Off the job training

Off-the-job training (OTJ) was one of the major changes made to the Apprenticeship Funding Rules for 2022/23.

Replacing the 20% rule, from 1 August 2022 newly recruited apprentices need to receive a minimum average of 6 hours off the job training per week.

Even if the apprentice works more than 30 hours, the minimum of 6 hours per week remains the same.
6 hours per week is the average across the duration of the apprenticeship.
The duration on which the calculation is based relates from the start date of the practical period to the end date of practical period, as per the apprentice/employer agreement signed at your first meeting to get started, with a member of the Business development team.
No Off the job training can take place after the apprentice has passed gateway and is ready for end point assessment.
Only off the job training defined as eligible in the funding rules can be included into the apprentice time log.

The term 20% off the job training is required if youstarted prior to 1st August 2022.

20% off the job training is a mandatory part of your apprenticeship and reflects the knowledge, skills and behaviours you develop throughout your apprenticeship. This is currently calculated against your weekly contracted hours and hourly holiday entitlement and duration of apprenticeship on programme learning.

When you are signed up for your apprenticeship, your hours are calculated and imputed into your Smart Assessor e-portfolio. You can view in the overview tile, this is required to remain at 20% throughout your apprentices to ensure you are on track.

Off-the-job training: 2 steps to help you determine whether an activity counts as off-the-job training

Is it directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard?
Is it teaching new knowledge, skills and behaviours?

Top Tip: You can quickly capture off-the-job training on the Smart Assessor app on your mobile phone which can be download from the below links:

For Apple: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/smart-assessor/id562195025

For Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maxxsol.smartassessor&hl=en_GB

How will I record off the job training on Smart Assessor:

Please see the guidance on the attached guide as to how to record your off-the-job training activity in your Smart Assessor e-Portfolio.

Click on the 20% off the job training tile as above this will bring you to the time log page on the left.

On the first drop at the top add courses not set with an episode to show your hours.

On the third drop down drop down to Off the job training.

Go to the pink tab - Add new Timelog Entry.

Add date of activity
Select activity type - how this was carried out eg, virtual Training, Traditional face to face etc.
Select course this will be the tab you would like to add to eg, Prevent or Apprenticeship standard, or any qualification within the standard.
Select unit this relates to if applicable.
Select your Progress Coach or Trainers name.

6. Drop down to Off the job.

7. Time spent on Activity

8. What impact has this activity had on learning? Below are examples to support you.

9. Evidence links are optional.

Then click add activity

OTJT_Flowchart_v2_-_12092019_Final.pdf

Below are the eligible categories for off the job training. Drop down to see examples of time log entries, from a range of industries:

Remember when adding time log entries include:

What was the activity?

What new skill did you learn?

What impact did this have?

Coaching or Mentoring

I was mentored by my supervisor on how to prepare a sash window ready for painting. I sanded the window using the correct grit and making sure not to scratch the glass, I used a window scraper to remove any flaky paint from the glass being careful not to damage the putty. I spot primed the bare wood with primer and filled any imperfections with 2 part filler. This was the first time I had carried out this task and I learnt about the materials and equipment to use and the importance of ensuring a smooth finish and ensuring that I clean up the work area and make it dust free ready for painting.

College/training Centre Attendance

Apprentices individual attendance hours at college will be uploaded onto Smart Assessor time log by the Apprenticeship team every half term. Off the job tutors training plans demonstrate the knowledge and skills delivered at college as evidence. Please contact your progress coach if you have any questions or queries.

Health and Safety, toolbox talks

Tool box talks - Learnt from health and safety briefing onsite what the risks are on site and ensuring safety procedures are in place, as well as what is the responsibility of myself and my foreman, the briefing included, recap on safe working at height and the required PPE supplied and to be used. This raised my awareness of the dangers as well as risks and hazards on a new build site as this is the first time I have attended this particular site.

Simulation Excercises

Today my supervisor set up a task for fault finding, so that he could see how I would carry this out. I turned off the circuit breakers, turned on the main switch, then turned back on one at a time, I learnt to identify the fault when one of the switches tripped. This is the first time I have done this and now understand how to find a fault. I then turned switches back on. Next time I shall ensure I do not turn on the faulty switch.

Role-playing

Today I learnt how to improve my questioning skills for client consultation, my trainer used role play, this taught me how to use open questioning to obtain information from my client for consultation and know what their desired look is and what they don’t like. I have now created a range of open questions which could be used and shall use these as prompts.

Online Learning

Today I carried out online training for time management, this gave me ideas on how to work productively in my job role and avoid distractions in the workplace. I have also developed my practice, as to how to meet deadlines and allocate margin time in my working day to ensure that I meet all the tasks required.

Manufactorer Training

I attended training for a new product range called Keune which our salon is going to now purchase and use. The product range has shampoo, conditioning and styling products as well as a colours range. I learnt about their ingredients and when and how the business started. We were also shown the colour ranges and numbering system, which I am learning at college also. I plan to attend further training and a colour workshop.

Shadowing

Today I was shadowing my supervisor on how to decommission a heating system. He explained the industry standards and regulations for decommissioning in plumbing this was in a domestic house where people had moved out. I helped to disconnect the pipework and terminate the electrics, to make this safe. It is complex task so I plan plan to do further my understanding by watching you tube videos and read up on my college work.

Mentoring/Coaching

I was given to job today of learning how to mentor a new apprentice in the workplace. I had already prepared a process and diagrams of how to use our computer system at the surgery, this helped me to explain how to use in a methodical order and they could also access the guide on google drive so they could go back to it if they forgot. I like being a mentor and supporting people and would like to further develop my knowledge on how to mentor and coach. like my progress coach does for me.

Training on existing and New equipment

Today I attended training on LED light facials which is a non-invasive beauty treatment. I learnt that LED light therapy was used by NASA for research and experimentation in outer space. This can be used on all skin types and there are three main types of lights. I shall shadow one of the salon therapists, and then will bring in a model to be mentoring doing this facial which will be available at the Spa in the next 2 weeks.

INdustry visits

Today we visited Salon International which is an annual event as Excel London. We were able to watch live demonstrations by some of the top hairdresser in the country. I watched Patrick Cameron doing hair up on stage, and have never seen long hair up done so quick and look so great. I also learnt ways to slice the hair using scissor to thin out the hair and a range of colour application techniques. This has really give me an overview of the hairdressing industry and I learnt so much about new emerging hair styles.

Attendance at competitions

Outing to a local dressage competition. We prepared the horses after finishing the stables and then travelled to the venue. I assisted my boss who was riding three different horses that day. My main job was to make sure that they were all correctly turned out, clean and tacked up ready 40minutes ahead of their class time. Also to make sure the other horses were calm in the lorry and had food and water. This meant I had to keep a close eye on the time and make sure I had everything to hand such as jackets, brushes, tests etc. so there were no hold ups. After all the classes were finished we took out the plaits, took them home and made sure they were all calm and eating and drinking before we left.

Mock End Point Assessments

Today I carried out a mock end Point assessment in which I learnt how to present my Business improvement project, I have learnt the importance of eye contact when presenting as well as slowing down when I speak. I was quite nervous, standing in front of my employer and Trainer, they asked a lot of questions, this build my confidence as I was able to answer all of them, I also got good feedback and learnt how to evaluate my own presenting skills.

Learning Support

Today I had a session with my trainer to support me with my knowledge, we have questions and answers as well as a professional discussion which helps me to learn. Today we discussed PESTLE analysis this has supported to understand how this links to my organisation and learnt about external factors.

Writing Assessments/Assignments

I have been writing an assignment for module 2 in understanding the organisation I work for. This was really interesting learning about all the services we offer and the range of departments the company has. I now understand the basis functions of each department and the importance the companies values.

Research/Reading

Today I researched on you tube how to lay bricks, I started this task in workshop at college, and have been shadowing my mentor at work, I have mixed concrete and learning measurements dependent on amount of bricks to lay, Watching videos helps me to learn visually and go over the task. My tutor recommends the video's which are good to watch.

Job-Related Projects

I have been working on a project for the company to streamline our systems for DBS and improve process for new recruits. I have had to research and learn all the different DBS E-Systems and look at price comparisons and quality of service to ensure we are receiving value for money. I have also looked at feedback form employee's to see how we can improve systems moving forward. This is my first project and I have learnt so much, working in a team, and feeling empowered to make contributions has really built my confidence.

Conferences

Today I attended the Institute of Civil Engineering conference in London. I learnt about the latest updates in the industry and innovations, as well as understanding professional development opportunities and emerging technologies . This events was good for me to network and learn how to improve my communication skills.

If you have any issues inputting on your timelog or required support with write ups, let you Progress Coach/Assessor know.

Remember the key is to ensure that your Timelog demonstrates 20% throughout your apprenticeship to ensure you are on track.

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