We find most employers are fully committed to the training time, seeing it as valuable. Many line managers enjoy hearing about the apprentice's learning. However, a few employers seem confused by the requirement for training time, so here is a simple guide to 5 myths around the off the job training.

Employers - if you take on an apprentice, you are signing a legal obligation to give them 20% of their working week to training (called off-the-job training). Just to be clear:


  1. yes, this has to be in the working week, not in their own time

  2. yes, this is the equivalent of one day a week for a full-time employee 

  3. yes, this time is ring-fenced and protected training time
  4. yes, by registering your apprentice with a training provide and accepting funding, you are legally obliged to give this time
  5. yes, training providers, such as the College, are legally obliged to ensure that apprentices are receiving their 20% off the job training time.

Most employers and apprentices find the combination of on- and off-the-job learning valuable, stimulating and positive. Formal training allows apprentices to explore new theories, models and ideas and then to apply them to their organisation. As the apprentice learns new knowledge, skills and behaviours, they can bring this to their role often immediately in increased ability to contribute, to manage tasks and with improved confidence.