Block release concentrates the learning experience for apprentices, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Employers can find apprenticeship training providers who provide block 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 block release apprenticeship training to get a comprehensive list of providers.