Dreaming of gaining all the skills and knowledge you need for your desired career? OJT is a method where Apprentices learn more in their job roles, away from their normal duties.
Off-the-Job Training Methods
Special Lectures: This is a type of classroom training where Apprentices are given lectures on the job requirements and necessary skills for implementing the job. The main purpose of this training is to inform Apprentices about their job roles as well as discuss their queries arising out of the lectures.
Simulation: This is the most common method of training, where Apprentices learn the operations of machines and equipment that are like those installed on the actual work floor.
Management Games: With this method of training, Apprentices are divided into groups where they are presented with a situation, where they are required to apply their learning and solve the problems accordingly.
What does Off-the-Job Training Look Like?
With all Apprenticeship standards now being developed to include one year of full-time employment, an Apprentices time might be broken down like this:
- 5×7 working hours in a day = 35 working hours in a week
- 52 working weeks in a year x 35 working hours = 1820 total working hours in a year
Off-the-Job Training Checklist:
Unsure whether an activity is classed as Off-the-Job Training? Ask yourself these questions:
- Is the individual undertaking the activity signed up for the apprenticeship programme?
- Is this activity directly relevant to the apprenticeship?
- Is the activity teaching new knowledge, skills and behaviours?
- Is the learning taking place during the Apprentices’ contracted working hours?
Off-the-Job Training does not include time spent on compulsory activities as part of the apprenticeship, this includes time spent on English and Mathematics qualifications, any basic safety and compliance training and diversity training.
However, Off-the-Job Training can also take place at home, through distance learning. There is a program of study that can be completed online that contributes to the completion of their apprenticeship, as long as the learning package is included as part of a blended learning programme, this can be counted as an OJT activity.
How To Prepare for Off-the-Job Training
Completion of OJT needs to be documented and evidenced for the Apprentice to complete their apprenticeship.
Want to learn more and how to move forward with Off-the-Job Training? Click here to see the full Off-The-Job Training document from the Education and Skills Agency.
