What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a job where formal training is provided as part of the employment contract. This enables the trainee to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to perform effectively in their chosen occupation – defined in the apprenticeship standard.

An apprenticeship course must include structured off-the-job training, which will take place before the end-point assessment, to help develop competence in an occupation. Off-the-job training is undertaken outside the normal day-to-day working environment, and must be completed during paid time.

The DO Apprenticeship was developed by the employer ‘trailblazer’ group in conjunction with IfATE and was approved by the Department for Education on 13/12/23. After that point the processes of appointing an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), institute registration and GOC approval then took place, culminating with the GOC giving their initial approval to commence the pathway in late July 2024.

What is difference the apprenticeship and the current FBDO route?

Whilst learners across the ‘traditional’ FBDO programme and the new apprenticeship pathway will achieve the same end qualification – FBDO – there are certain areas around the delivery the programme which are the same, and some which are different.

Examples of Similarities – these are generally within the academic side of delivery

• Learners complete the same examinations with ABDO Exams (both Theory and Practical)
• Learners complete the same Programme of Study with ABDO College e.g. blended learning of online assignments, block release and practice based development tasks
• Learners must be working under a registered GOC supervisor for at least 30 hours per week
• Applicants must fulfil the ABDO entry criteria to study the qualification
• The anticipated duration of the full programme is the same – 3 years (36 months)

Examples of differences – these are generally in relation to funding, employer responsibilities and external regulations from ESFA etc

• The traditional route is commercially funded, whereas the apprenticeship is funded through the government – levy accounts (in the case of levy paying employers) or through specific government funding and employer co-investment in the case of non-levy paying employers
• Apprentices cannot be charged any costs directly related to the learning plan, e.g. travel and accommodation for block release, practice based equipment to fulfil the minimum ABDO standards (see the FBDO syllabus on the ABDO website for details) if not already available, GOC and ABDO registration. Employers are liable for these expenses.
• Employers must provide their apprentices with time to complete their ‘off-the-job’ learning tasks (e.g. weekly coursework, block release) within paid working hours – these tasks are detailed within each apprentices Learning Plan, devised at the commencement of their course. As a guide, weekly coursework is designed with 7.5 off the job learning hours and apprentices attend block release for 1-2 weeks, twice per academic year. There may also be further sessions delivered to support learners, which will be arranged as needed.
• Employers, learners and training providers are obliged to engage in Progress Reviews (minimum every 12 weeks) to check in on the development of the apprentice.
• Should an apprentice change employer, their apprenticeship moves with them. They cannot be held liable for any fees or costs incurred by the previous employer.
• The on-boarding process of an apprentice is significantly more complex than the traditional route as we need to ensure compliance with not only the GOC/ABDO regulations but also ESFA and OFSTED policies.

Why choose an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are designed by employers to help apprentices gain the skills and knowledge needed in the workplace.

They are available to new staff and current staff who want to retrain or upskill.

Hiring an apprentice means investing in the future of your business, by getting talent that’s right for you.

Offering an apprenticeship allows you too:

• introduce fresh talent and ideas to your business by recruiting new staff and upskilling existing members
• align training to your business needs
• boost staff loyalty and motivation
• offer on-the-job training in a safe working environment
• build a culture of learning and development
• enjoy higher staff retention and morale
• promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace

If you are a smaller employer, you are eligible for government funding which will pay between 95% and 100% of the apprentice training costs. If you are a large employer, you can use your levy to pay for your apprenticeship training.

Find out more about the benefits of apprenticeships

Your responsibilities as an employer  

It is important that employers are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to supporting apprenticeships – some of which are listed in the differences section above. These responsibilities are all agreed within a legally binding Employer Contract for Services with ABDO College. The individual learning plans must also be signed off by the 3 parties, learner, employer and provider, within the Apprenticeship Agreement signed at commencement of the course.

A full guide to employer responsbilities for apprenticeships can be found using the link below:

https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/employers/your-responsibilities-as-an-employer

How to apply for an apprenticeship services account

You will need to apply for an apprenticeship services account before you can hire your apprentice and apply for funding.

The apprenticeship service is a government online service which will allow you to set up and manage your apprenticeships.

Why you need an account

By creating an apprenticeship service account, you’ll be able to:

• access and manage apprenticeship funding
• set up and approve apprentices
• advertise roles on the ‘Find an apprenticeship’ service
• approve training costs
• check payments to training providers
• give training providers permission to carry out some tasks on your behalf
• give feedback on apprenticeship training

How to create an account

To create an account, you will need:

• an email address
• permission to add your PAYE schemes to the account
• permission to accept the employer agreement on behalf of your organisation

You will also need either the Government Gateway login for your organisation, or your accounts office reference number (AORN) and employer PAYE scheme reference number.

Find out more about how to set your apprenticeship service account

Useful websites

www.apprenticeships.gov.uk 

Department of education