Zero Hours Contract

You will need to agree with the employer the average hours per week, see the funding rules:

P39 The minimum duration of each apprenticeship is based on the apprentice working at least 30 hours a week, including any off-the-job training they undertake.

P39.1 Working fewer than 30 hours a week (see paragraphs P40 to P43) or being on a zero-hours contract (see paragraph P44) must not be a barrier to successfully completing an apprenticeship. We will monitor working hours data and patterns of behaviour to ensure that sufficient off-the-job activity is undertaken to ensure successful completion of the apprenticeship, regardless of the number of hours worked. We reserve the right to take action where alternative working patterns are not managed appropriately leading to a reduction in the quality of the apprenticeship.

Zero hours contracts

P44 Zero-hours contracts are acceptable only where all of the other rules in this document are met.

P44.1 For an apprentice with a zero-hour contract you must ensure the employer extends the duration of the apprenticeship in proportion to the hours they work.

P44.2 An apprentice with a zero-hours contract must be allowed to complete their apprenticeship in their working hours, including the off-the-job training. Where this is not possible, you must record a break in learning in the apprenticeship.