Tribal’s Funding & Compliance Team has been busy working with our customers to check that their bespoke Training Plan templates are compliant with the new 2025/2026 funding rules. Here they share their top tips and the common issues they spotted:
1. Update the delivery plan
Now that evidence of “active” off-the-job training is based on the Training Plan and not a set number of hours per week you may need to add more detail to the delivery plan section. Check that there is enough detail to enable both you - and any auditors - to identify whether you have evidenced active learning “…against the training plan” For example, which elements will be delivered during which weeks of the apprenticeship, is it block release, day release, front loaded and how many hours of OTJ will be delivered for each learning activity or component?
2. Off-the-job hours calculation
Update this to show the new minimum off-the-job training hours as laid out in Annex C of the funding rules and whether you plan to meet or exceed the minimum. We always recommend planning to over-deliver to mitigate any risks of errors being uncovered at audit. Delivering under the minimum by even small amounts could lead to the whole value of the learner file being clawed back over the whole apprenticeship duration, including the EPA costs.
3. Functional skills
Where you will be using the template for apprentices over 19 years old, ensure you add a field to record that the employer has confirmed that they do not want to include Functional Skills. Many providers have included space for recording when they are being included but not the reverse.
4. Check for two “new” confirmation statements
Two statements were removed from the Training Plan requirements when the rules were simplified in 2024/2025. These have been added back in and some providers have missed this small detail. These are Rules 59.3 and 59.4 “That the training plan aligns with an approved apprenticeship standard, at the most appropriate level" and “That the individual’s job role has a productive purpose and there is a direct link between the selected apprenticeship standard and the individual’s job role"
5. Care leavers’ bursary
It’s not mandatory to include it in the Training Plan but providers need to record that they have given the learner the opportunity to declare their eligibility for the care leavers’ bursary. There may be sensitivities about when and where this is done but depending on your processes you may want to include it in the Training Plan.
Our Funding & Compliance Service gives you on-demand access to a team of experts. Providing advice and guidance, cover for unplanned staff absence, or support with your day-to-day activities including ILR submission - contact our Funding & Compliance team to find out more.
