What is block release apprenticeship training?

Apprenticeships consist generally of two parts, the workplace setting and the off-the-job training, usually done at a college or training provider. The delivery of the training can be done in a few different ways. One of those is called Block Release training.

To find out about all the different methods of apprenticeship training delivery, see below some relevant articles:

What is Day Release Training?

Apprenticeship Methods of Delivery: Suiting the Needs of your Business

Day Release is the more traditional method of delivery whereby the apprentice would spend one day a week off-the-job at the training provider in a classroom setting whilst the rest is in the workplace.

Block release concentrates the learning experience for apprentices into larger blocks spent attending the training provider, meaning that they will learn a lot of skills and knowledge in a relatively short space of time, ensuring they will be able to perform well on the job when they return.

For example, they may spend 1 months at daily attending the training provider followed by 4 months onlu attending the workplace.

Pros and cons of block release training

Block release apprenticeship training is really useful in ensuring apprentices have the necessary skills before entering the workplace. For example, in industries such as engineering, apprentices can learn everything they need to know in a controlled environment before entering the factory floor or production line.

Additionally, block release can allow for an entire cohort of new apprentices to be onboarded at once, saving valuable time and resource of line managers. For apprentices, it is a familiar learning environment to what they may have experienced at school or college and allows them to meet each other and establish working relationships.

It is often used where risk is high within the role, such as complex engineering using machinery that is often dangerous when operated by a novice user. Many employers that use block release as a method of delivery may use it moreso in the first year to give the apprentice a basic set of knowledge and skills before entering the workplace.

However, given the nature of block release, it does mean that apprentices are away from their place of work for a longer period of time. If an organisation needs the apprentice resource more readily, day release training or on-site delivery is potentially a better option.

For apprentices, it is a familiar learning environment to what they may have experienced at school or college and allows them to meet each other and establish working relationships.

Additionally, if block release happens before the apprentice sets foot in the workplace, there is no guarantee that they will actually enjoy their role. While this is mitigated against during the recruitment, onboarding and block release training process, an employer could find themselves in a position where the apprentice reneges on the actual job role.

If the cohort size is small from the employer, such as a singular apprentice, this could cause isolation from their colleagues with lengthy block release.

Generally, apprenticeships are designed to encourage the practical classroom learning contextualised with real life work scenarios. Block release can lead to some learned skills get lost through time taken to contextualised at work with lengthy blocks in the classroom, which is a time waste for all involved, so this needs to be managed carefully.

Where do apprentices stay?

Apprentices will travel to their place of training during block release just as they would travel to work. In some instances, where the training provider is in a different location or a specialist training centre, apprentices will reside nearby or on-site – sometimes employers will cover any related accommodation costs. An example of this would be degree apprentices staying in university halls for a semester.

This should be taken into consideration when planning delivery as this is potentially a large cost to cover, and if you decide not to cover their expenses for this time then you could suffer low morale.

How do I find training providers who provide block release apprenticeship training?

Employers can find apprenticeship training providers who provide day release apprenticeship training by using Find a Training Provider. Simply search by location, apprenticeship standard, level of apprenticeship or industry and filter by training providers who provide day release apprenticeship training to get a comprehensive list of providers.

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If you need a little bit more support, why not reach out directly to us at hello@findatrainingprovider.co.uk and we can put you in touch with a provider that suits your needs for free.

How to decide which method of delivery works for my business?

Choosing a training method of delivery can be difficult, you may have your requirements but we have to take into account what your local providers can offer. Therefore it is suggetsed to stay open minded in discussions with your preferred provider.

A great starting point is to create a Training Needs Analysis, to ask yourself some questions as to what you need, when you need it and how it should happen.

We have put together a fantastic free template for you to download and use.

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To find out more, Why not watch this video or read the article on it here:

What is Training Needs Analysis?

Or

Check our hand template free to download here:

Training Needs Analysis Template

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Block Release FAQ's

Can Block Release be done remotely?

Some Training Providers offer hybrid options combining online and in-person learning. Fully remote block-release may not have the desired effect, depending on the learners satisfaction with remote classroom sessions.

Who pays for the apprentice's travel?

Employers often choose to reimburse travel costs, although it is not mandatory. You cannot use apprenticeship levy funds for this.

Can I choose when the apprentice goes to the Training Provider for block release?

In thoery, yes. Block release tends to be the more tailored method of delivery with the block release being agreed between the provider and employer. Depending on cohort size, the provider can be more accommodating. If you are sending a small number of apprentices, the provider may not be able to offer you the luxury of your preffered time as it may not be cost effective for them to do so. In most occassions if you can send a cohort of apprentices, the provider can generally support your priorities better.

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