Minimum off-the-job training (OTJT) hours for more apprenticeship standards are to be temporarily reduced while the new rules around programme durations are implemented. 

The update, published on July 15, 2025, in the DfE's version 2 of the 2025-26 apprenticeship funding rules, have been made partly in response to feedback from the training sector. These short-term measures apply to apprentice starts at all levels and will run for a four-month period between August and December.  

The government announced back in February that as from next month - August 1, 2025 - the minimum length of apprenticeships will be cut from 12 months to eight months. By shortening programme durations, it hopes to see more apprentices complete their training each year, boosting economic growth and cutting red tape.  

In its summary of the latest amendments, the DfE said it was publishing a minimum OTJT on each standard as a temporary measure while IfATE transitions to Skills England, the UK government's new body for skills development.  

Having an off-the-job minimum training figure means training providers will no longer need to calculate the OTJT minimum hours for each apprentice. To set the minimum number of hours for each standard, the DfE looked at factors such as typical course duration as set out by IfATE and the actual time on programme, and the amount of planned and actual hours reported by providers in an apprentice's individual learner record (ILR).  

In its summary of the latest update the DfE states: "2025/26 is a transition year in which we will continue to collect delivery information and work with partners to assess if the volumes are reflective of actual delivery. The policy will remain an absolute policy for 2025/26 and so to be eligible for government funding an apprentice with no relevant prior learning must receive at least the published volume of OTJT hours for the standard (or a reduced figure for evidenced RPL). Funds are at risk of recovery if the published OTJT volume for the standard (or a reduced figure for evidenced RPL) is not met." 

This announcement brings the total number of apprenticeship standards with revised OTJT minimum hours to 73. The standards cover a wide and varied range of industry sectors with baker, clinical coder, data engineer, early years educator, personal trainer, production chef, software tester and technician scientist all on the list. 

To view all 73 and compare their OTJT minimum hours for August to December 2025 against those being introduced from January 2026 click here.   

The government worked alongside stakeholders such as The Association of Employment and Learning Providers,  the Association of Colleges and The University Vocational Awards Council, to make the policy changes.  

Onefile and OTJT 

The UK's skills training landscape is currently going through something of a transition, bringing new rules for employers, training providers and apprentices. 

Any change can be disconcerting, but Onefile has the solution to make OTJT as seamless as possible. 

To find out how we can help you, talk to us today.