Term Time Closures

At Skills Group, we are committed to delivering the highest quality education and training. To support this, we have scheduled specific breaks throughout the year to focus on professional development for our trainers and support staff. These training sessions will enable us to provide an even better learning experience for our apprentices.

During these breaks:
- Training centres will be closed for regular training sessions.
- Centres will remain open for end-point assessment sessions.

Information for Learners, Parents, and Employers
Apprentices are not required to attend Skills Group during the following dates. They will return to their regular timetables as outlined below:

Closure Dates and Timetables

Monday 22nd July – Friday 2nd August
Normal Timetable Resumes From: Monday 5th August

Monday 28th October – Friday 1st November
Normal Timetable Resumes From: Monday 4th November

Supporting Apprentices’ Learning During Breaks
While apprentices are not required to attend during these times, we encourage them to continue their learning on the job by:

- Completing work-based tasks or activities to strengthen their skills.
- Practicing recently acquired techniques to build confidence and competence.

Supervisors or line managers can assist by providing a witness testimony for work completed. This valuable feedback can support apprentices in meeting the requirements of their apprenticeship standard. If further guidance is needed, their assessor or trainer will be happy to advise on specific areas of focus.

Why These Breaks Are Important
These training breaks are essential to enhancing our staff’s skills and knowledge. By investing in their professional development, we are ensuring a higher quality of education and support for our apprentices. This investment directly benefits learners, parents, and employers, ensuring apprentices receive the best possible experience.

Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact us at 01752 332 442.

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School