What is Off-The-Job Training? A Guide for Apprentices
What is Off-The-Job Training? A Guide for Apprentices
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to gain practical skills and valuable experience. But it's not all about hands-on, day-to-day tasks. A crucial element is the off-the-job training.
So, what exactly is off-the-job training? Simply put, it's the time spent during your working hours dedicated to learning and applying new knowledge beyond your regular daily duties. It's about stepping away from the familiar and embracing new challenges that broaden your skill set.
It's the opportunity to delve deeper, explore new concepts and gain a wider understanding of your industry. And it's a mandatory part of every apprenticeship programme for a very good reason!
Why is Off-The-Job Training so Important?
Off-the-job training allows apprentices to:
- Gain a broader perspective: It takes you beyond the immediate tasks and helps you understand the bigger picture.
- Develop transferable skills: You'll learn skills that can be applied across various roles and industries, making you a more versatile and valuable employee.
- Enhance theoretical knowledge: It provides the foundation to understand the "why" behind the "how," leading to a deeper understanding of your role.
- Boost confidence and motivation: Learning new skills and tackling new challenges can significantly boost your confidence and motivation.
Examples of Off-The-Job Training
Off-the-job training comes in many forms, here are some common examples:
| Training events | Reflective learning | Project activity |
| Inset days | Shadowing | Research |
| Revision | Networking and moderation events | Revision |
| Coaching | Mentoring | Interactive online learning |
How we help in planning the Off-The-Job Training?
Off-the-job training takes up 20 % of an apprentice’s time, but that doesn’t mean they are out of the setting each week.
At Best Practice Network, we break them into small, manageable chunks that fit into the apprentice’s daily routine. All training is planned in line with your schedule, so your apprentice remains fully involved with your team every day. They complete their e-learning, reflections, and required training activities without stepping away from the setting.
You keep your full team, and they continue to grow.
Example:
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The timetable shows how a full-time Early Years Educator apprentice can complete their 6 hours of off-the-job training each week without needing to be out of the setting for a full day. Instead of taking staff away from ratios, training is woven into the normal nursery schedule. This means the apprentice remains fully involved in daily routines, contributes to the team, and builds their knowledge in real time, without impacting staffing ratios. Far from being ‘away’, they’re learning while doing — in the most meaningful and practical way.
Supported Every Step of the Way
Navigating off-the-job training can seem daunting, but you're not alone. We understand the importance of this vital component. Our Apprenticeship Performance Coaches and in-setting Apprenticeship Mentors are there to support learners in identifying opportunities for evidencing their off-the-job training. They will help you make the most of your training and ensure you're on track to achieve your goals.
More Than Just a Requirement
Off-the-job training is more than just a requirement; it's an opportunity to develop your full potential. Embrace the chance to learn, grow and develop the skills you need to succeed in your chosen career. By actively engaging in off-the-job training, you'll not only enrich your apprenticeship experience but also set yourself up for a bright and successful future.
Want to Know More?
Click here to visit our webpage
Email: enquiries@bestpracticenet.co.uk
Tel: 0117 920 9200 (8.30am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri)