There is a funding requirement for Apprentices to conduct, record and evidence “20% off-the-job learning” . This has caused confusion and concern amongst providers and employers. The requirement applies to the whole of the apprenticeship including any “Gateway Period” that sits between the end of the degree and the date of the End Point Assessment. Therefore, day release alone will not typically be enough to meet the compliance requirements of the ESFA and many block delivery patterns offer a more condensed delivery of classroom learning. We have developed initial guidance that can be used to help employers and Apprentice learners (and SHU staff) at the University’s Welcome and Information Evenings that are held periodically.

The Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning (Portfolio Task Group) have developed Pebblepad Workbooks in specific subject areas and work continues to role out these across the University’s Apprenticeship portfolio. These Pebblepad Workbooks also offer a way for learners to record and evidence the 20% off-the-job-learning requirement within their overall portfolio.

This approach allows the employer and the training provider (SHU) to review that evidence and put it before the End Point Assessment Organisation or the ESFA if SHU is audited.  Each Course Leader should be familiar with the Pebbblepad Workbook for their area of specialism and work-based learning tutors should work with the faculty TEL (Technology Enhanced Learning) team to implement smart portfolio learning within work-based learning  modules.  The Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning forum is a great place to tap into best practice.

The Department for Education offers a useful guide which includes examples of what might count as ‘off-the-job-learning’.

Please take a loo at SHU’s 20% off-the-job introduction guidance and the pilot 20% off-the-job recording template for adaptation by course teams and trial use by employers.