An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences.
Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 6 hours per weel of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider, which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.
An apprenticeship includes:
- paid employment with holiday leave
- hands-on-experience in a sector/role of interest
- at least 6 hours per week off-the-job training
- formal assessment which leads to a nationally recognised qualification
There are various levels of apprenticeship available:
Intermediate Apprenticeship
(Level 2 – equivalent to five A*-C GCSEs)
Advanced Apprenticeship
(Level 3 – equivalent to two A-levels)
Higher Apprenticeship
(Levels 4-7 – equivalent to a foundation degree and above)
Degree Apprenticeship
(Levels 6 & 7 – full bachelors or master’s degree)
Asset Training can assist you with the recruitment of new Apprentices for your business free of charge via the National Apprenticeship website. Our Recruitment Officers will filter candidates based on their suitability for the role before sending over a shortlist of candidates for you to make the final decision.
What is off the job training?
Off-the-job training
In England, it is a statutory requirement for an apprentice to spend at least 6 hours per week of their paid time ‘off-the-job’. This involves essential training to help the apprentice gain the skills needed to complete their apprenticeship.
Off-the-job training is delivered by subject experts and can include:
- teaching theory (e.g. classroom lessons, lectures and online learning)
- practical training (e.g. shadowing, mentoring, industry visits)
- learning support and time to write assignments
The training can take place in or out of the work environment. Some employers will offer in-house training; others may work with colleges, universities and training providers to deliver the training for them.
The training must equate to 20% of the overall contracted hours for the duration of the apprenticeship. It can be delivered flexibly, for example, as part of each day, once a week, or as a block release.
The employer and the training provider will decide on the most appropriate model.
What are my responsibilities as an Employer?
Your apprentice must:
- work with experienced staff
- learn job-specific skills
- get time for training or study during their working week (at least 6 hours per week of their normal working hours)
The minimum hours of employment for an apprentice should be at least 30 hours per week. By exception, where the individual’s circumstances or the particular nature of employment in a given sector makes this impossible, then an absolute minimum of 16 hours must be met. In such cases the duration of the apprenticeship should be extended.
Issuing a contract of employment and paying at least the Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage. Apprentices aged 16-18, or who are in the first year of their apprenticeship, must be paid a minimum of £5.28 per hour. If the apprentice is 19 or over and has completed the first year of the apprenticeship, they are entitled to the National Minimum Wage.
All apprentices must have an Apprenticeship Agreement between the employer and the apprentice and a commitment statement with their Employer and Training Provider.
Provide apprentices with the same benefits as other employees.
Information taken from: www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeships-guide-for-employers
Information taken from: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/what-is-an-apprenticeship