A flexi-job apprenticeship allows you to complete an apprenticeship while working across different placements, projects or employers.
This can be useful in industries where work is often short term, project based or seasonal.
Instead of completing your whole apprenticeship with one employer, you may gain experience with several businesses while continuing towards the same apprenticeship standard.
There are two main types of flexi-job apprenticeship:
• agency-based flexi-job apprenticeships
• portable flexi-job apprenticeships
The way your employment works depends on which route you choose.
How does a flexi-job apprenticeship work?
A flexi-job apprenticeship combines paid work with apprenticeship training.
You will:
• earn a wage
• receive training during your paid working hours
• build skills linked to your chosen career
• work towards an approved apprenticeship standard
• gain experience in one or more workplaces
The main difference is that your work may be spread across several placements or short-term contracts.
This can help you complete an apprenticeship in a sector where one employer may not be able to provide enough work for the full programme.
What is a Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency?
A Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency employs apprentices and arranges placements with host businesses.
The agency is your employer.
It is usually responsible for:
• paying your wages
• arranging your placements
• supporting your progress
• working with your training provider
• helping you move between suitable placements
• making sure you can complete your apprenticeship
The host business provides the workplace experience.
You may work with one host business or move between several businesses during your apprenticeship.
Only approved agencies can operate as Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agencies.
What is a portable flexi-job apprenticeship?
A portable flexi-job apprenticeship works differently.
Under this model, you may move between short-term jobs with different employers while continuing the same apprenticeship.
Each employer hires you for a period of time.
You may need to take more responsibility for finding your next suitable role and keeping employers informed about the training you have already completed.
Portable apprenticeships are designed for sectors where people often move between contracts or projects.
Not every apprenticeship is available through this route.
Who employs a flexi-job apprentice?
This depends on the type of flexi-job apprenticeship.
For an agency-based flexi-job apprenticeship, the approved agency employs you.
For a portable flexi-job apprenticeship, the business you are working for employs you during each contract.
You should always check the vacancy carefully so you understand:
• who your employer will be
• who will pay your wage
• how long each placement or contract will last
• who will arrange your next placement
• who will support your training
Who provides the apprenticeship training?
Your training will normally be delivered by an approved college, university or training provider.
The provider works with your employer or agency to make sure you are developing the skills needed for the apprenticeship.
Training may include:
• classroom learning
• online lessons
• workshops
• practical training
• assignments
• mentoring
• workplace projects
• preparation for your final assessment
Your training should continue even if you move to a new placement or employer.
Which industries use flexi-job apprenticeships?
Flexi-job apprenticeships can be useful in sectors where work is often based around short projects, changing contracts or busy periods.
These may include:
• construction
• film and television
• creative industries
• digital and technology
• engineering
• agriculture
• transport
• care
• events and production
Opportunities depend on the apprenticeship standard, approved agencies and employers available in each area.
Not every role in these industries will be offered as a flexi-job apprenticeship.
What are the benefits of a flexi-job apprenticeship?
A flexi-job apprenticeship can offer several benefits.
Experience with different businesses
You may work with more than one employer or host business.
This can help you understand how different organisations work and give you a wider range of experience.
A broader set of skills
Different placements may involve different systems, teams, customers and projects.
This can help you build a stronger and more varied skill set.
Better access to project-based industries
Some employers cannot offer enough work to support an apprentice for the full programme.
The flexi-job model allows them to offer a shorter placement while you continue your apprenticeship elsewhere.
More professional contacts
Working with different teams can help you build a wider network of people in your chosen industry.
Continued progress
Under the agency model, the agency can help arrange a new placement when one ends.
This can provide greater continuity while you complete your training.
What are the benefits for employers?
Flexi-job apprenticeships can also support employers.
A host business may be able to:
• offer a placement without employing an apprentice for the full programme
• access apprentices for specific projects or busy periods
• support skills development within its industry
• work with an approved agency to manage employment and training
• introduce new people and ideas into the business
The host business still needs to provide suitable work, support and supervision during the placement.
Are flexi-job apprentices paid?
Yes.
Flexi-job apprentices are employees and must be paid for both their working time and apprenticeship training.
Your wage must meet at least the legal minimum for your age and stage of apprenticeship.
Some employers and agencies pay more than the minimum rate.
Check the vacancy to find out:
• the hourly rate or salary
• working hours
• holiday entitlement
• travel support
• any other employee benefits
Do flexi-job apprentices receive employee rights?
Yes.
You should receive the same basic employment rights as other apprentices.
These include:
• paid holiday
• rest breaks
• protection from discrimination
• a safe working environment
• National Minimum Wage protection
• training during paid working hours
The exact terms may depend on whether you are employed by an agency or directly by each employer.
Read your employment contract carefully.
What happens between placements?
Under the agency model, the Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agency should work to arrange your next suitable placement.
The agency should also help make sure your training continues.
There may sometimes be a gap between placements, so ask the agency:
• how gaps are managed
• whether you will still be paid
• whether training continues
• how quickly new placements are arranged
• what support is available
For a portable flexi-job apprenticeship, you may need to find your next job yourself.
It is important to plan ahead before a contract ends.
Can you choose your placements?
You may be able to discuss your interests and preferred placements with the agency.
However, the placements available will depend on:
• your apprenticeship standard
• your location
• participating businesses
• the type of work available
• the skills you still need to develop
A placement must give you suitable work that supports your apprenticeship.
You should not be moved to a role that does not help you build the required skills.
How do you find a flexi-job apprenticeship?
Flexi-job apprenticeship vacancies may be advertised through:
• the government apprenticeship service
• approved Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Agencies
• employer websites
• training providers
• job websites
• industry organisations
Search for terms such as:
• flexi-job apprenticeship
• flexible apprenticeship
• apprenticeship agency
• project-based apprenticeship
• portable apprenticeship
Check whether the vacancy is agency based or portable before applying.
What should you check before applying?
Before applying, find out:
• who will employ you
• who will pay your wage
• how placements are arranged
• how long each placement may last
• where the placements are located
• whether travel is required
• who provides the training
• what happens between placements
• what qualification or certificate you will receive
• what support is available
Ask questions if any part of the arrangement is unclear.
Is a flexi-job apprenticeship right for you?
A flexi-job apprenticeship may suit you if you:
• enjoy working with different teams
• can adapt to new workplaces
• want experience with several businesses
• are interested in a project-based industry
• are organised and able to manage change
• want to build a wide range of skills
You may prefer a standard apprenticeship if you want to stay with one employer throughout the programme.
Both routes can lead to valuable skills, experience and career opportunities.
The right choice depends on the industry, role and type of working environment that suits you.
You can find the current list of approved FJAA’s in England here.
