Welcome to the 7 Star Training Off-The-Job training FAQ! We’ve answered the most common questions here, but if you don’t find what you need, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help, Email Us.
1. What is off-the-job training in a UK apprenticeship programme?
Off-the-job training refers to learning activities that take place outside the apprentice’s normal day-to-day work duties, helping develop knowledge, skills, and behaviours relevant to the apprenticeship programme, but within the apprentice's paid working hours.
The crucial element of off-the-job training is to ensure apprentices are not only learning by doing, but also have a well-structured and guided development plan delivered, in addition to their day-to-day work.
Examples include attending lectures, webinars, or workshops, shadowing colleagues, completing online learning, working on projects or assignments, and time spent with a training provider.
2. What is the difference between an apprenticeship programme and an apprenticeship standard in the UK?
The programme is the actual delivery and training that an apprentice has signed up for, which is based on the standard. It’s the actual apprenticeship experience, using the standard as the rulebook.
The standard is the official apprenticeship framework that sets out what an apprentice needs to learn and achieve. It’s simply the curriculum for a particular apprenticeship job role.
3. How many hours of off-the-job training are required for an apprenticeship standard in the UK?
Generally, at least 6 hours per week of off-the-job training is required, but this may vary depending on the apprenticeship standard and working hours.
The Department for Education has introduced minimum off-the-job training (OTJ) hours for each apprenticeship standard for the first time.
A list detailing new minimum hours for all existing apprenticeship standards has now been released (click here to download).
4. Can off-the-job training be completed outside normal working hours?
Yes, but only if the apprentice and employer agree to it. The time must be part of the apprentice’s contracted hours. The apprentice should never be expected to do off-the-job training in their own unpaid time.
5. How does the 7 Star Training web app help with off-the-job training compliance?
Our web app helps apprentices record compliant learning diaries and automatically generates evidence aligned with government guidelines.
6. Can I track my off-the-job training hours using this platform?
Absolutely. The dashboard clearly displays your completed hours, progress against targets, and upcoming planned learning hours.
7. Can I customize the number of off-the-job training hours per week?
Yes. Our web app allow you to adjust weekly hour targets to match your apprenticeship training plan.
8. Is my data secure on the 7 Star Training platform?
Yes. We follow best-in-class security practices and ensure your training records are safely stored and encrypted.
9. What’s the difference between the Basic and Standard plans?
Both include all essential features, but the Standard plan offers additional flexibility with more advanced features and updates.
10. Can I upgrade or downgrade my subscription later?
Yes, you can switch plans at any time from your account dashboard.
11. Is there a free trial available for new users?
Yes, we offer a 3-day FREE trial to all new users to try our web app, and you can cancel within 3 days from the start of the trial to avoid being automatically charged when the 3 days FREE trial ends.
12. How do I cancel my subscription if I no longer need it?
You can cancel anytime from your account settings. Your access will remain active until the current billing period ends.
13. Does 7 Star Training’s web application have any AI-enhanced features?
Yes, 7 Star Training’s web app includes AI-enhanced features, notably a speech-to-text tool that helps users easily convert spoken words into written text, and an AI-powered Off-The-Job Training chatbot that provides interactive guidance, support, and answers to common queries.
14. Is this platform suitable for all apprenticeship standards in the UK?
Absolutely. 7 Star Training supports all English apprenticeship standards and frameworks that require off-the-job learning evidence.