Elevating Apprenticeships: Transforming Off-the-Job Training with the Elevate Model – Benefits for Employers

Guest Blog from our Curriculum Manager, Charly Webb-Ellis

Off-the-job training (OTJT) has been a cornerstone of quality apprenticeships since 2017. It refers to those structured learning activities outside an apprentice’s normal work duties that directly support their progression towards their apprenticeship standard. This dedicated training time is vital for apprentices to deepen their knowledge, master essential skills, and develop the right professional attitudes. 

Employers sometimes express concerns about apprentices being away from their shifts and whether this time is used effectively. Additionally, some might have questions about what activities qualify as OTJT. 

The good news is that with thoughtful planning and collaboration between training providers and employers, OTJT can be transformed into a powerful investment. Let’s explore how Paragon Skills’ Elevate model reimagines OTJT, delivering benefits that extend far beyond the classroom. 

The Paragon Skills & Elevate Difference 

At Paragon Skills, we believe the traditional approach to OTJT needs an upgrade. That’s why we prioritise seamless OTJT integration within our Elevate curriculum and learner journeys. We meticulously plan every aspect of the OTJT experience: how learners meet requirements, the most crucial content, and how employers play an active role in supporting apprentices within the workplace. This ensures meaningful learning and the chance to get hands-on experience with the skills they’re developing. 

Paragon Skills’ Elevate apprenticeship model reimagines the traditional approach. We embrace innovative teaching methodologies to optimise learning outcomes. These include: 

• Flipped Learning: Learners engage with core concepts independently, ensuring they come to structured OTJT sessions already prepared for deeper discussions and practical application. This maximises valuable training time. 
• Spiral Curriculum: Key knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) are revisited throughout the programme at increasing levels of complexity. This promotes deep understanding, retention, and the ability to apply what they learn in real-world workplace situations. 
• ATC (Autonomy, Technology, and Coaching) Learning Model: This approach fosters independence, strategically uses technology for better learning experiences, and provides targeted coaching. It’s a combination that promotes active engagement and creates a truly personalised learning journey. 

Crucially, Elevate is all about personalisation – we tailor the programme to fit both individual apprentices and your workplace needs. OTJT with us isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s the engine driving apprentice success, where theory becomes practice, and where those ‘lightbulb moments’ happen! 

The Power of Partnership 

At Paragon Skills, we understand that employers across various sectors face distinct challenges. That’s why we actively seek employer input through feedback forums to shape our Elevate apprenticeship content. This ensures it aligns with industry needs and your specific priorities. 

For example, our residential childcare employers overwhelmingly emphasised the importance of embedding the 9 quality standards into the curriculum. In response, we’ve interwoven these standards throughout our eLearning modules, workshops, and even the workplace activities we suggest. This guarantees a consistent and quality-driven approach to training. 

Our support extends beyond content development. We offer detailed suggestions for activities employers can complete with apprentices right in the workplace. These activities both count towards OTJT and perfectly complement the learning within the Elevate programme. 

Addressing Employer Concerns 

• Concern: Time Away from Work Tasks 

• Solution: Elevate offers flexible OTJT options. From online modules learners can complete in shorter bursts to intensive workshops, we’ll design a schedule that minimises disruption while maximising impact. 

• Concern: Irrelevant Learning 

• Solution: Our focus on customisation and the employer feedback loop ensures OTJT directly addresses your workplace needs. No generic training here – Elevate ensures that every learning minute benefits your team. 

• Concern: Unsure Return on Investment 

• Solution: More than numbers, Elevate apprentices develop into well-rounded professionals. By embedding those broader employability skills, their problem-solving, adaptability, and eagerness to learn add value far beyond the initial training period. We ensure they become the well-rounded professionals you need, increasing workplace productivity and decreasing employee turnover. 

The Big Picture Benefit 

The UK’s skills shortages and the fight for top talent are well-known challenges, especially within the care sector. Elevate’s holistic approach to OTJT doesn’t just produce competent employees – it nurtures well-rounded professionals with the transferable skills and growth mindset that modern care providers crave. This type of apprentice offers a higher return on investment and makes a lasting, positive impact on your organisation. 

Partner with Paragon Skills and let our Elevate apprenticeships transform your workforce’s potential. Invest in personalised, collaborative OTJT, and invest in the future of your business. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how Elevate can address your specific needs.