APPRENTICE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We understand the challenges and uncertainty you are facing during these difficult times so we have pulled together some Frequently Asked Questions to help answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding COVID-19 and apprenticeship related issues.
 

My employer has enforced a work from home policy. What are my options for my apprenticeship?
 

We are committed and fully prepared to support you with home working through our digital teaching and learning platform. Our employees including skills coaches are remote working and will provide you with online and virtual help and support.
 

My employer has shut down due to coronavirus and I have been put on furlough leave, will I continue to get paid?
 

‘Furlough’ basically means temporary leave of absence. Your employer should use the government Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to pay you while there’s no work to do. When your employer applies to the scheme, you’ll be paid 80% of your normal pay. This will continue until the government ends the scheme or you return to work.
 

What happens to my apprenticeship during furlough?
 

While you cannot undertake any work for your employer during this time, you can still engage in learning towards your apprenticeship. We will continue to deliver remote teaching and coaching sessions, where feasible, without affecting official furlough guidelines. We will also be delivering off-the-job training, which does not constitute as work but is a portion of the required time needed to complete your apprenticeship. You can access a range of training and resources via our Learning Hub.
 

Will my apprenticeship qualification be disrupted during this time?
 

We are committed more than ever to offer you flexible delivery options that include access to virtual workshops, training and support from skills coaches. In the majority of cases, we envisage little to no interruption to you apprenticeship. However, we understand that every learner is different, and will continue to work flexibly to ensure your needs are met.
 

How do I record progress towards my apprenticeship while I’m subject to different working conditions?
 

You will already be recording your off-the-job training activity using an approach agreed with your skills coach. Please continue to use this in the coming weeks.
 

How is the lockdown affecting my skills coach visits and learning?
 

We have moved to a digital teaching and learning platform where online training will be available to you. Your skills coach will continue to be on hand in a formal 1-2-1 setting, which will be conducted remotely every month, and can be contacted in-between visits for information, advice and guidance.
 

I am due to undertake my end point assessment, will this still take place?
 

We are already working with employers, apprentices and end point assessment organisations to carry out remote end point assessment arrangements where practical. Where this is not possible we will organise new planned assessment dates as a priority. Please contact your skills coach directly to discuss your individual circumstances.
 

Can I complete my functional skills qualification?
 

You can complete your functional skills as long as you can meet the invigilation testing requirements. Please contact your skills coach directly to discuss your individual circumstances.
 

If you have any further queries, please contact your skills coach or contact:

Carolyn Bayley on 0330 1000 610 or email apprenticeshipsuk@gpstrategies.com.