Apprenticeship updates August 2022

Apprenticeships can be an effective way for employers to recruit and train up talented individuals for their organisation. However, the rules governing apprenticeships are regularly updated, and employers who breach these rules risk the Government taking action to recover funding the employer received through the apprenticeship levy or Government co-investment. This article looks at some of the most significant developments in apprenticeships which came into effect in 2022.

Flexi-job apprenticeships

Flexi-job apprenticeships are a new form of apprenticeship which are currently being trialled in certain sectors. Similar to the approved English apprenticeship, the apprentice must complete a practical period of at least 12 months under the flexi-job apprenticeship scheme. However, the employer is only required to commit to employing the apprentice for a minimum of three months under the flexi-job apprenticeship scheme, after which, the apprentice may enter into a new arrangement with the current employer to continue for a further three months or more (if the current employer agrees) or move on to continue their training with another employer. This allows the apprentice to complete their apprenticeship with multiple employers.

The Government introduced flexi-job apprenticeships to encourage more employers to take on apprentices in sectors where completing a 12 month apprenticeship with one employer may not be practical, such as construction and creative sectors. If the pilot scheme is successful flexi-job apprenticeships may become available in other sectors in the future.

Flexi-job apprenticeship agencies

Flexi-job apprenticeship agencies (FJAA) were created to help facilitate flexi-job apprenticeships. An FJAA is an organisation that directly employs the apprentice for the entirety of their apprenticeship, and arranges placements for the apprentice with other businesses who act as hosts. Under this model, the apprentice has an apprenticeship agreement with the FJAA who are also responsible for paying the apprentice their wages which they then claim back from the host business.

Employers do not have to involve an FJAA to be able to offer an apprentice a flexi-job apprenticeship. An apprentice could decide to secure short-term employment with multiple businesses to complete their apprenticeship instead. This model is known as a “Portable Flexi-Job Apprenticeship” because the apprentice takes their progress with them as they move on to each successive employer to complete the next three months of their apprenticeship.  

Off-the-Job Training

All apprentices must complete a certain amount of off-the-job training as part of their apprenticeship. Off-the-job training must be carried out during the apprentice’s normal working hours and may include:

• Lectures, in person or online;
• Simulation exercises;
• Shadowing and mentoring; and
• Time spent working on assignments.

From the 1^st August 2022, the minimum off-the-job training for a full-time apprentice working 30 hours a week is 20% or an average of six hours per week. This minimum applies even where the apprentice is contracted to work more than 30 hours per week.

Employers should note however, that 20% off-the-job training is only the minimum set by the Government which all apprenticeships must meet to be eligible for Government funding. In practice some approved apprenticeship standards may require more than the minimum hours, and some individual apprentices may require additional training to achieve the required standard.

Current apprenticeship wage

As of April 2022 the minimum wage for an apprentice is £4.81 per hour. Apprentices who are over 19 and have completed the first year of their apprenticeship are then entitled to be paid the national minimum wage for their age.

The minimum wage rates usually increase in April each year.

Apprenticeships can be a valuable resource for employers looking to expand and upskill their workforce. However, failing to comply with the Apprenticeship Funding Rules or not engaging an apprentice on a compliant apprentice agreement can be very costly for employers. If you are considering taking on an apprentice we would recommend you contact us so that we can draft a compliant apprenticeship agreement. Email us at employment@warnergoodman.co.uk or call 023 8071 7717.