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Before making your request

Before making your request, it is important that you:

• are sure it is something you want to do
• decide on the training you need
• consider how to best meet your training need

For example, if you would like training with an external provider or college then the timing of your request will be important to meet enrolment deadlines.

You should make your request well before you apply for a course at a college or similar institution. This will allow time for you and your employer to discuss the request and help you to decide whether you will have the time to attend. For example, you may need to agree with your employer time off work or change your working hours before starting.

The new right does not automatically change any existing arrangements you have with your employer about payment for wages while training, or meeting the cost of course fees. These are important things that you might need to think about carefully when deciding what training to request. It is up to you to agree with your employer about how to meet any costs.

Normally, your employer only has to consider one request from you in any 12 month period. If you make more requests than this, your employer may not have to consider them.

How to apply and what to include

Your request must be in writing (on paper or electronically) and be dated. Your employer may have their own form you could use.

Your request must include the following details:

• that it is a request under 'Section 63D of the Employment Rights Act 1996'
• the subject matter of the study or training
• where and when the study or training would take place
• who would provide or supervise the study or training (for example, a training provider, or someone at work supervising on-the-job training)
• the name of the qualification the training will lead to (if any)
• an explanation of how you see this study or training making you more effective at work and improving the performance of your employer's business
• whether you have made a previous request and, if so, the date the request was made and whether it was emailed or posted to your employer
  

If you do not include all the above information your request will not count. If this happens, your employer may tell you if they are not going to consider your request and what information is missing. You will not have to wait another year to submit a new request.

To help your employer consider your request, try to include as much information as possible about the likely costs of the training, for example any tuition fees. Where you propose on-the-job training and you do not know the costs, you should make this clear in your request.

You can download our template letter to help you put together your application and help make sure you include all of the necessary information by following the link below.

• Download 'Template letter for a time to train request' (RTF, 2936K)

Help completing your request

Advice on training is available from a variety of sources, including your Trade Union Learning Representative (also called ULRs) or other employee representatives within the workplace.

In England you can also get help from your local nextstep agency, or by telephone from the Careers Advice Service on 0800 100 900.

In Wales you can contact the Business Skills Hotline on 0845 60 661 60 or email:

info@skillspeoplesuccess.com

In Scotland you can contact Careers Scotland on 0845 8502 502.

• Careers Advice Service contact details

• Find your nearest nextstep office Opens new window

Amending a request after you have submitted it

You are not able to amend your request after you have given it to your employer. However, during your meeting to discuss your request you and your employer could raise possible changes and reach a different agreement in deciding your request.

Withdrawing a request before your employer considers it

You will be able to withdraw your request before your employer considers it. You should only withdraw a request if you no longer wish to pursue it. If you do withdraw your request you will probably not be able to make a further request for 12 months.

If you decide to withdraw your request you should notify your employer as soon as possible. This will avoid them using their time unnecessarily considering your request.

You can download our template letter for withdrawing a time to train request by following the link below.

• Download 'Template letter for withdrawing your time to train request' (RTF, 2923K)

Asking your employer to ignore a request

You can ask your employer to ignore an earlier request you made if either:

• you made a mistake and applied too soon after your last request (you must tell your employer your mistake when making your next request and say that you want to withdraw the request you submitted too early)
• your training doesn't happen because it was cancelled (except if the cancellation was your responsibility)
• you can't go on your training because of an emergency or something happens which is beyond your control
  

Asking your employer to ignore a request in these cases will mean that you can make another request. Your employer will have to consider the request even if it is less than 12 months since your last one.