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The University of Southampton
Human Resources

Staff apprenticeships - Off the job training

Apprenticeships at all levels must provide a minimum of 20% ‘off the job’ training. Both employer and the apprenticeship provider are responsible for ensuring this takes place.

The definition of ‘off the job’ training, set out in the ESFA funding rules is replicated in the Department for Education guidance and examples . The guidance includes more detail together with illustrative examples.

Off the job training must take place outside of normal working duties and it must be focused on the development of new knowledge, skills and behaviours.

The 20% requirement is measured over the course of the period of the apprenticeship. It must take place during employed time either at the employer’s workplace or off-site. There is flexibility as to at what point during the apprenticeship it may take place.

Training delivered by distance learning can form part, but not all, of the off the job training. Any training in English and Maths cannot be counted within the 20% requirement.

Induction training may count if it provides basics of skills, knowledge and behaviours that are core to the apprenticeship.

Progress reviews, as processes which review what an apprentice has learned, rather than teach it, do not count.

Compliance with the ESFA funding rules includes a requirement to measure and record off the job training.

Next: Completing or ending the apprenticeship

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