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Off-the-job training rules and the 8-month minimum apprenticeship duration

For apprenticeships starting from 1 August 2025, off-the-job training is measured in published hours per standard rather than a percentage of working time. This page explains the minimum hours, the minimum duration and which activities count.

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What changed on 1 August 2025

The statutory minimum duration of an apprenticeship fell from 12 months to 8 months for new starts from 1 August 2025. A minimum volume of off-the-job training hours is now published for each standard on the Skills England website, replacing the earlier calculation of 20% of working hours.

The link between training hours and duration has been removed: providers can deliver the required hours over any duration of at least 8 months. Apprentices who started before 1 August 2025 stay on the previous policy, which required a 12-month minimum.

What counts as off-the-job training

An activity counts if it teaches new knowledge, skills and behaviours, is directly relevant to the standard, takes place in the apprentice's normal working hours and is not an excluded activity.

Excluded activities include initial assessment and onboarding, standalone English and maths qualifications, progress reviews, examinations and other on-programme testing, training outside normal working hours and training not required by the apprenticeship. An apprenticeship cannot be delivered solely by self-directed online learning.

Duration, working hours and delivery models

The minimum duration is based on the apprentice working at least 30 hours per week, including off-the-job training. Providers no longer need to extend the duration automatically for part-time apprentices, but they should take working hours into account so that training expectations are realistic.

Training can take place at the workplace, at a college or provider, or online, and may be delivered weekly, monthly or in blocks. Because hours are no longer tied to duration, the same volume can be spread differently: 278 hours can be delivered in 12 months at an average of 6 hours per week, or in 8 months at an average of 9 hours per week.

Frequently asked questions

What is the lowest number of training hours allowed?

No programme may require less than 187 hours of off-the-job training. A programme with fewer than 187 hours is non-compliant, and recognition of prior learning cannot bring the requirement below that baseline.

How does prior learning change the required hours?

The minimum requirement is reduced by the evidenced prior learning. For example, if the published figure is 300 hours and there is evidence of 50 hours of prior learning, the requirement for that learner becomes 250 hours. The full funding band must not be used where prior learning has been recognised.

Can apprentices study in their own time and count it?

No. Training done outside normal working hours, even by the apprentice's own choice, must not be included as off-the-job training.

Must apprentices be paid for off-the-job training time?

Yes. Apprentices must be paid for their normal working hours and for the training that is part of their apprenticeship. If English and maths qualifications are part of the apprenticeship, the employer should allow study time during normal working hours.

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