What role does a training provider play?

22/09/22

If you are a business considering hiring an apprentice, you’ll need to choose a training provider to work with. That’s why it’s important to understand the role they play in an apprenticeship.

A training provider looks after the theoretical side

Training providers differ depending on their size, with some operating nationally and others working on a more local basis, which can impact the process and how apprentices are managed.

But in all cases, it’s the training provider’s job to work with the apprentice on the theoretical and knowledge-based side. Whether this is done by coming into the workplace or requires the apprentice to attend college each week, a training provider covers the educational content. That way, the employer can focus on the practical side.

At least 6 hours per week spent on ’off the job’ training

When studying an apprenticeship, at least 6 hours per week must be spent on ‘off the job’ training to ensure the apprenticeship standard is covered and necessary skills and behaviours are met before the qualification can be secured. Usually, the apprentice will spend 4 days with their employer and the other day in college working on theory. That’s a fairly big chunk, so it’s important employers work together with training providers to get the most out of the apprenticeship.

Who pays for a training provider?

Training providers can be paid using different methods, often depending on the size of a business; but all employers are now required to set up an apprenticeship digital account.

Larger employers tend to pay the apprenticeship levy, meaning training costs are funded for the levy. For smaller businesses that do not pay the levy, they’re normally expected to pay 5% of the costs, with government subsidising the other 95%.

Smaller businesses can also benefit from a levy transfer or Pledge – this is where a larger employer not using their full apprenticeship levy can transfer up to 25% of their non exhausted levy value to another employer.

How does a training provider deliver an apprenticeship?

The employer, apprentice and geographical location impacts on how a training provider delivers an apprenticeship. Often, training is completed at a local college or institution, but can also take place on site (normally for larger companies) or provided entirely online. This has become more common in recent years following lockdowns where delivery practise was adjusted and remote learning became integral to apprenticeship delivery. This will be discussed between employers and training providers before apprenticeships are advertised and recruited for.

Do they conduct assessments?

Throughout the apprenticeship, both employers and training providers will regularly give feedback to apprentices as part of their development prior to their end-point assessment (EPA). This must be completed for the apprentice to pass their course and receive certification.

The EPA is carried out by an external government registered EPA organisation (EPAO) to ensure it’s impartial and unbiased. However, a training provider can support employers in finding the right EPAO.

How to choose the right training provider

It’s important that an employer chooses the right training provider for them to fully benefit. If unsure, factors to consider include a strong reputation for providing success, positive examples and feedback, the value of services provided and reviews.

If you’re considering hiring an apprentice and want more information about training providers and the role they play, contact us via email or give our Business Manager, Jakki Lovewell, a call on 07717416805.