Thinking about dropping out?

Problems with work or training

Your training should be high quality, support you in your job, and build your confidence. If you are having problems with training, this is what you should do.

Speak to your employer first

You should speak to your employer if you:

• do not have enough time for training
• feel like you’re not learning enough
• are working extra hours outside of your paid working hours
• You should have a day-to-day contact or manager who can answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Speak to your training provider

If you cannot resolve your questions or concerns with your employer, you should speak to your main contact at your training provider.

Get help from us

If you still have concerns after talking to your employer and training provider, we can help you. You can contact us for advice, or complain about a further education college or apprenticeship.

If you are being harassed or discriminated against, you’re protected by the Equality Act 2010. See what to do if you’re being bullied, harassed, or discriminated against.

Health or personal issues

You’re covered by employment law as an apprentice, which means you have certain rights, including:

• when you're not well enough to work
• if you’ve had a baby
• if someone in your family dies
• to care for others.

Find out more about pay and time off on GOV.UK.

See the mental health support available.

If you need support with housing, your employer or training provider may be able to help you. Sometimes employers offer housing locally, or can help you to understand the local area. If you're studying at a university or a training provider who has a campus, they may offer accommodation or support with finding housing.

If you’re at risk of becoming homeless, you can find help on GOV.UK if you’re homeless or about to become homeless.

Offered another job

Check and see if you can transfer your apprenticeship to your new job – if it’s similar to your current role, it may be possible to transfer and continue working towards your qualification.

If you want to start a new role and not transfer your apprenticeship, it’s worth bearing in mind that you will not gain the qualification that you’re working towards. You may also miss out on gaining valuable experience, and learning knowledge, skills and behaviours that may apply to many roles.

Take a break from your apprenticeship

You can take a break from your apprenticeship if you need to. This is called a ‘break in learning’. You should read your apprenticeship agreement and check that if there’s any clauses in there about taking a break in learning.

It’s worth asking your employer or provider about what taking a break might mean for you, for example:

• if it will affect you financially
• what training you may miss
• if your career progress might be slowed.

If you’re unsure about whether to take a break or not, talk to them about other ways you could change how you’re working or learning – like adjusting your training schedule.

Help to end your apprenticeship

If you still want to leave your apprenticeship, this is what you need to do:

• check your contract for your notice period
• review your apprenticeship agreement.

You will not have to pay back your training costs. Contact us for support if your employer says you have to.