Question 1

What's the difference between an apprenticeship agreement and an employment contract?

Accepted Answer

The employment contract is your standard HR document covering salary, hours, holidays, and employment terms. The apprenticeship agreement is a separate statutory DfE document that links the apprentice to a specific apprenticeship standard, including training dates, off-the-job hours, and End-Point Assessment gateway. You must have both documents in place. Solveway creates the apprenticeship agreement and ensures it meets compliance requirements.

Question 2

Can I upskill existing staff through an apprenticeship?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only if the apprenticeship teaches significant new knowledge and skills. The role must not be formalising existing competence. Solveway conducts an initial assessment to determine whether your existing employee requires sufficient new learning to justify an apprenticeship. If they already possess most of the skills in the standard, you may face funding clawback.

Question 3

What happens if an apprentice leaves early?

Accepted Answer

If an apprentice leaves before completing their programme, you must notify Solveway and the Digital Apprenticeship Service immediately. Funding will stop from the date of leaving. You are not required to repay funding already claimed unless the apprentice left due to non-compliance (e.g., failure to deliver off-the-job training). Early leavers do not receive their apprenticeship certificate, though they may be eligible for partial credit towards future apprenticeships.

Question 4

How can I deliver the off-the-job training requirement?

Accepted Answer

Off-the-job training can be delivered through mentoring sessions, job shadowing, online training modules, industry research, and structured learning activities. It must happen during paid working hours and must not be productive work. For a full-time apprentice (37.5 hours/week), this equates to approximately 6 hours per week. Solveway provides a tracking system to log and evidence all off-the-job hours, ensuring you remain compliant throughout the apprenticeship.

Question 5

Do I need a separate contract for the apprenticeship?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The apprenticeship agreement is legally separate from the employment contract. The employment contract governs the employment relationship (pay, hours, notice), whilst the apprenticeship agreement governs the training relationship (standard, training plan, OTJH commitment). Both documents are mandatory and must be signed before the apprentice's start date.

Question 6

Who manages the DAS account permissions?

Accepted Answer

As the employer, you own and control your Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account. However, you must grant Solveway permission to act as your training provider within the DAS system. This allows Solveway to create apprentice records, submit funding claims, and manage compliance documentation on your behalf. We guide you through the permission-granting process step-by-step during onboarding.

How to Hire an Apprentice

How to Navigate Apprenticeship Compliance

Is Your Business Ready?

Genuine Job Requirement

Minimum Training Duration

50%+ Working Hours in England

How Solveway Ensures Compliance

The Compliance Lifecycle

Setting Up Your DAS Account

Employer Identification

Link to Training Provider

Your Compliance Questions, Answered

Ready to Hire Your First Apprentice?