while physically at their normal workstation. For example, being taught how to operate new machinery or use a new IT package.

Evidencing the off-the-job learning

All 20% off-the-job learning is recorded and monitored throughout the duration of the apprenticeship to ensure the apprentice is meeting their requirements. All off-the-job learning must be recorded in the EPortfolio Learning Journal section.

Your learning journal comments should explain what new knowledge, skills and behaviours have been learnt in the workplace, and the impact it has had on you and your apprenticeship and how you can embed them into your working practices.

Off-the-job learning methods

The 20% off-the-job learning can be achieved in a variety of ways, from formal classroom-based lectures and workshops through to informal work-based coaching and mentoring.

For further support contact the Careers, Destination, and Tracking Officer on careers@keytraining.co.uk