The training that your apprentice will get will be based on an apprenticeship standard, that captures the main features of an occupational role.
The standard will have been written by a representative group of employers working with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Information (IFATE). It will show the important knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) associated with performing competently in the occupational role.
View the apprenticeship standards
View all the apprenticeship standards. Use the filters to find the standard that you are particularly interested in.
If you look at the apprenticeship standard page on the IFATE website, you can find the assessment plan and details about the funding and employers involved down the right-hand side of the page.
Devise the training programme
These two sources of information, along with anything else produced in support of the apprenticeship standard (for example, an occupational brief) will give the training provider all they need to devise the training programme and to discuss with you what you do with the apprentice in work.
Apprenticeship training providers will turn the standard into a training programme for your apprentice, looking at the knowledge, skills and behaviours requirements in the standard and the expectations as set out in the assessment plan.
Off-the-job training
Apprenticeships carry a requirement for the apprentice to spend 20% of their time in training. Some employers see this as an inconvenience or an unnecessary ‘blocker‘. We should not think of time spent in training as ‘off-the-job’. It is an integral part of the apprenticeship and essential to the apprentice being able to become competent in carrying out the occupational role.
Off-the-job training can include the following:
- theory, for example lectures, role playing, simulation exercises, online learning or manufacturer training
- practical training: shadowing, mentoring, industry visits and participation in competitions
- learning support
- time spent writing assessments or assignments
Gateway
Once your apprentice has completed all of their training they will move through the ‘gateway’ process. The ‘gateway’ is where the apprentice’s ‘readiness’ for assessment is checked.
End-point assessment
Once all training is complete and your apprentice feels that they are ready, they will need to take an end-point assessment. This assessment will make sure that all of the knowledge, skills and behaviours detailed within the apprenticeship standard have been met. It will be carried out by the end-point assessment organisation that you choose.
Find out how to choose an end-point assessment organisation.