Level 2 – typically 15 months
Level 3 – typically 18 months
Level 4 – typically 21 months
Level 5 – typically 24 months

AGED 16 OR OVER
LIVING IN ENGLAND
NOT IN FULL-TIME EDUCATION
COMPLETE AN APPLICATION FORM TO ENSURE YOU MEET ALL FUNDING CRITERIA
COMPLETE INITIAL ASSESSMENTS, INCLUDING FOR MATHS AND ENGLISH
NOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY DRAWN DOWN FUNDING FOR THE SAME QUALIFICATION

​You will need to spend 5-6 hours per week working to build your knowledge, skills and behaviours to meet the criteria of your apprenticeship

• You will need to record the time spent learning in your Off-the-Job log.
• You will meet with your tutor every month. This might be an online session or face to face
• You will need ensure work is submitted and your off-the-job records are updated prior to every session
• If you have not already achieved your maths and English to the required level, you will need to work towards and pass the required examinations
• You will need to choose a workplace mentor to offer guidance while at work
• You will participate in Progress Review meetings every 10-12 weeks with your mentor and tutor

​If you are aged 16-18 at the start of your apprenticeship and you have not already achieved maths and English to the required level, you will need to complete these alongside your apprenticeship. More details will be provided upon application.

We have more information in our ongoing tasks section.

Apprentices are only required to complete maths and English Functional Skills if:

• They are aged 16–18 at the start of their apprenticeship and do not already hold the required qualifications, or
• Their employer specifically requests that they complete maths and/or English as part of the apprenticeship.

Qualification levels (where required):

• Level 2 apprenticeships: Maths and English to Level 1 (equivalent to GCSE grades D–G / 1–3).
• Level 3, 4 and 5 apprenticeships: Maths and English to Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grade C / 4 or above).

Many learners may already hold the required qualifications. Where this is the case, we will request a copy of the relevant certificate (or confirm achievement via the Learner Record Service) so the learner can be exempt from this requirement.

If a learner is required to complete maths and/or English and does not already hold the appropriate qualification, we will provide full support to help them achieve the necessary Functional Skills qualification.
Any required Functional Skills must be completed before the end of the apprenticeship. An apprenticeship cannot be achieved without evidence of achievement where maths and English are required, so it is important that learners complete this element in good time.

Activities that can meet the Off-the-Job requirement:

• Mentoring, such as shadowing colleagues or coaching, is a practical way to learn and allows the apprentice an opportunity to share best practice through demonstration and questioning.
• Practical Training isn’t just limited to the classroom, it can also include online learning, such as e-learning, webinars and Ted Talks
• Studying sessions for research, completing coursework, projects or assignments.
• Completing workplace reflective journals – written or recorded
• Contributing to online forums relevant to your role and occupation
• Attending conferences or industry shows or competing in competitions
• Visiting other departments or businesses
• Completing further training (if relevant to their apprenticeship)

Activities that do not meet the Off-the-Job requirement:

• Handovers or team meetings where your knowledge, skills and behaviours are not developed
• training to acquire knowledge, skills and behaviours that are not required in the apprenticeship standard;
• progress reviews or on-programme assessment required for an apprenticeship standard;
• training which takes place outside your normal working hours; or
• Functional Skills training

Progress Reviews are a funding requirement, but are also an integral part of celebrating success, identifying development areas and checking that the apprentice is on target.

They are an opportunity for all parties to voice what they feel has gone well and if there are specific focal areas going forward. From an employer’s point of view, it may be that there has been a change in working practice or service type.