Off-the-Job’ Training Explained

Why is off-the-job training important?

An Apprenticeship focuses on helping the apprentice gain the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to become fully competent in their chosen occupation. Off-the-job training provides opportunities for the apprentice to engage in a range of learning activities that support them in completing their Apprenticeship.

Is it mandatory?

All Apprenticeships include off-the-job training, which both the employer and apprentice must actively support.

What is the required amount of training for my apprentice?

Apprentices are required to spend a minimum of 20% of their working hours (excluding overtime) on off-the-job training. This can be arranged flexibly—such as daily sessions, one day per week, one week in every five, or block release. The structure doesn’t matter, as long as the apprentice completes the full 20% requirement.

Will this require them to be away from work often?

Many people misunderstand the term ‘off-the-job’—it doesn’t mean the apprentice will spend most of their time away from work.

Training can be delivered flexibly, whether at the apprentice’s workplace, an external venue, one of our campuses, or online

Which activities qualify as off-the-job training?

According to the government, off-the-job training is “any learning carried out outside the normal day-to-day work that contributes to completing an Apprenticeship.”

Examples include:

  • Classroom-based theory, role-playing, or simulations

  • Online learning courses

  • Writing assignments

  • Inductions with an educational component that develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours essential to the Apprenticeship**

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Which activities do not qualify as off-the-job training?

Off-the-job training does not cover:

  • English and Maths up to Level 2. If needed, these are funded separately, and we’ll help you plan the best approach.

  • Participation in progress reviews or on-programme assessments required for the Apprenticeship.

  • Any training conducted outside the apprentice’s paid working hours.

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Is off-the-job training paid for by the employer?

Yes. Off-the-job training must take place during the apprentice’s regular working hours, and they should be paid for this time. If training occurs outside their usual hours (such as an evening webinar), the employer must give the apprentice equivalent time off in lieu.

What’s the best way to track off-the-job training hours?

At the beginning of the Apprenticeship, your Training Consultant will walk you through a ‘Commitment Statement,’ which explains how the programme will be delivered and how off-the-job training will be organised. The apprentice is responsible for keeping their online portfolio up to date by logging all off-the-job training hours.