The Government has issued guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations in response to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Government has issued guidance regarding flexibilities to make it easier for apprentices to continue as an apprentice, by enabling them to take a break from their learning or do their learning or assessment in a different way to that originally planned.
As well as ensuring that employers will still have the skills they need for the future, it means that they can temporarily redeploy apprentices without ending their apprenticeship.
Where apprentices are furloughed (granted a leave of absence) or placed on unpaid leave, or where the nature of their employment changes and no longer supports their apprenticeship, the apprentice, employer and training provider should consider whether a break in learning would be appropriate .
Where apprentices are made redundant, it is the Governments ambition that they will be supported to find alternative employment, and continue their apprenticeship as quickly as possible, and within 12 weeks.
Where an apprentice is made redundant, the Training Provider must support the apprentice to find another employer. In instances where a significant number of apprentices are made redundant (for example, because a large employer faces difficulties), the ESFA will attempt to provide exceptional practical support to the apprentices and training providers to secure alternative employers for the individuals.
It is hoped that the government’s substantial package of financial support for business will prevent such significant redundancies, but these arrangements will be kept under review and there may be circumstances where the ESFA may need to provide additional support to apprentices and training providers.
The full government latest guidance can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-apprenticeship-programme-response
Apprentices, employers and Training providers are also covered under the support introduced for employers relating to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak – this guidance can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Skills for health have also launched an dedicated page relating to apprenticeships and COVID-19 –
The Institute of Apprenticeships guidance can be found here – https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/response-to-covid-19/?utm_source=External+Newsletter+Oct+2017&utm_campaign=111d15e3b5-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_24_09_24&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7d002af524-111d15e3b5-82972369
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