Apprentice Rights and Responsibilities

“Off-the-job” training is delivered during your apprentice’s normal working hours. Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their working hours completing “Off-the-job” training. An employer could lose access to current funding, and have previous awards clawed back if they fail to release apprentices for the off-the-job training.

Find out more about what this means here

According to the funding rules from the Education and Skills Funding Agency all the new standards must contain 20% off the job training that means learning above and beyond candidates’ normal duties. Most employers agree that this is a reasonable requirement.

The ESFA defines off the job as learning which is undertaken outside of the normal day to day working environment and leads towards the achievement of an apprenticeship. Training can be delivered at the apprentices’ normal place of work but not as part of their normal working duties.

Working hours:

An apprentice should work for a minimum of 30 hours a week, and a maximum of 40. Time spent off the job at a college or in training is included. Part-time apprenticeships can be agreed by your employer, at a minimum of 16 hours per week.

Time allowed for assessments:

Assessment days can vary in length, though they usually cover one afternoon or a couple of days.

Working hours:

Apprentices can start work as young as 16 and apprenticeships are generally for a minimum of 30 hours per week. The working time regulations state that young workers should not work more than eight hours a day and 40 hours a week and don’t normally work at night.

Do apprentices get paid for breaks?

This means that you have the same employee rights as any one else and that your employer cannot exploit you. Although you will still be training during your apprenticeship scheme. You will receive a regular wage and still be entitled to holidays, fair working hours and rest breaks.

Are apprentices entitled to sick pay?

As an apprentice, you get the same minimum entitlements as other employees under the Working Time Regulations 1998. You’ll receive: Statutory Sick Pay. Holiday pay and entitlement.

Apprentices’ rights and responsibilities

You are entitled to a contract of employment, and a minimum of 20 days paid leave each year, plus bank holidays. You will work at least 30 hours per week with your employer, and undertake part-time study through a mixture of day/block release, distance and e-learning.

For any advice and guidance on any of the above contact your tutor who will be able to answer any specific queries