Off-the-job training, or OTJ can be very misleading and confusing for anyone new to apprenticeships. This blog should clarify any confusion surrounding the topic!
Let's have a chitchat about Off-the-Job Training
OTJ training is a massive deal and plays a huge role in any apprenticeship, despite this it is often overlooked due to it's slightly complicated nature and people's difficulty in actually understanding what it is. Off-the-Job training is probably the most misleading name in Apprenticeship history, so we understand why a lot of people get confused! To help you understand OTJ training a bit more we are going to explain in simple terms what it is and what it is not.
So, what is Off-the-Job training?
Off-The-Job training is a dedicated period that must be scheduled every week for an apprentice to focus on studying and advancing in their specific role or related area of their apprenticeship. This time must be incorporated into their working hours, not afterward!
If this is your reaction whenever anyone talks about off-the-job training, then you are definitely not alone!
How much time should you get?
To figure out how many OTJ training hours are required you simply allocate 20% of an apprentice’s weekly contractual hours. For example:
30 hours per week = 6 hours of OTJ time;
40 hours a week = 8 hours of OTJ time.
Nevertheless, a recent regulation requires apprentices to fulfil at least 6 hours per week. Consequently, if an apprentice exceeds 30 hours weekly, they are only obligated to record 6 hours, and the remaining time is discretionary.
Please note: For apprentices who are part-time or work under 30 hours a week, the apprenticeship duration is amended accordingly.
What are the benefits of OTJ Training?
There are many benefits to successfully completing your weekly OTJ training, from gaining confidence to learning new skills, here are some of the best benefits of OTG Training:
OTJ training provides hands-on experience, allowing learners to acquire practical skills and knowledge directly applicable to their job roles;
Learners can apply what they learn in real-time to their daily tasks, making the learning process more relevant;
OTJ training can contribute to personal development;
OTJ Training can lead to improved job performance and efficiency
How and why do we track OTJ Training?
As part of the requirements of any apprenticeship, it is vital that an apprentice’s OTJ hours are tracked and logged regularly. Prior to proceeding to Gateway and EPA (End-Point Assessment), learners must ensure that all necessary OTJ hours have been completed. If these hours are not fulfilled, learners will not be able to enter Gateway until they are completed. This requirement often catches a lot of people out.
If an apprentice falls behind when logging their OTJ training this can put pressure on the apprentice for the remainder of your programme for the remainder of their programme and they will then have to.
When keeping track of your OTJ hours make sure to complete a reflection on how that training impacted your learning. This will make it easier for you to spot which types of learning are most effective for you and what type of learning you do the most.
Having trouble completing your OTJ Training?
Sometimes the 6 hours a week can look unattainable, however it is easier if you break down the hours into smaller sections, that way you are constantly chipping away at the weekly threshold. If you are low on inspiration or just simply looking for ways to complete your OTJ Training, then don't worry we supply an abundance of resources to help including:
Weekly Monday News Issue
Online Training
Access to Padlet
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