These are difficult times for apprentices, employers and apprenticeship training and assessment providers. However, the Government remains committed to supporting apprentices and employers to continue to build the skills capabilities the country needs now and in the future.
The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) is responding by taking steps to ensure that, wherever possible, apprentices can continue and complete their apprenticeship, despite any break they need to take as a result of COVID-19, and to support providers during this challenging time.
Measures include encouraging training providers to deliver training remotely and online, allowing the modification of end-point assessment arrangements, including remote assessments wherever practicable and possible, and making it clear that apprentices who are ready for assessment, but who cannot be assessed due to COVID-19 issues, can have their end-point assessment rescheduled.
The ESFA has confirmed that apprenticeship training providers will continue to be paid retrospectively for the training they have delivered and can evidence. Training providers will not receive payments for learners who are on breaks in learning. However, where the COVID-19 outbreak results in loss of income due to ceased or reduced delivery of training, training providers maybe eligible for the wide range of financial support that the Chancellor has already announced for businesses.
The guidance and measures start immediately and apply until further notice. If you require any further assistance or encounter any difficulties then please do not hesitate to get in touch with me via email at: george.eustice.mp@parliament.uk.
