A guest blog from Georgia Beaumont, Degree Apprentice at Parker Meggitt, and GetMyFirstJob Apprentice Ambassador.



It can be difficult to understand the structure of apprenticeships at first, so let me break it down for you. Apprenticeships consist of 80% on-the-job training and 20% off-the-job learning, but it is often misunderstood what activities fall under each category


On-the-Job Learning: 

On-the-job learning is essentially what it says on the tin and refers to the process of acquiring new skills while performing various tasks directly related to your day-to-day job. 

Learning activities are typically not covered in your apprenticeship training, but they help you develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to excel in your role. 

The goal of on-the-job learning is to build upon the knowledge gained from your apprenticeship training provider and allow you to apply this to a real-life situation, enhancing your skills and behaviours. 


Off-the-job Learning: 

Off-the-job learning is often misunderstood, but it is simply any learning that takes place outside of your day-to-day work tasks and responsibilities. This includes all college or university coursework. 

Additionally, off-the-job learning can include activities like coaching reviews, developmental conversations with employees, job shadowing, mentoring, and any training that is relevant to your apprenticeship standard (KSBs). 

It is important to note that any off-the-job learning can only be considered if it is directly relevant to your apprenticeship standards and KSBs, and it must occur during your contracted working hours. You are required to do a minimum of 6 hours per week towards this. 


How does this look for me? 

During a typical week, I work for four days in the office to gain on-the-job experience. The remaining days of the week are my study days, which are considered off-the-job training. 

However, I may also be involved in development conversations or training throughout the week, which I can count towards my off-the-job hours. So, besides my study day, there may be other activities that I do during my work week that are not a part of my regular job but can still be logged as off-the-job hours. 



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