When looking for an apprentice, you need to consider both parts of the apprenticeship:
- The practical, on-the-job training.
- The theoretical, off-the-job training.
Both practical and theoretical training are vital to an apprentice’s growth and success. But how do you ensure that they are getting enough time studying so that they can perform great when they're at work?
Growing your business through training is one of the core principles of a great apprenticeship, and this means the training plays a key part.
One of the ways to do this is called a Block Release Apprenticeship.
We will explain what this means, how it works and of course the benefits that it brings for you and your apprentices.
What Does Block Release Apprenticeship Mean?
A block release apprenticeship is one of two ways that apprentices can receive training at a training provider or college.
Block release training means that apprentices are taking their classroom training in larger blocks of a few weeks, rather than spread out over the apprenticeship. This means that the apprentices are receiving all their training in bigger chunks, before returning to the workplace for a longer time. This means that the apprentices are receiving all their training in bigger chunks, before returning to the workplace for a longer time.
How Does Block Release Apprenticeship Work?
Block release apprenticeships can work in slightly different ways, but the general premise remains the same.
Apprentices learn for an uninterrupted period, typically 1 week or more, studying at their training classes. After this, they will return to the workplace for a few weeks of putting their learnings into practice.
As an example, the training period could be 2 weeks, before the apprentice returns to work for a period of 2 months.
This period of training can be all done in one go, such as the start of the apprenticeship, or spread over the duration of the apprenticeship, whichever works best.
Day Release vs Block Release Apprenticeship
The more common form of apprentices receiving training in what’s known as the Day Release Apprenticeship.
Day release apprenticeships utilise a different way to spread building career skills and training. With a day release apprenticeship, the apprentices work for 4 days out of the week and attend classroom-based training the remaining 1 day.
Those are the only real differences between the two, and whichever type of apprenticeship you select depends on your company’s needs.
Day release allows for a more consistent presence in the workplace should the work require it. Block release typically fits a complex role better, as the consecutive training period allows the apprentice to quickly learn critical parts of the role. This leads to more efficient and safer apprentices.
Benefits of Block Release Apprenticeship
Block release apprenticeship has benefits for both apprentices and employers.
For apprentices, the biggest benefits are:
- Longer periods of learning allow them to concentrate on the classwork and absorb more of the learning material.
- These periods also allow them to build more extensive relationships with their fellow students and colleagues. This uninterrupted time spent with their peers can really help elevate their career and relationships.
- Apprentices will enter the workplace with more confidence as they will have already learned a lot of the basics. This then allows them to become more efficient and successful.
For employers, you have some responsibilities towards your apprentices. Thankfully, there are benefits to a block release apprenticeship for employers too.
- Apprenticeships in complex and potentially dangerous fields and professions will be safer as the apprentices will be more educated. This reduces the risks as they are taught the correct precautions and procedures. They are taught in safer and more controlled environments before they are entering a potentially hazardous factory floor or workshop as a mechanic or as an engineer.
- It is easier to make the apprentices a part of the business if they are present for longer periods. It also there is less interruption in the day-to-day workflow, increasing reliability.
- Block release also allows a larger group of apprentices to be onboarded at the same time, which saves time and resources. This means any on-the-job training and instructions can be given at the same time to a larger group of people who are roughly on the same level.
However, there are also some challenges that need to be considered when determining if block release is suitable for your company.
- Apprentices are away from the workplace for longer periods of time. This can lead to potential issues with finding coverage. If the company cannot do with the apprentices being away for weeks on end, a day release might be better.
- Though the chances for this are minimised in the finding, recruiting and training process, there is the possibility that an apprentice for some reason must abandon their apprenticeship. When the apprentice sits through 2 or 3 weeks of training before having to leave for whatever reason, there is a risk of wasted time and resources.
Is Block Release Apprenticeship the Right Fit for Your Company?
Deciding which method of training delivery is right for your company can be difficult as there is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
It is good to know that both block release and day release apprenticeships are both options with their own benefits. It is good to be aware of the ups and downs for either, but in the end, both are great ways to teach apprentices.
Why Choose Total People as Your Apprentice Training Provider?
We can help you make the best-informed decision to get the best apprentices for your company. We can inform you of the other benefits you will receive when hiring for apprenticeships, the employment rights you need to consider and other helpful topics.
As an apprenticeship training provider, our experts can advise you about which method of training is best-suited. We will connect you with the best suited apprentices for your company, so if you are currently looking to have trained apprenticeships at your company, contact us today.
