13 March 2020

Apprenticeship Programmes – Coronavirus Update

Following government updates yesterday on new measures in the transition from the 'containment' to 'delay' phase of Covid19 we anticipate that the impact on our apprentices, employers and our own staff may be significant, and apprenticeships is not likely to be at the top of the agenda. 

In anticipation of any disruption, BPIF training staff may be changing the way in which learning sessions are delivered during this period and move to a distance learning model, meaning that learning sessions will continue via ‘zoom’ remote software. We can assure you that the quality of learning sessions will not be compromised by using this approach. Should you have any concerns regarding this delivery approach please contact Karly Lattimore, Managing Director – Training who will be able to discuss this further with you. 

We are also keeping a close eye on the guidance given by the Department for Education in order to support the sector during any disruption which may be experienced due to Covid-19. The initial recommendations from the DfE is:

1. Apprentices who are ready for assessment – i.e. who reach gateway and cannot be assessed due to assessor illness or Covid-19 related measures, will be allowed to have a break in learning. 
2. Apprentices who experience gaps in training due to Covid-19 related illness in the workplace or off the job can classify this period as a break in learning. 
3. Usually breaks in learning are only permitted where they are learner driven, however we are aware that there may be occasion where an employer who is following government advice may take action that results in an apprenticeship have to be paused.  In these occasions a break in learning can be used where there will be a break of longer than 4 weeks.
4. In order to maintain the integrity of high-quality assessment of apprenticeships we are going to monitor the situation and will issue further advice and modifications relating to specific assessment methods if necessary.

There is a need for everyone (employer, provider, Apprentice) to take a reasonable and balanced approach in these situations and to recognise that the health and wellbeing of individuals is a higher priority than performance measures.