On-the-Job and Off-the-Job Training in Apprenticeships: Recent Changes and Best Practice

In this article, Michelle Owen, Curriculum and Quality Consultant at FE Associates, outlines recent changes to apprenticeship training in England. She explains how on-the-job and off-the-job learning, combined with tailored training plans and progress reviews, helps apprentices develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to meet industry standards and become workplace-ready.

On‑the‑job and off‑the‑job training are both essential in an apprenticeship. Recent changes to apprenticeship funding and delivery in England, introduced by the UK Government and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), mean that on‑the‑job requirements can now be tailored to meet individual standards.

On-the-job training ensures apprentices work alongside skilled professionals to meet industry standards. They can apply what they learn in real situations, building their ability and confidence.

Off-the-job training ensures apprentices learn the concepts behind their work and allows them to learn key concepts they might not encounter on the job, broadening their industry knowledge and skills.
Through the use of initial assessment tools and the development of effective training plans, it ensures a well-structured, flexible, and accessible curriculum that meets individual needs and supports high-quality support.

Robust tracking of apprentices’ progress ensures clear links between the knowledge, skills and behaviours being developed and those that still need improvement. This helps apprentices meet industry standards, develop full competence, and complete their apprenticeship on time and to a high standard.

Progress reviews play a key role in connecting on-the-job and off-the-job training. By carefully reviewing the format and content, these reviews ensure alignment with each apprentice’s on-the-job requirements and employer expectations. They provide an opportunity to identify the specific knowledge, skills and behaviours that need further development, address any barriers to inclusion, and make timely adaptations to support progression.

On- and off-the-job training play a key role not only in ensuring compliance but also in developing apprentices into industry-ready, well-rounded employees and in providing high-quality support that meets both the apprentice’s and employers’ needs.

Michelle can support your organisation with initial assessments, compliant training plans, promoting inclusion, tracking knowledge, skills and behaviours, progress reviews and robust on-the-job training. She is seeking her next interim leadership placement to bring expert, outcomes-focused support. Contact Judith Richardson at Judith.Richardson@fea.co.uk to discuss how Michelle can support your organisation.