Covid-19 information for Apprentices
Covid-19 information for Apprentices
Information for current and potential apprentices
We find ourselves in unprecedented times, the Covid-19 virus pandemic has changed everyone’s lives in the short term and following the Government guidelines to minimise the spread of the virus has meant most businesses are making significant changes to their business delivery model, to be compliant and maintain the wellbeing and safety of their staff and implement a business continuity plan.
Skill Up can also provide independent support to answer your questions, we are an independent team of specialists who will,
- Listen to your questions to understand what information you require
- Provide an answer based on the Government guidelines
- Offer options where required
You can contact us here
I'M AN APPRENTICE / I WANT TO START AN APPRENTICESHIP - WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
Business as usual – working/working from home – the apprentice is potentially able to continue with online learning, depending on your industry.
Key workers – with possibly additional work and responsibilities this could be evidence to help you demonstrate your skills for achieving your apprenticeship.
Furloughed –your employer utilises Government Job Retention Scheme – paying 80% of your salary – it is likely that you can continue your learning and remain on the apprenticeship programme, with many industries having online learning sessions.
Break-in learning – this would only be necessary if there were no other options to support the continuation of your apprenticeship training. Talk to your training provider or contact us to check out all your options first.
Apprentice Covid-19 FAQs
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] from Apprentices to date:
A: You could continue to search and apply for vacancies on the government’s Find An Apprenticeship website . You could also apply for apprenticeship vacancies at local colleges and learning providers for potential future opportunities. However, be aware apprenticeship vacancies may be put on hold at this time, apprenticeships may also be an important part of the business recovery program. This is an ever-changing situation so we would strongly advise you have a back-up plan, such as a full time course at college or sixth form.
Information correct as of May 2020.
We would suggest you contact your training provider or employer to find out what will happen now. Some apprenticeships are continuing to start during the Coronavirus situation, some may be put on hold at this time.
The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) have put together a support package, whereby they will assist with the following:
- Encourage training providers to deliver training to apprentices remotely, and via elearning, as far as is practicable
- Allow the modification of end-point assessment arrangements, including remote assessments wherever practicable and possible
- Clarify that apprentices ready for assessment, but who cannot be assessed due to COVID-19 issues, can have their end-point assessment rescheduled
- Apprentices whose gateway is delayed can have an extension to the assessment time frame
- Enable employers and training providers to report and initiate a break in learning, where the interruption to learning due to COVID-19 is greater than 4 weeks
- Clarification on how to record breaks in learning so that funding is not unnecessarily disrupted
Contact us to check out all your options
The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) have made it their ambition to support all redundant apprentices to find alternative employment and continue their apprenticeship within 12 weeks. The training provider must also assist with this so don’t be afraid to contact them and ask for their help. The government are working hard to put support packages in place to help employers retain their apprentices and continue to pay them.
Talk to your training provider or contact us to check out all your options first.
A: A Traineeship is an unpaid work placement programme designed to prepare students for the world of work. It can last between 12 weeks to 6 months. If you are interested in a Traineeship, contact us. You can also search for Traineeships at https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/traineeshipsearch however be aware some of these may currently be on hold for the time being due to the current Covid-19 situation.
If you still have further questions, please contact us
Resources
Coronavirus – Mental and emotional health information
Somerset County Council - Information to help you look after yourself and those around you
Find An Apprenticeship website
Search and apply for an apprenticeship in England
Any Questions..
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
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