Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many hours should my role as WBM take and how often should I meet my apprentice?

A. You should normally spend about 30 hours (per apprentice) per year in supporting your apprentice. This includes the 4 mandatory progress reviews per year. How  and when you spend the rest of the time with your apprentice will depend on their individual learning needs. Fairly regular contact should be maintained throughout the apprenticeship to ensure the apprentice is completing OTJL, recording and evidencing learning to meet the KSBs.

Q. How can I prepare for my role as a WBM?

A. A good start is to look at the professional standard and familiarise yourself with the KSBs and look through this resource. You will be invited to WBM training with SHU where you will receive more course specific information. It can be beneficial to speak to other WBMs in your organisation to learn from them and developing peer support can be useful.

Q. What happens if my apprentice only works on a 30 hour contract?

A. This is the minimum number of hours that an apprentice can have a contract for. The apprentice can work their 30 hours during their on-the-job time back in the workplace. They can continue to do 30 hours on placement (or increase if they choose to do so). They can complete 30 hours during teaching blocks but the teaching week may be longer than this (typically 9-5 every day) and so they may miss a few sessions. All online sessions are recorded and can be watched at a later point.

Q. When should the apprentice take annual leave and how is this arranged?

A. The apprentice should not take annual leave during teaching blocks or placement. They should take annual leave during on-the-job weeks and this would be negotiated with their employer as normal (as per their contract). If an apprentice takes annual leave, it is not essential or an expectation that they carry OTJL time over, but it can be agreed with the employer.

Q. What happens if the apprentice is off for a long time or needs a break in study?

A.  Students on a Degree Apprenticeship course are subject to Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) rules which stipulate specific rules regarding taking a Break in Study. These rules supersede the points in the University Break in Study Policy and Procedure relating to the reasons for which you can take a break in learning.  A break in study should be commenced if the apprentice anticipates being away from employment for more then 4 weeks (a break in study is not needed if less than 4 weeks). Where a break in study is recorded for a student on a Degree Apprenticeship, the date of commencement should be recorded as the last point of engagement with the course. They can only halt  studies due to extenuating circumstances; they cannot halt studies for vocational reasons.  A break must be approved by the employer as well as by the University. The apprentice must initially speak with the employer and the Apprenticeship Coach regarding a Break in Study. If a break is initially agreed, the apprentice must book an appointment with a Student Support Adviser to discuss the implications of taking a break and the arrangements for teaching and assessment when you return.  A Break in Study form must be completed in conjunction with the Student Support Adviser within 30 days of the last point of engagement.

Please see this regulation document and refer to appendix A at the bottom- this is specific to apprenticeships.