In a recent news update, the EFSA announced some new funding rules which will impact both employers and learners, read our recap below:
Changes to off-the-job training
From the 1st August 2022, the 20% off-the-job requirement for all apprenticeships no longer applied. It was replaced by a baseline of six hours per week, irrespective of hours worked by the apprentice. This now means that apprentices who work more than 30 hours per week can now spend less than 20 per cent of their week doing off-the-job training.
Examples of off-the-job training
Off-the-job training can consist of a range of varied activities, which will help develop the apprentice as a future employee of your business. Here are just a few examples:
- Learning new skills at work through shadowing other members of the team, where this activity has been agreed and documented as part of the agreed training plan.
- In-house training programmes relevant to the apprenticeship
- Coaching sessions with your Vocational/Skills Coach
- Writing reflective journals
- Attendance at workshops, training days and webinars relevant to the apprenticeship
- Self-study that includes reading or watching videos
- Training in new working practices or new equipment
- Role-playing or simulation exercises
- Industry visits/conferences relevant to apprenticeships
- Writing assessments, assignments and completing projects or activities
- Practical training or training in the workplace relevant to the apprenticeship
Changes to Functional Skills
Previous rules surrounding Functional Skills meant that those apprentices who were completing Level 2 apprenticeships were expected to upskill from Level 1 to Level 2 functional skills in a bid to drive the English and Maths element of the course. Now rules state that not all Level 2 learners will be expected to upskill their functional skills and instead the upskilling will be based on certain criteria.
When announcing the changes, the EFSA said “It will mean that thousands of level 2 apprentices can focus on securing a level 1 English and maths qualification with only those who are really ready to take the level 2 tests attempting them”.
