Employer Resources
Off-the-Job Training
Off-the-job training is a statutory requirement for all apprenticeships. It's the structured learning that develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours your apprentice needs—and from August 2025, the rules are simpler than ever.
Watch: Off-the-Job Training Explained
A quick overview of what you need to know as an employer
What is Off-the-Job Training?
Off-the-job training is learning that takes place during your apprentice's normal paid working hours, specifically designed to help them achieve the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in their apprenticeship standard.
It's different from on-the-job training, which is the day-to-day learning that happens naturally through doing the job. Off-the-job training is structured, planned in advance, and directly linked to the apprenticeship requirements.
This training can happen at your workplace, at our premises, online, or elsewhere—what matters is that it's purposeful learning that builds new capabilities.
Key Points for Employers
What's Changing?
The government is simplifying off-the-job training requirements. Here's what's new for apprenticeships starting from August 2025.
Published minimum hours
No more calculating 20% of working hours. Each apprenticeship standard now has a fixed minimum off-the-job training hours requirement published upfront.
Flexible delivery
The required hours can be delivered over any timeframe (minimum 8 months). There's no longer a link between hours and programme duration.
No full-time / part-time distinction
Part-time apprentices no longer automatically need extended programmes. Duration is set based on realistic training expectations for their working hours.
Minimum 187 hours
No programme can fall below 187 hours of evidenced delivery, even with prior learning recognition. The minimum duration remains 8 months.
What Counts as Off-the-Job Training?
Understanding what can and can't be included helps you plan effectively and ensure compliance.
Can Be Included
Teaching of theory
Lectures, role playing, simulation exercises, online learning, manufacturer training
Practical training
Shadowing, mentoring, industry visits, participation in competitions
Learning support
One-to-one coaching, tutorials, additional support sessions
Assignments
Time spent writing assignments and coursework
Revision
Preparation for assessments and end-point assessment
Cannot Be Included
Initial assessment and onboarding activities
English and maths standalone qualifications (delivered separately)
Training for skills not required by the apprenticeship standard
Progress reviews
Examinations and on-programme testing
Training outside normal working hours (unless agreed and compensated)
How Are Hours Calculated?
The old way: Providers calculated 20% of each apprentice's contracted working hours over their planned programme duration. This was complicated and varied by apprentice.
The new way (from August 2025): Each apprenticeship standard has a published minimum number of off-the-job training hours. No calculation needed—it's the same for everyone on that standard.
This minimum can only be reduced if there's evidence of relevant prior learning (RPL). Even then, no programme can fall below 187 hours of training or 8 months duration.
Important
Funding is at risk of recovery if the minimum off-the-job training hours aren't delivered. We ensure all training is properly planned and documented from day one.
Example: Level 5 Operations Manager
Actual hours for each standard are published by Skills England.
Minimum Hours by Apprenticeship
Look up the published minimum off-the-job training hours for any apprenticeship standard. This is the baseline for apprentices with no prior learning.
Showing 668 of 724 apprenticeship standards
Apprenticeship | Level | Min Hours | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
Abattoir worker ST0418 | 2 | 278 | £6,000 |
Academic professional ST0477 | 7 | 370 | £9,000 |
Accident repair technician ST0352 | 3 | 605 | £12,000 |
Accountancy or taxation professional ST0001 | 7 | 787 | £21,000 |
Accounting finance manager ST1303 | 6 | 626 | £27,000 |
Accounts or finance assistant ST0608 | 2 | 278 | £7,000 |
Actuarial technician ST0004 | 4 | 535 | £15,000 |
Actuary ST0502 | 7 | 883 | £18,000 |
Adult care worker ST0005 | 2 | 300 | £4,000 |
Advanced and creative hair professional ST0214 | 3 | 348 | £5,000 |
Advanced beauty therapist ST0211 | 3 | 370 300 until Jan | £8,000 |
Advanced butcher ST0077 | 3 | 439 | £12,000 |
Advanced clinical practitioner (integrated degree) ST0564 | 7 | 744 | £12,000 |
Advanced digital forensic professional ST1409 | 7 | 626 | £27,000 |
Advanced furniture CNC technician ST0655 | 3 | 626 | £11,000 |
Advanced sports turf technician ST1323 | 3 | 418 | £8,000 |
Advanced upholsterer ST0656 | 3 | 578 | £10,000 |
Advertising and media executive ST0644 | 3 | 348 | £11,000 |
Advertising creative ST1340 | 6 | 418 | £17,000 |
Aerospace engineer ST0010 | 6 | 1205 | £27,000 |
Data from ESFA Apprenticeship Funding Rules Annex C (Version 2, July 2025). Hours shown are from January 2026 onwards unless noted.
Active Learning Requirements
Training must happen regularly throughout the programme—not all at once or with long gaps.
Standard Delivery
Active learning must take place at least every calendar month.
If no training happens for 2 consecutive months, a break in learning must be recorded.
Block Release / Front-Loaded
Active learning must take place at least every 3 calendar months.
This model must be agreed with you and documented in the training plan.
Good to know
Active learning doesn't have to be delivered by us. It can include any activity agreed and documented in the training plan—including employer-delivered training, mentoring, or independent study.
What We Handle vs What You Provide
As your training provider, we take responsibility for planning, delivering and evidencing off-the-job training. Here's how we work together.
VQ Solutions Handles
You Provide
Off-the-Job Training FAQs
Common questions from employers about off-the-job training requirements and how they work in practice.
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