Working as an essential worker during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Essential workers are people providing an essential service during the coronavirus outbreak. For example, teachers, NHS and public transport staff.
Check if you’re an essential worker.
Continue with your apprenticeship
There are different options available to essential workers who continue to attend their place of work. You may:
- continue with your apprenticeship as normal
- use digital or distance learning tools during your working hours
- get support from an additional on-site mentor
- take a break from your apprenticeship
Contact your employer and training provider to find out what changes they can make to your apprenticeship training.
Changes to your apprenticeship
You may need to work in a different role to help support your organisation during the coronavirus outbreak. If your new job role:
- relates to your apprenticeship training, you can continue with your apprenticeship
- does not relate to your apprenticeship training and will last more than 4 weeks, you must take a break from your apprenticeship
Agree with your employer and training provider whether you can continue with your apprenticeship.
Off-the-job training
You must continue to spend at least 20% of your time as an apprentice doing ‘off-the-job’ training. This training must be relevant, new and help you to learn the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship standard.
Your employer may ask you to take a break from your apprenticeship to help support the organisation during the coronavirus outbreak.