Staying connected

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Staying connected

In this step, you will start by focusing on the problem of how to help learners stay connected to their training across several locations.

Apprentices typically spend 80% of their time (that’s four days a week) in the workplace, and 20% of their time (one day a week) fulfilling the requirement for off-the-job training. This requirement is prescribed under the ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency) rules for apprenticeships.

The off-the-job training can take a number of forms:

  • Day release at college.
  • Day release at a training provider.
  • Training provided by the employer.
  • It can also take place in small chunks throughout the week, rather than on one specific day.

This training can also be:

  • face-to-face
  • online
  • blended.

The use of a blended learning approach is encouraged. However, it is not permitted for all off-the-job training to consist of distance learning.

The Department for Education provides an example of using a blended approach:

Ayo is employed as an apprentice software development technician. The majority of his job is desk-based, at his computer. He has a suite of on-demand learning including: high-quality videos, animations, check learning questions, quizzes, case studies and external resources that are available to him. This is also supported by face-to-face learning. Ayo’s employer likes that they can track his progress as he learns at his own pace and that he has the flexibility to use quieter periods of work to access his distance learning. A record of Ayo’s distance learning is automatically recorded, so the training provider can monitor his progress and evidence his training. As Ayo works 40 hours per week, his training provider can ensure that at least 8 hours per week are spent on off-the-job training.

DfE, Apprenticeships off-the-job training. June 2017, p.9.

Where do apprentices work?

For most apprentices there are at least four different locations involved in their apprenticeship:

  • college/training provider
  • workplace
  • commute
  • home/library.

Who do apprentices work with?

An apprentice works with and builds up relationships with a number of people throughout the apprenticeship. This includes:

  • trainers/coaches at college or through their training provider
  • their manager at their workplace
  • other apprentices at the same college/training provider
  • other apprentices at the same workplace.

Having contact with everyone involved in their apprenticeship anytime, anywhere allows apprentices to join up their experience and to understand how their off-the-job training links to the workplace training.

Have your say:

Describe the context for your apprentices:

  • How is the 20% off-the-job training organised?
  • How many different locations do your apprentices work in and with how many different groups of people?
  • What are some of the challenges this brings for you and for your apprentices?

Share and discuss your thoughts with other learners in the Comments.

© University of Leeds / UCL / Ufi Charitable TrustView 1 commentMark as completeKEEPING CONNECTED: MODELLING GOOD PRACTICEVIDEOWELCOME TO WEEK TWOVIDEO

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