How apprenticeships work
Apprenticeships are a way to learn key skills, get paid workplace experience and gain a nationally recognised qualification.
Apprenticeship programmes are mapped to occupational standards, giving you the knowledge, skills and behaviours you will need to become occupationally competent.
The University is on the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR) and offers higher and degree level apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship levels
The University offers apprenticeship programmes at levels 5 to 7.
- Level 5 – equivalent to a higher education certificate/ diploma or a foundation degree.
- Level 6 – equivalent to a bachelors degree.
- Level 7 – equivalent to a masters degree.
The majority of our apprenticeship programmes are integrated and include the award of a University of Leeds degree.
Apprenticeship duration
Apprenticeships must be a minimum of 12 months.
When you have reached your planned training completion date and ‘gateway review’ date, your employer and training provider will decide if you are ready to sit your end point assessment.
Find more details on the duration of our apprenticeships and the knowledge, skills and behaviours they develop, on our apprenticeship programmes page.
Costs
Funding for apprenticeships is covered by the employer and the government, there is no cost to the individual.
Off-the-job and on-the-job training
As an apprentice, you must spend a minimum of six hours a week on off-the-job training – learning done outside of your normal working duties, but within your working hours.
Off-the-job training may include:
- time permitted for outside study
- training days
- workshops
- shadowing
- mentoring
- industry visits.
It must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard and can be delivered at your normal place of work, providing it is not part of your normal working duties.
You need to track and provide evidence of your off-the-job learning hours in your activity log on PebblePad.
On-the-job training is the normal working duties you will carry out to help you develop specific skills needed in the workplace. It is typically supported by a mentor.
When you complete your formal training, you must pass the end point assessment before being awarded an apprenticeship.
Training plan
You will work towards a training plan which is agreed before you start between you (the apprentice), the employer and training provider and reviewed at regular progress reviews.
- the planned content and schedule for training
- what is expected and offered by you, your employer and the University
- how to resolve queries or complaints.
The training plan needs to be updated with relevant information throughout the apprenticeship, for example, to record a break in learning or to confirm training after a break.
You, your employer and the University must all hold accurate and up-to-date, signed copies of your training plan. The dates on the training plan need to match the dates on your Individual Learner Record (ILR).
Apprentice handbook
You will be given an Apprentice handbook (PDF) which provides an overview of apprenticeship programmes, and some of the core topics and terminology used. It also explains University policies and expectations.
Progress review meetings
You will have regular (tripartite) progress review meetings where you (the apprentice), your employer and your academic mentor meet to assess your progress.
You will use your training plan to check you are on track with your academic programme and work-based learning. You will also track the knowledge, skills and behaviours you have gained in the apprenticeship.
The meetings are a chance to agree any changes to your learning plan, set targets and identify any actions needed to make sure you succeed.
You will complete a progress review form before the meeting to inform the discussions at the meeting. The form will be your record of the progress review and will be signed by all three parties.
Programme requirements
If you do not already hold an ESFA approved Level 2 qualification in both English and maths (GCSE Grade C/4), you will need to attend teaching sessions and pass an exam during your apprenticeship to successfully complete the programme.