TUC Apprenticeships pack inserts (7a)

5
Training
High-quality training
Apprenticeships are
full-time paid jobs
which incorporate on and
off the job training. A good
quality Apprenticeship
should enable the
apprentice to develop
a range of high quality
transferable skills that are
recognised in a nationally
recognised qualification
on completion of their
contract.
An Apprenticeship must include guided
learning, assessment, training and
monitored workplace practice, planned
and agreed between the apprentice
and their employer. All apprentices need
to have a clear balance between time
working, time learning while working, and
time away from the work-station to study.
An Apprenticeship must not be delivered
only by distance learning. Online and other
blended learning activity can be included
in the delivery of an Apprenticeship,
if it contributes to the Apprenticeship
framework and is appropriate.
Apprenticeship programmes interpret off
the job training differently and the amount
of time spent in college varies from one
Apprenticeship framework to another
and from one employer to another. Some
frameworks typically involve one day’s
release per week to attend college, others
as little as half a day per fortnight. Some
colleges send tutors to the workplace so
much of the learning takes place at work.
In the meantime, union reps should
consider the following points of best
practice when negotiating Apprenticeship
programmes:
➜ ➜ “Off workstation” should mean either
college-based or access to a quiet area
to work in the workplace which is away
from the distractions and demands of
the job.
➜➜
The provider should be consulted
about the amount of time that
the apprentice will be required to
spend in college as well as the time
recommended for study in the
workplace.
➜➜
The employer should also give
consideration to allowing time off for
both the apprentice and their mentor
to meet for mentoring sessions and
informal discussions.
The government has put in place
minimum standards relating to training
(please see Minimum Standards sheet for
further information):
➜➜
280 hours guided learning: guided
learning is the time spent developing
technical skills, knowledge of
theoretical concepts and practical
skills on the job whilst being guided.
Apprentices must spend at least 280
hours in ‘guided learning’ in their first
year.
➜ ➜ 100 hours or 30 per cent (whichever
is greater) of all guided learning must
be delivered off the job. Clear and
verifiable evidence must be provided
of all learning undertaken.