Do Apprentices Get Training During Working Hours in England?

When employers consider apprenticeships in England, one of the most frequent questions is, “Do apprentices get training during working hours?” The answer isn’t just a straightforward yes or no. It hinges on specific regulations, employer policies, apprenticeship standards, and funding opportunities — especially as workplace training evolves with new technologies like low-code and no-code AI tools.

In this blog post, we'll explore the realities of training during working hours for apprentices, focusing on:

The government rules on training during working hours apprenticeship How fully funded workplace AI training is shaping new apprenticeships Comparing Level 4 apprenticeship value versus paid short courses Why employers prioritise practical experience over just certificates What the new ST1512 standard covers for applied business AI

Understanding the Gov UK Apprentice Training Rules

First, let’s clarify the government's official stance on paid time for apprenticeship training.

According to the gov uk apprenticeship funding rules:

Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their working hours on training or study related to their apprenticeship. This includes classroom, online, off-the-job, or onsite training relevant to the apprenticeship standard. Training time should be paid. Apprentices cannot be expected to cover training outside their agreed paid hours. The 20% minimum training time aims to balance productive work and skill development, ensuring the apprentice progresses in their role while acquiring new competencies.

Because this is a minimum, many employers exceed 20%, especially for higher level apprenticeships or where apprentices need to learn complex new skills.

Key takeaway: Apprenticeship training during working hours must be paid, and apprentices must get at least 20% of their time for meaningful training.

The Growing Presence of AI Training in Apprenticeships

One of the fastest-changing landscapes in workplace learning is AI — particularly how businesses adopt low-code and no-code tools for automation, analytics, and customer experience enhancements.

Fully Funded Workplace AI Training in England

Because AI skills are so critical, the government supports fully funded AI training via apprenticeships. This means employers can access levy funds or co-investment funding to upskill apprentices in contemporary AI applications without significant direct costs.

Training Type Funding Source Training Focus Paid Time Requirement ST1512 Applied Business AI Apprenticeship Apprenticeship levy / co-investment AI use in business processes, low-code/no-code tools, data-driven decision making Minimum 20% paid training time Short AI Courses (Commercial) Employer or employee pays directly Focused AI concepts or specific platforms Paid training time varies by employer policy

The magnificent thing about apprenticeships https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/littleknown-fully-funded-ai-apprenticeship-could-save-uk-workers-%C2%A32000-on-ai-courses/ar-AA2b3Sr1?ocid is that the AI training provided under standards like ST1512 is embedded in practical, on-the-job learning combined with off-the-job study — all funded through government-backed schemes.

Level 4 Apprenticeship vs Paid Short Courses: Which Offers More Value?

Many employers and potential apprentices weigh the options:

Enrolling in a paid short AI course (which might last a few days to weeks) Committing to a Level 4 apprenticeship with AI focus lasting 1-2 years

Consider these aspects:

Depth and Breadth: Level 4 apprenticeships cover comprehensive skills across business and AI capabilities, plus practical experience, soft skills, and regulated assessment. Short courses are often narrower in scope. Cost: Apprenticeships are typically fully funded (if eligibility is met, especially for levy-paying employers). Short courses usually involve direct payment, sometimes thousands of pounds. Recognition: Level 4 apprenticeships lead to recognised qualifications aligned with the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Certificates from short courses may not have the same formal standing. Practical Experience: Apprenticeships are designed around real work, so skills are embedded in daily tasks. Short courses may offer theoretical knowledge, but no guaranteed workplace application.

My “stuff people pay for that they could get funded” list definitely includes these Level 4 apprenticeship programmes when you’re serious about AI and business.

Why Employers Prioritise Experience, Not Just Certificates

Across HR and operations teams, the mantra is: “It’s not enough to have a certificate on paper — can the person do the job?”

Even if an apprentice collects formal qualifications, the real value is in demonstrating competency in real tasks — especially with emerging AI technologies where practical problem-solving matters more than just theoretical knowledge.

Employers want apprentices who can use low-code/no-code AI tools to automate repetitive tasks and generate actionable insights. They expect demonstrable improvements in workflows and decision-making processes. Certifications are important but must be paired with experience, credibility, and the ability to adapt in a changing AI landscape.

Question for employers and managers: What will you automate in week 3 of an apprentice’s role? This mindset ensures apprenticeships go beyond training and deliver tangible business results.

What Does the ST1512 Standard Cover?

The ST1512 Applied Business AI Level 4 apprenticeship standard is designed to train apprentices in harnessing AI-powered tools to transform business processes. The standard includes:

Understanding AI concepts, ethics, and data governance Skills in deploying low-code/no-code platforms to build automation and AI solutions Analysing and interpreting data to support decision making Applying AI tools in areas like customer service, marketing, HR, and operations Collaborating across teams to implement AI initiatives Managing AI projects from inception to delivery

This apprenticeship standard meets the UK’s modern business needs by equipping apprentices with both technical and business acumen — all embedded within real paid working hours.

Summary: Training During Working Hours for Apprentices in England

Point Details Government rules At least 20% of working hours must be paid training time associated with the apprenticeship. Funding for AI apprenticeships Fully funded via apprenticeship levy and co-investment models. Level 4 apprenticeship vs. short courses Apprenticeships provide deeper, recognised training with paid time; short courses usually cost more and focus narrowly. Employer priorities Practical AI skills and workplace experience > just certificates. ST1512 Applied Business AI Standard covering AI, low-code/no-code tools, data analytics, and project management in business.

Final Thoughts

Apprenticeship training during working hours in England is more than just a statutory requirement — it’s an opportunity for employers and apprentices to invest in real, impactful skills that drive business growth and career development alike.

If you’re considering apprenticeships to upskill staff in AI using low-code or no-code tools, remember:

The training must be paid and protected time. Levy funds can cover rich Level 4 training that delivers ROI beyond certificates. Embed apprenticeship learning into real projects focused on automation — not just ticking boxes. Watch your apprentice’s progress by what they deliver in week 3 and beyond.

So next time someone asks if apprentices receive training during working hours, you can confidently say “yes,” backed by rules, standards, and best practices that benefit employers, apprentices, and the wider economy.