Aptem: an apprentice’s guide to using the platform

At The Childcare Company, we like to make life for our learners as straightforward as possible.

This includes providing a platform that is easy to use, simple to navigate, and provides a central hub where you can find all learning resources, as well as a place to submit finished apprenticeship coursework.

Aptem is the platform our learners use, chosen for how effective for apprentices to manage the learning journey. From logging off-the-job ours, to keeping track of your progress, and more, it brings everything together in one place.

In this comprehensive Aptem apprentice guide, The Childcare Company walks you through everything you need to know about using your apprenticeship learning platform, so that you can get the most out of your learning experience.

What is Aptem?

Aptem is an online apprenticeship platform that provides a system for learners to manage, track, communicate, and upload apprenticeship evidence and completed work related to their learning programme.

Gaining access to Aptem

Don’t worry! You’re not expected to know how to use Aptem from the get-go. The more you use it, the more familiar it will become.

You will receive an email invitation to activate your Aptem account once you’re enrolled on your programme. Your dedicated Development Coach (or DC) will make sure you receive ongoing apprenticeship support from The Childcare Company throughout your course.

To get set up:

• Check your inbox (check your spam/junk folder if you can’t see it)
• Click the activation link
• Create your own unique password
• Set up your digital signature

Once complete, you’ll be able to access your learner dashboard anytime by visiting the Aptem login link https://login.aptem.co.uk/Users/Account/LogOn and entering your username and password.

Your first day of learning

Your first day of learning includes getting familiar with your Aptem dashboard. Once you’re logged in, you will find some initial tasks to complete. Nothing too taxing. They are designed to help you get acquainted with using the platform, and expectations going forward.

Aptem dashboard guide

Your dashboard is your starting point for managing your apprenticeship.

It supports:

• Clear visibility of your learning journey
• Structured sequencing of activities and milestones
• Ongoing review of progress and development
• Access to learning materials and assignments
• Submission of evidence to demonstrate competence
• Communication with your Development Coach and employer

From your dashboard, you can:

• View your apprenticeship learning plan – this is a breakdown of the modules you’ll cover month-by-month. Inside each month of your plan, you’ll find everything you need to complete the module.
• Track apprenticeship progress – as you complete each month, you’ll be able to see when your Development Coach has marked and approved evidence you’ve submitted, how much of the course you’ve completed so far, and more.
• Access learning resources – inside each month of your learning plan, you’ll find resources and reference materials that will help you evidence your learning.
• Upload evidence – in the same place where you’ll find links to your resources, you’ll also find a section where you can upload your workbooks, notes, and more. Your Development Coach will receive a notification when you’ve uploaded something. If you get stuck, your DC will walk you through how to upload evidence in Aptem.
• Attend sessions and reviews – when you’ve attended learning sessions with your Development Coach, you’ll be asked to add a review of the session on Aptem, going over what you learned, how it has enhanced your ability to carry out your work duties, and how you plan to carry your new knowledge forward.
• Communicate with your Development Coach – Aptem opens an additional line of communication between you and your Development Coach. You can get help you’re your apprenticeship, upload notes and ask your DC whether you’re on the right track, upload finished work, and more. They’ll receive a notification whenever you submit anything through the platform.
• Stay engaged – as mentioned before, the more often you log in and look around, the more likely you are to stay organise, complete tasks on time, and make consistent progress.

The best thing about the Aptem apprenticeship platform is that you can take it at whatever pace is comfortable for you. If you want to go ahead and start the workbook for the next module prior to your next learning session, you can! Or, if you need more time, your Development Coach can tailor the modules to meet your needs.

Why Aptem is important for The Childcare Company apprentices

Aptem underpins the intent, implementation, and impact of your apprenticeship by:

• Intent: Providing a structured personalised learning plan aligned to your apprenticeship standard
• Implementation: Supporting delivery through guided learning, resources, reviews, and evidence submission
• Impact: Enabling you to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and behaviours, as well as make measurable progress towards your End-Point Assessment (EPA)

It also promotes:

• Learner ownership and accountability
• Consistent progress monitoring
• Effective communication and support
• Readiness for assessment and progression

All these things combined make Aptem an apprentice’s most essential success tool. If you need any apprenticeship help using Aptem, you can visit the Aptem Help Centre or utilise step-by-step guides and video tutorials (accessible from your dashboard and from https://www.aptem.co.uk/), and/or speak to your Development Coach, who can help you troubleshoot and overcome any challenges.

The Childcare Company top tips for Aptem success

Here are the main things we recommend for any apprentice using Aptem:

• Log in regularly to stay up to date
• Complete tasks as they are set
• Upload evidence promptly
• Attend scheduled sessions and reviews
• Keep in touch with your Development Coach

Remember: Aptem is a key part of your apprenticeship journey. Using it effectively will help you stay on top of your programme, as well as make the most out of it.

Logging off-the-job (OTJ) training in Aptem

As part of your apprenticeship, you are required to complete and record off-the-job (or OTJ) training (a minimum of 6 hours per week). This is a mandatory requirement and must be evidenced through Aptem.

Off-the-job training includes any learning activity that takes place outside of your normal day-to-day job role, and contributes to your apprenticeship development.

This may include:

• Online learning and modules
• Training sessions and webinars
• Coaching and development activities
• Workplace learning that builds new knowledge, skills, and behaviours
• Activities completed through the Learner Enrichment Calendar

This time is to be used inside working hours. It serves to enhance your ability to absorb the learning and enhance your ability to carry out your duties.

You can log your OTJ hours inside Aptem, in the same section you use to submit evidence for marking.

It is your responsibility to:

• Log your OTJ training hours in Aptem
• Upload evidence of the activities you have completed
• Ensure your recorded hours are accurate and up to date
• Regularly review your logged activity with your Development Coach

Your Development Coach will support you in understanding how to log off-the-job training, what counts as OTJ training, and how to record it correctly. However, maintaining accurate records is essential for your apprenticeship progress and compliance.

Stuck for things to do during OTJ hours? You can use our Learner Enrichment Calendar to access suggested activities that will help you meet your required hours and develop your knowledge further. Learn more about your Learner Enrichment Calendar here: https://thechildcarecompany.com/resource/using-your-learner-enrichment-calendar/

Why recording off-the-job hours is important

Recording off-the-job training:

• Demonstrates your engagement and commitment to learning
• Ensures you meet apprenticeship OTJ requirements for funding
• Supports your progress towards achieving your qualification
• Provides evidence of your development over time

While it may seem like a daunting detail to remember at first, OTJ hours are there for your benefit. Early into your programme, completing activities and logging the hours will become second nature to you. Remember – your Development Coach will be there to support and help you every step of the way.

The Childcare Company enhances the apprenticeship experience

Aptem is your go-to online space for everything relating to your learning programme. No matter what, you’ll receive high-quality Development Coach support throughout your course. Keeping up to date with the platform, and communicating early if you need help, will ensure you stay on track, and get the most out of your apprenticeship experience.

Frequently asked questions

How do I log into Aptem?

You will receive an email invitation to activate your Aptem account once you’re enrolled on your programme. Click the activation link and follow the instructions to get set up.

I haven’t received my Aptem activation email. What should I do?

Check your junk or spam folder first. If you still can’t find it, contact your Development Coach or our Support Team, so we can resend your invitation.

How do I reset my Aptem Password?

On the Aptem login page, select the ‘Forgotten your password?’ option and follow the instructions to reset it via email.

What should I do if I can’t access my Aptem account?

If you’re having trouble logging in, try resetting your password first. If the issue continues, contact your Development Coach for support.

What is my digital signature for?

Your digital signature allows you to securely sign documents within Aptem, such as reviews, plans, and other apprenticeship-related records. It helps keep your learning journey efficient and paperless.

How often should I log into Aptem?

You should log in regularly (ideally weekly) to stay on top of your learning plan, complete tasks, upload evidence, and check for updates from your Development Coach.

Where can I find my learning plan?

Your learning plan is available on your Aptem dashboard. It outlines your activities, milestones, and progress throughout your apprenticeship.

What is evidence, and how do I upload it?

Evidence is any work you carry out to demonstrate that you’ve understood the learning, and completed work, tasks and activity related to each module. You can upload evidence directly through your Aptem dashboard. Your Development Coach will guide you on what types of evidence are required and how to submit them correctly.

Can I message my Development Coach through Aptem?

Yes. Aptem includes a messaging function that allows you to communicate directly with your Development Coach, and stay in touch regarding your progress.

What if I miss a task, or fall behind?

If you miss anything, or you feel like you’re behind with your work, speak to your Development Coach as soon as possible. They will support you in getting you back on track, and may adjust your plan if needed.

Who do I contact if I need help with Aptem?

Contact your Development Coach. Alternatively, you can use the Aptem Help Centre for guides and tutorials, or get in touch with The Childcare Company UK apprenticeship Support Team via your regular contact channels if needed.