EMPLOYER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We understand the challenges and uncertainty you are facing during these difficult times so we have pulled together some Frequently Asked Questions to help answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding apprenticeship related issues.

We have had to enforce a work from home policy. What are my apprentice’s options?
 

We are committed and fully prepared to support you and your apprentice with home working through our digital teaching and learning platform. Our employees including skills coaches are remote working and will provide your apprentice with virtual help and support.
 

We have shut down due to coronavirus and have put our apprentice/s on furlough leave, what happens to our apprentice/s during this time?
 

While your apprentice cannot undertake any work for your business during this time, they can still engage in learning towards their apprenticeship. We will continue to deliver remote teaching and coaching sessions, where feasible, without affecting official furlough guidelines. We will also be delivering off-the-job training, which does not constitute as work but is a portion of the required time needed to complete their apprenticeship. Your apprentice can access a range of training and resources via our Learning Hub.
 

Will their apprenticeship qualification be disrupted during furlough?
 

We are committed more than ever to offer our apprentices flexible delivery options that include access to virtual workshops, training and support from skills coaches. In the majority of cases, we envisage little to no interruption to their apprenticeship. However, we understand that every learner is different, and will continue to work flexibly to ensure their needs are met where possible.
 

How will apprentices record progress towards their apprenticeship while they are subject to different working conditions?
 

Apprentices will already be recording their off-the-job training activity using an approach agreed with their skills coach. They will just need to continue to use this in the coming weeks.
 

How is the lockdown affecting skills coach’s visits and learning?
 

We have moved to a digital teaching and learning platform where online training will be available to all apprentices. Their skills coach will continue to be on hand in a formal 1-2-1 setting, which will be conducted remotely every month, and can be contacted in-between visits for information, advice and guidance.
 

My apprentice/s are due to undertake end point assessment, will this still take place?
 

We are already working with employers, apprentices and end point assessment organisations to carry out remote end point assessment arrangements where practical. Where this is not possible we will organise new planned assessment dates as a priority. Please liaise with their skills coach directly to discuss individual circumstances.
 

Can they complete their functional skills qualification?
 

Apprentices can complete functional skills as long as they can meet the invigilation testing requirements. Please contact their skills coach directly to discuss individual circumstances.
 

Can we still recruit new apprentices or enrol existing employees onto an apprenticeship?
 

Yes, you can sign up apprentices remotely by making tailored adjustments, and we will strive to service any new starts as normal.
 

If you have any further queries, please contact your skills coach or contact:

 Carolyn Bayley on 0330 1000 610 or email apprenticeshipsuk@gpstrategies.com.