Following the announcement on 4 January 2021 confirming a new national lockdown, a new updated version of the apprenticeship response to COVID-19 has been published. 

The new guidance can found online at gov.uk. It confirms that:

• Training providers, employers and end point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must ensure that training and assessment takes place remotely wherever possible.
• Face-to-face training and assessment can continue in colleges and training providers’ premises for vulnerable young apprentices and the children of key workers who need it.
• Face-to-face training and assessment can also continue in employers’ COVID-secure settings where it is essential for workers to attend their workplace, and where it is safe and practical to do so.
• End-point assessment (EPA) and Functional Skills (FSQ) assessments can continue in colleges, training providers’ premises, assessment venues and workplaces where it cannot be conducted remotely and where providers and EPAOs judge it right to do so.

As ever, the guidance will be updated regularly as necessary, so please do check regularly.

ACE's COVID-19 Hub pulls together advice and support for businesses, including tips on making working environments safe and secure. You can also replay webinars, download guidance, and keep abreast of the latest COVID developments.

Visit TAC's Hub for the latest apprenticeship advice.