Learn how your employer and training provider support your apprenticeship, and see what they are responsible for in your training.
An apprenticeship is a way of learning a trade or profession, combining on-the-job learning with accompanying study at a school, college, or university. Apprenticeships are available in a wide array of professions and can take anything from one year to five years to complete.
Anyone over 16 can take an apprenticeship, and you’ll be paid while you learn as well as receiving a nationally recognised qualification at the end.
There are three important stakeholders in your apprenticeship: the apprentice (that’s you!), the learning provider (your school or college), and your employer (the business you work for during the apprenticeship). Read on to learn who’s responsible for what, and where you can go if you need some additional support.
Your Responsibilities as an Apprentice
As an apprentice, you have some rights in terms of what to expect from your employer and training provider (more on those in a minute). You also have some responsibilities.
You are responsible for being reliable and punctual, arriving at work or college on time and ready to work. You must understand and observe the conditions of your employment and training, such as following your employer’s code of conduct and ensuring that any assignments are completed on time and to the best of your ability.
You are also responsible for following instructions given by your employer or supervisor, adhering to health and safety standards, behaving professionally and courteously at all times while at work, and working towards achieving the core competencies set out by your training plan. You may also need to keep a training record, ensuring this is up to date and producing it if you’re asked.
Your Employer’s Responsibilities
In most cases, an employer has to give an apprentice the same rights and benefits as other employees. This means that you will receive at least the minimum wage for your age group and experience level, be employed for 30 hours or more per week, and receive at least 20 days’ paid holiday. You must also receive rest breaks during the working day and paid sick time in line with the law.
By law, apprentices must have a contract of employment which must be signed within 14 days of the apprenticeship starting. If you don’t understand anything in your contract, ask your line manager, HR department, or tutor for clarification. Never sign anything you do not understand.
Your employer also has responsibilities for your training and development as an apprentice. An apprentice is not simply a cheaper alternative to an employee. Your employer must ensure you are able to learn the things you need to learn, develop your skills, and stretch yourself as you improve.
Your line manager will usually be responsible for setting objectives and giving you feedback on your performance. They should check in with you regularly to ensure things are on track and that you are progressing as expected. If you have any questions about your role at work or concerns about what you’re learning, your line manager should be the first person you speak to.
Your Training Provider’s Responsibilities
Your training provider is the school, college, university, or other learning centre where you’ll undertake the classroom study portion of your apprenticeship. Most apprentices spend one day per week, or about 20% of their time, with their training provider.
You might be assigned a point person (who may be referred to as a Personal Tutor, Learning Coach, or similar). If not, assume the course leader or person teaching your course is your first point of contact for anything relating to the classroom side of your apprenticeship.
Your learning provider is responsible for assessing you before accepting you onto the apprenticeship course to ensure it is a good fit for you and that you meet any requirements. They are then responsible for providing the relevant learning materials and lessons, checking your work to make sure it is completed to a good standard, reviewing your progress regularly, and providing you with any extra support you need.
If you are worried you are falling behind with your classroom study, or if you have any questions about this aspect of your course, your tutor should be the first person you speak to.
Where to Go for Extra Support
In general, you should go to your line manager for problems at work and your personal tutor or course leader for any concerns with your classroom study. But in the event that these individuals cannot help you or you do not feel comfortable going to them, here are some other places you can go for support:
- If you do not understand a task at work, ask a peer with more experience or a senior employee to help you.
- For workplace problems such as harassment, bullying, or violations of your employment rights, speak to someone in Human Resources or the most senior person you trust at your workplace. Citizens Advice or your trade union can also help.
- For training provider problems, speak to the head of your department or another senior member of staff. If your problem is not resolved, you can escalate the issue to the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
- If you are disabled and have specific questions relating to your apprenticeship and disability, check out Disability Rights UK’s guide. If you are disabled and need financial support, for example to help you get to work or to pay for special equipment, the government’s Access to Work scheme may be able to help you.
- For support with your wellbeing or mental health, check whether your employer has an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) or whether your learning provider has a Student Support centre you can access. Remploy also offers a free mental health support service for apprentices. If you are concerned about your physical or mental health, we encourage you to talk to your doctor.
- If you have children and need support with your childcare costs while you work and learn, have a look at the government’s page on childcare support.
- For general emotional support, don’t forget that you can always confide in your friends, family, and classmates about your struggles. Connecting with fellow apprentices, either in person or online, can be a great way to make friends who understand your experiences.
- For tips, information, and strategies to help you make the most of your apprenticeship, check out our apprenticeships page and Young Professional Training hub.
Remember that whatever you’re going through, you are not alone and there’s always someone who can help you.
