Calculating off-the-job training hours
When calculating the required amount of off-the-job training, the apprentice’s statutory leave entitlement must be deducted.
Employees who work a 5-day week receive 28 days paid statutory leave (20 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays), which is the equivalent of 5.6 weeks of holiday. The apprentice’s own annual leave entitlement, which may be higher than the statutory leave allowance, must not be used in the calculation.
Therefore, for a full-time apprentice following a 12-month apprenticeship, off-the-job training is delivered over 46.4 weeks (52 weeks minus 5.6 weeks of statutory leave).
An off-the-job learning activity must occur every calendar month during the practical period of an apprenticeship. This training can take different forms, such as:
- Face-to-face classroom learning
- Independent directed learning, which may include working on assessments or coursework
- Any other form of off-the-job activity that contributes to the apprentice’s learning and development outlined in the Training Place
This is to ensure that apprentices remain engaged and continue progressing towards completing their apprenticeship.
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION, 2023. Apprenticeship off- the-job training Policy background and examples to support the 2023 / 2024 apprenticeship funding rules [viewed 2 May 2024]. Available from: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/
Below is an overview of the of the delivery for Solent University Digital Apprentices.
Apprentices should be doing 46.4 weeks of learning per year or 46.4 Off-the-job Study Days so there is flexibility in assessment weeks and holiday breaks to self-manage your learning outside of the formal teaching delivery to take your holidays.
| Trimester 1 - (Sept – Jan) |
|---|
| 12 Weeks Teaching Delivery plus 2 weeks Assessments = 14 weeks total |
| Plus, Winter Break 2 weeks can be used for other Training plans tasks |
| Trimester 2 - (Jan - May) |
| 12 Weeks Teaching Delivery plus 3 weeks Assessments = 15 weeks total |
| Plus, Spring Break 2 weeks can be used for other Training plans tasks |
| Trimester 2 – (May – Sept) |
| 9 Weeks Teaching Delivery plus 3 week directed Learning & 3 weeks Assessments = 15 weeks total |
| Plus, Summer Break 3 weeks can be used for other Training plans tasks |