Apprenticeship off-the-job training

Apprentices starting from 1 August 2025

For apprenticeships starting from 1 August 2025, the minimum is the volume of off-the-job training hours published for each standard: a number of hours published on the front of each apprenticeship standard, on the Skills England website. It is the training needed by an apprentice with no relevant prior learning. To be funded, that apprentice must receive at least this many hours of OTJ training (funding rules 2026 to 2027, paragraphs 85 to 86).

The minimum can be lower only where the initial assessment finds relevant prior learning, and then by the same number of hours. For example, if a standard needs 466 hours and the apprentice has 50 hours of prior learning, their minimum becomes 416 hours. No programme can fall below 187 hours of evidenced training (paragraphs 86.1 to 86.2). Some apprentices will need more than the minimum to become fully competent (paragraph 86.3).

The hours are no longer tied to the length of the programme. They can be delivered over any period, provided the apprenticeship lasts at least 8 months, and the provider agrees the hours, timing and delivery model with the employer (paragraphs 87 to 87.1).

Apprentices who started up to 31 July 2025

Apprentices who started on or before 31 July 2025 stay on the previous rule, including when they return from a break in learning. Under that rule they must spend at least 20% of their normal working hours on OTJ training across the planned duration of their training, with working hours capped at 30 a week for this calculation. If they finish early, after at least the 12-month minimum, the 20% applies to the shorter actual duration. That is where the figure of 6 hours a week comes from. Statutory leave is taken out first, so a 12-month programme needs at least 278 hours (off-the-job training guidance, questions 52 to 56, 60 and 63).

These apprentices also keep a minimum duration of 12 months. The 6 hours a week figure does not apply to anyone who started from 1 August 2025.

What counts as off-the-job

OTJ training must teach new knowledge, skills and behaviours that are directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard, during the apprentice's normal working hours. It can include teaching of theory, practical training such as shadowing, mentoring and industry visits, learning support, writing assignments and revision (paragraphs 82 to 83).

It must not include initial assessment or onboarding, standalone English and maths qualifications (these are delivered in addition to the OTJ minimum), progress reviews, exams and other testing, or training that the standard does not require. If training must, by exception, take place outside normal working hours, the apprentice must agree and be compensated, for example with time off in lieu or extra pay, and most training must not be delivered this way (paragraph 84.6.1).

Recording and evidence

The planned OTJ hours for the whole apprenticeship go on the apprenticeship agreement, the training plan and the individualised learner record (ILR). They must be at least the published minimum, and can be reduced only for evidenced prior learning. Once submitted, the planned hours on the ILR must not be changed, except to correct a data input error at the start (paragraphs 88 to 89.2).

When the apprentice finishes or leaves, the provider records the hours actually delivered on the ILR. The provider is responsible for evidencing all OTJ training, including training delivered by an employer or subcontractor. Training must also be planned for at least every calendar month, or at least every 3 calendar months for an agreed block release or front-loaded model. If no training is planned for that period, a break in learning must be recorded. If planned training is missed in one month but takes place the next month, no break is needed; a retrospective break is needed only after 2 calendar months in a row with no training. For an agreed block release or front-loaded model, a retrospective break is needed if planned training cannot take place in any 3-calendar-month period. Apprentices on term-time-only contracts do not need a break for August (paragraphs 90 to 94.2).

OTJ shortfalls and missing evidence are among the most common apprenticeship audit findings, so keep the OTJ record up to date throughout the programme.