At the start of any apprenticeship journey, it’s important both the employer and apprentice understand their obligations and are clear on what’s expected from day one.
That’s where the apprenticeship commitment statement comes in – it’s an important tool for ensuring that everyone knows their role and that outcomes are well-defined. As a leading apprenticeship provider, in this blog, we’ll explain what the commitment statement is, why it’s needed and what it must contain.
The apprenticeship agreement and commitment statement: What are they?
When an apprentice starts their apprenticeship journey, there are two forms that they need to complete: the apprenticeship agreement and the training plan – which was previously called a commitment statement. These documents outline exactly what the apprentice and employer can expect from the apprenticeship and from each other. They’re signed by all parties to ensure that everyone is fulfilling their obligations.
In this blog, we’re focusing on the commitment statement, but we explain what the apprenticeship agreement is in our other handy guide.
What is the apprenticeship commitment statement?
Essentially, the training plan or apprenticeship commitment statement is a document that explains what everyone has to do to ensure the apprenticeship goes to plan. It outlines the responsibilities of the employer, apprentice and training provider, and must be signed by all three parties in order for the apprenticeship to go ahead.
Since 2022, the apprenticeship commitment statement has been officially referred to as the apprenticeship training plan.
What must the apprenticeship commitment statement include?
As an employer, you won’t have to worry about drafting a commitment statement as it will be provided by the training provider, who will ensure that it meets Department for Education requirements. But it is important to understand what it contains and what you’re committing to.
The statement or training plan includes:
- Roles and contact details: The document includes the roles and direct contact details for all three parties involved, ensuring that communication throughout remains seamless and easy
- Training schedules and milestones: The statement must detail exactly what is being taught and when – including the specific apprenticeship modules, planned start and end dates of the apprenticeship, and the estimated date for end-point assessment
- What support is available: The document should also outline any additional support that the apprentice may need, including specific learning support or adjustments for apprentices with disabilities or additional needs
- Participation and progress reviews: The commitment statement will also detail how progress will be monitored, settingout a schedule of progress review meetings, in which all three parties meet to discuss the apprentice’s development.
If you’re not currently working with a provider and would like to access a commitment statement template, you can do so on the government website.
What is the purpose of the statement?
The training plan or commitment statement sets out the training that will be delivered, and how you (the employer), your training provider and the apprentice will work together to ensure a successful apprenticeship. It is designed to translate on-the-job and off-the-job training into a structured, meaningful pathway to real skills and knowledge.
It also ensures that all parties fulfil their obligations during the apprenticeship programme:
- The training provider is accountable for delivering high-quality training
- The apprentice is accountable for their learning and progress
- You, the employer, are accountable for providing the required training time and opportunities for the apprentice to develop.
It should be a live document, and if any changes are made by the apprentice, employer or provider, it will need to be re-signed and confirmed by all members.
Discover the true power of apprenticeships with Damar Training
The apprenticeship training plan or commitment statement isn’t just a box to tick – it’s one of the foundations of a successful apprenticeship. By establishing clear expectations and defining roles and responsibilities, the document lays out a clear plan for every step of the apprenticeship journey.