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(s) with home working through our digital teaching and learning platform. Our employees including assessors 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, as per the guidance issued by HMRC, they can continue to engage in learning towards their apprenticeship. We will continue to deliver remote assessment, guidance and support sessions, without affecting official furlough guidelines.

Please be assured that the best interests of our apprentices remain at the forefront of everything we do. We understand that your company may make the decision that it is best for both the organisation and your employees, that they do not continue with their apprenticeship at this time and please be assured we will respect this decision when made. However, we strongly believe that continued focus on their MA programme can provide individuals with a welcome distraction to the current situation and ensures the continual progress of their personal development.
 

Will their apprenticeship qualification be disrupted during this time?
 

We are committed more than ever to offer our apprentices flexible delivery options that include access to virtual workshops, training and support from assessors. 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?
 

If apprentices have not already done so, our assessors will work with them to agree the best option for them to record their activity.
 

How is the lockdown affecting assessor visits and learning?
 

Although we cannot at present support our apprentices face to face, we can continue to meet with each of them remotely through a variety of mediums including telephone, skype and teams. We are continuing to fully utilising our e-portfolio system. Our assessors will continue to be on hand in a formal 1-2-1 setting, which will be conducted remotely on a regular basis, and can be contacted in-between scheduled contact for information, advice and guidance.
 

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

Absolutely. We would be delighted to continue to support you in the development of your teams during this difficult time. We can sign up apprentices remotely and can talk you through the process.

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

Louise Findlay on 07971 598876 or email lfindlay@gpstrategies.com.