Apprenticeship Key Facts: What You Can Expect

Starting an apprenticeship is an important step forward in a person’s career. Skills Edge Training ensures that apprentices understand their entitlements and the support available to them throughout their programme. Apprenticeships are designed to provide time, training, and resources so that learners can succeed, and there are clear rules to make this happen.

Here are the key facts every apprentice should know:

1. Protected Learning Time

Every apprentice is entitled to off-the-job training time which is dedicated to study and training. This protected time must be separate from completing their day-to-day job role and ensures they can focus on developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for their End-Point Assessment.

Off-the-job training hours are person and programme specific, but a good rule of thumb is on average 6 hours per week. You can find your off-the-job training hours within your apprenticeship agreement and Aptem dashboard.

2. A Supportive Mentor

Each apprentice is assigned a workplace mentor, usually their line manager. This mentor works alongside a Skills Edge assessor to guide their development, support them in building and applying new skills in the workplace, and help them prepare for their End-Point Assessment (EPA).

3. Regular Reviews

Apprentices, employers, and Skills Edge assessors are required to meet for mandatory Progress and Planning Reviews. These sessions track progress, highlight any additional support required, and plan next steps so the apprentice always knows how they are performing. These reviews take place every 10 weeks and are a mandatory requirement of remaining on programme.

4. Training and Learning Environment

Employers must ensure that apprentices can attend scheduled training sessions in an environment conducive to learning. They are also responsible for providing:

A computer with webcam, microphone, speakers, and reliable internet.
Opportunities for observation in the workplace, which may include screen sharing on Microsoft Teams.
Access to work-based evidence (such as reports, emails or letters), which apprentices must be able to fully redact to protect personal data under GDPR and use in their portfolio of evidence.

5. Employment Rights and Pay

Apprentices receive a contract of employment that:

Covers the full duration of their apprenticeship.
Guarantees payment of at least the lawful minimum wage for apprentices (or higher, if agreed).
Confirms that apprentices incur no cost for their apprenticeship, wages cannot be reduced or make deductions to cover training or assessment.

6. Costs Covered by Employers

Employers are responsible for the cost of:

Professional body memberships.
Examination and End-Point Assessment resits.

If an apprentice leaves within the first 13 weeks, the employer may be required to reimburse Skills Edge Training for exam or material costs. This responsibility does not fall on the apprentice.

7. Commitment to Success

Employers are required to support apprentices in completing their programme by the agreed end date. If additional training is needed beyond that date, the employer may be liable for further costs, but the apprentice will not be asked to contribute.

Summary

Apprentices at Skills Edge Training can expect:

Protected study time every week.
Support from both a workplace mentor and Skills Edge Training staff.
A fair employment contract covering the full duration of their apprenticeship.
No personal costs for training, exams, or professional memberships.
Full employer commitment to helping them achieve their qualification.

✨ Apprenticeships are a three-way partnership between the apprentice, the employer, and Skills Edge Training. These commitments are in place to ensure that every apprentice has the time, resources, and support needed to succeed, achieve their qualification, and progress in their chosen career.