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Student Records

Apprentice Withdrawals

Temporary Withdrawal / Break-in-learning

A temporary withdrawal, which for an apprenticeship is known as a break-in-learning, is an approved period of time when an apprentice is not completing any off-the-job training.

An apprentice can request a break-in-learning where they plan to return to the same apprenticeship programme. The decision to take a break-in-learning, the reason for the break-in-learning and its expected duration, MUST be agreed with the apprentice’s employer.

The reasons for a break-in-learning can include but are not limited to:

  • medical treatment or health issues*
  • parental leave**
  • leave for other personal reasons (non-exhaustive list)

*Students requesting temporary withdrawal/break-in-learning on medical or health/social care related grounds must supply a recent medical note from a health/social care professional in support of their request.

**This is applicable for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. An apprentice and the employer may wish to use keeping-in-touch (KIT) or shared-parental-in-touch (SPLIT) days to continue apprenticeship off-the-job training and/or assessment. The apprentice’s Apprenticeship Tutor would provide advice and guidance regarding this.

An apprentice on a break-in-learning can still attend their workplace but they cannot complete any off-the-job training or assessment towards their apprenticeship programme for the entire duration of the break.

How to apply for temporary withdrawal/break-in-learning:

  • Apprentices should request to speak with their Apprenticeship Tutor.
  • The Apprenticeship Tutor, in conjunction with the apprentice’s employer, discuss the request with the apprentice and explore available support options both at the University and in the workplace.
  • If agreed by all parties that the best course of action is for the apprentice to take a break-in-learning, the employer must complete and sign the 'Temporary Withdrawal/Break-in-Learning & Permanent Withdrawal' form that can be found on the Degree Apprenticeships Templates page.
  • The employer returns the completed and signed form to the Academic Department at the University.
  • A Temporary Withdrawal request should be submitted in the usual way via Student Records OnlineLink opens in a new window - the completed and signed 'Temporary Withdrawal/Break-in-Learning & Permanent Withdrawal' form should be uploaded to the Temporary Withdrawal request.
  • The application is considered and approved. The apprentice’s student record is updated, and email notification is provided as confirmation.
  • As we approach the agreed return date, the apprentice will be sent a 'Return Reminder' email asking the student to submit a 'Resumption from temporary withdrawal' request that the apprentice must complete before recommencing off-the-job training. The apprentice Commitment Statement and Apprenticeship Agreement must be amended to reflect any changes associated with the break.

Should any circumstances change during their break, the apprentice must inform their employer and Apprenticeship Tutor at the earliest opportunity.

Permanent Withdrawal

When an apprentice leaves, or stops taking part in their apprenticeship, before they have completed it, this is known as permanent withdrawal.

 How to apply for permanent withdrawal:

  • Apprentices should request to speak with their Apprenticeship Tutor.
  • The Apprenticeship Tutor, in conjunction with the apprentice’s employer, discuss the request with the apprentice and explore available support options both at the University and in the workplace.
  • If agreed by all parties that the best course of action is for the apprentice to permanently withdraw, the employer must complete and sign the Temporary Withdrawal/Break-in-Learning & Permanent Withdrawal form that can be found on the Degree Apprenticeships Templates page.
  • The employer returns the completed and signed form to the University.
  • A Permanent Withdrawal request should be submitted in the usual way via Student Records OnlineLink opens in a new window - the completed and signed 'Temporary Withdrawal/Break-in-Learning & Permanent Withdrawal' form should be uploaded to the Permanent Withdrawal request.
  • The application is considered and approved. The apprentice’s student record is updated, and email notification is provided as confirmation.

Once the application for Permanent Withdrawal has been processed, the apprentice will no longer be an apprenticeship student at the University.

It is imperative that the apprentice informs their Apprenticeship Tutor and employer as soon as they feel that their ability to continue with their apprenticeship is being challenged. Although a temporary or permanent withdrawal may be an option, we want to, in conjunction with the employer, ensure that other options available to the apprentice have been exhausted before a final decision is reached.

If you have any questions about the Temporary Withdrawal/Break-in-Learning & Permanent Withdrawal process, you can contact apprenticeships@warwick.ac.uk.

Support

Dean of Students Office
The Dean of StudentsLink opens in a new window promotes the academic welfare of students and is a sympathetic person to whom students can turn in confidence for support. Normal office hours are: Monday - Thursday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.

If you would like to arrange a face-to-face or online meeting please email one of the below contacts.

For general enquiries the Dean of Students' Office can be contacted on:

Email: DofSResourcePA@warwick.ac.uk; Tel: 024 7652 2761

The Dean of Students can be contacted on:

Email: DeanofStudents@warwick.ac.uk; Tel: 024 7652 2429

Each Faculty has a Senior Tutor. The Faculty Senior Tutors are:

Dr David Lees - (Faculty of Social Sciences)

Email: Facultyseniortutorsocialscience@warwick.ac.uk; Tel: 024 7652 3331

Dr Helen Toner - (Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine)

Email: Facultyseniortutorscience@warwick.ac.uk; Tel: 024 7652 3326

Rachel Dickinson - (Faculty of Arts)

Email: Facultyseniortutorarts@warwick.ac.uk; Tel: 024 7652 2847

Wellbeing Support Services
If you have issues which are not directly academic-related, please contact Student Support ServicesLink opens in a new window on +44 (0)24 7657 5570; studentsupport@warwick.ac.uk

Student Advice Centre
The Students' UnionLink opens in a new window offers a free, confidential and independent advice and representation service which provides support for a variety of issues, including housing, immigration, money, academic, health, legal issues, consumer rights and employment.