Apprenticeship glossary

Block release

What does Block release mean?

Doing your off-the-job training in blocks, such as a week at college every so often, rather than one day a week (day release).

Day release
Doing your off-the-job training one day a week, often at a college, and working the rest of the week. Compare block release.
Further education (FE) college
A college for people aged 16 and over, offering vocational courses, A levels and apprenticeship training. Many apprentices study at an FE college on day or block release.
Off-the-job training
The part of your apprenticeship spent learning rather than doing your normal job, at college, online or at work. In England it's at least 20% of your normal working hours.
BSc (Hons)
A Bachelor of Science with honours, a common bachelor's degree. Several degree apprenticeships, like the Digital and Technology Solutions apprenticeships at KPMG and Lidl, lead to one.
BTEC
A vocational qualification that many employers accept as an equivalent to GCSEs (at Level 2) or A levels (at Level 3). Sky, for example, accepts BTEC Level 2 instead of five GCSEs for some apprenticeships.
Buddy
A colleague, often a current or recent apprentice, who helps you settle in. JLR and Laing O'Rourke both mention buddies for new starters.

Definitions are our own plain-English summaries. Where we give figures, they come from the official sources listed on the linked guide or profile. Rules can change, so check the official source before you make decisions.