What support should an employer provide?
Work-based learning
Support from your employer is essential for making the most of your apprenticeship. Your line manager and mentor should understand how your programme works and be engaged with your progress. This helps them support you during busy times and allows your work and studies to complement each other. Regularly update your line manager and mentor on your progress, and discuss how your learning connects to your job.
Protected learning time
Apprentices must be given protected time for learning. This should be at least 6 hours per week (or 20% of contracted hours for those working under 30 hours). This includes:
- University sessions
- online learning, and
- relevant workplace training beyond your normal duties.
This time should be planned and supported by your manager. You will need to log this time and bring your records to your tripartite review meetings.
Workplace mentor
You will need a workplace mentor early in your programme. They should help:
- link your job tasks to your learning
- offer feedback
- support project development, and
- ensure you are managing your workload.
They should also liaise with University staff when needed. You line manager might act as your mentor. Mentor training sessions are offered 3 times a year, and mentors will receive guidance materials to help in their role.
Tripartite meetings
Every 12 weeks, you will attend a tripartite meeting with your employer and Work Based Learning Tutor (WBLT). These sessions:
- support your progress
- ensure you are on track for your End Point Assessment (EPA), and
- confirm that you are receiving the support you need.
If your mentor or line manager is unavailable to attend your tripartite meeting, please let your WBLT know in advance. They may want to continue with the meeting as planned or rearrange. This will depend on factors such as how near you are to your EPA or how your progress is. If possible, you should invite someone else from work, such as a mentor or another manager.
Identifying work-based projects
Line managers and mentors should help you find meaningful tasks and projects that support your academic and professional development.
What if I am not getting this support?
If you are not receiving the support you need, please contact your WBLT. They are there to help if:
- you are not being given your protected learning time (6 hours per week or 20% of your hours)
- your line manager or mentor is not engaging with your apprenticeship or tripartite meetings
- you are struggling to link your job tasks to your learning
- you are not receiving help identifying suitable work-based projects
- you are not getting feedback or guidance on your progress, or
- your workload is preventing you from keeping up with your apprenticeship requirements.
Your WBLT can offer advice and guidance directly to your line manager in the first instance and remind them of their commitment to supporting you as an apprentice. If things do not improve, your WBLT can escalate the issue by involving the central Apprenticeships team, who can speak with a senior contact at your employment to try and resolve the situation. This will always be dealt with sensitively and in consultation with you.