Information for apprentices

Who delivers the apprenticeship training?

Before an employer hires an apprentice they will have partnered with an approved training provider who will have agreed to deliver the training for the apprentice. There are a variety of training providers operating in Norfolk that are either based locally or work nationally and can deliver training in the area. 

If you would like to find out more about apprenticeship training provision in Norfolk, take a look at our Apprenticeship providers page for more information on over 50 training providers operating in the local area.

Where will I go for apprenticeship training?

Most of your time on an apprenticeship is spent working and learning with your employer but you'll spend at least 6 hours of your work week completing 'off-the-job' training for your apprenticeship. The title 'off-the-job' training can be a bit misleading as there is lots of 'off-the-job' training that can happen in the workplace such as internal training courses, mentoring sessions and attending events. The best way of thinking about 'off-the-job' training is any learning or development activity you do, regardless of location, that you wouldn't typically do as part of your day-to-day tasks. As you'll see below, your apprenticeship training with your training provider might even be done at your workplace too:

There are various ways you might do your 'off-the-job' apprenticeship training and we've highlighted a few of the most common ways below:

• Day release - attending a college or training centre once a week throughout the duration of your apprenticeship.
• Block release - attending a college or training centre every day for a extended period such as a 1-2 full weeks or completing all your training in a front loaded block at the start of your apprenticeship. This often involves staying away from home during these periods.
• At the workplace - a tutor will come out to your workplace to deliver training so there is no need to attend a college or training centre.

With all of these options you may find there is a blended approach with some sessions delivered online.

What will I be doing during my training?

What you will be doing will depend on your apprenticeship and the programme that has been developed by your training provider, so training for the same apprenticeship might look different between each provider. To give you an idea, here are just a few examples of what you could expect from your training:

• Face to face workshops
• Online workshops
• On-demand, self guided e-learning modules
• 1-2-1 tutor sessions
• Classroom sessions
• Innovative learning - gamification, VR, AR etc.

Some providers may stick to one type of learning, whilst others might have a mix.

How are apprenticeships assessed?

During your apprenticeship, you'll be assessed to make sure you're achieving the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for your chosen apprenticeship.

Following this you will complete and apprenticeship assessment. How apprentices are assessed at the end of their apprenticeship changed from August 2025. End point assessment is now referred to as apprenticeship assessment, and gateway is now gateway to completion. Apprenticeship assessments are now no longer restricted to take part at the end of the programme; they may take place earlier depending on the standard and if the apprentice is ready. You will complete this to make sure you're fully competent in your specific occupation, this is carried out by an independent assessment organisation. It usually includes a practical demonstration of your skills as well as a discussion with an assessor that demonstrates your learning and your ability to do your chosen occupation.

The assessment organisation must be independent from the training provider and a list of assessment organisations can be found here.