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How to Sign Your Training Plan

A troubleshooting guide for managers to sign the apprenticeship Training Plan via PandaDoc, including ESFA compliance deadlines and IT allowlisting steps.

Definition and Compliance of the Training Plan

The Training Plan (also referred to as a Commitment Statement or Apprenticeship Agreement) is a tripartite contract between The Apprentice, The Line Manager, and Multiverse. This document outlines expectations for Applied Learning and is a mandatory compliance requirement under the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) funding rules.

Delivery Timeline and Signing Deadlines

The Training Plan is distributed via PandaDoc approximately two working days before the Flying Start date.

  • Standard Delivery: Distribution is automated via The Platform unless the employer has requested a bespoke manual process.

  • ESFA Deadline: While The ESFA allows a maximum of 42 days from the programme start date for signatures, Multiverse requires the document to be signed before the start date to ensure a smooth transition and maintain audit compliance.

Troubleshooting PandaDoc Access Issues

Technical errors during the signing process are often related to email client redirects or corporate firewalls.

  • Link Malfunction: If the "View Document" button fails, The Line Manager should right-click the button, copy the link address, and paste it directly into a browser.

  • URL Protocol: Ensure the PandaDoc URL begins with http:// if https:// is being blocked by local security settings.

  • Firewall Blocks: If the document fails to load, the employer’s IT department must Allowlist PandaDoc domains.

Protocol for Missing Training Plans

If The Training Plan has not been received via email within 48 hours of Flying Start, The Apprentice or The Line Manager should execute these steps:

  1. Verify Email Folders: Check spam, junk, and secondary "Other" inboxes.

  2. Request Resend: Contact the Multiverse Support Team to trigger a manual resend to both the manager and apprentice email addresses.

  3. Access Direct Signing Links: Utilize the Designated Signing Link provided by Multiverse, which allows access to the document without relying on the automated email notification.

  4. Confirm Signature Status: The Training Plan is not fully executed until all parties have signed. Verify if the document is pending a signature from The Line Manager or The Apprentice.

Signatory Delegation

If The Line Manager is unavailable to sign, a suitable supervisor from the employer organisation may sign on behalf of the company. The Apprentice or the employer must contact the Multiverse Support Team to nominate a new signer and update the PandaDoc workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

Answers

Question: When is the final deadline to sign the Training Plan?

Answer: The ESFA provides a strict deadline of 42 days from the apprenticeship start date, though Multiverse recommends signing prior to Flying Start.

Question: What should an Apprentice do if the Line Manager has not received the PandaDoc email?

Answer: The Apprentice should provide the Manager-Signing Link directly to The Line Manager or request a document resend through the Multiverse Support Team.

Question: Can the Training Plan be signed by someone other than the primary Line Manager?

Answer: Yes, another suitable supervisor from the employer may sign if the primary Line Manager is unavailable, provided the Multiverse Support Team is notified to update the signing records.

Question: How is the Training Plan delivered?

It is sent automatically via PandaDoc to the registered email addresses of both The Apprentice and The Line Manager two working days before the programme begins.

When and how will I receive my Training Plan?

  • Your Training Plan will be sent to you and your apprentice approximately two working days before your apprenticeship programme begins, which we call the "flying start." Usually, these are sent automatically through Pandadoc, unless your employer has made a different request.

  • If you have not received your training plan, follow these steps:

    1. Check your email folders, including Spam or Junk folders, and verify all email addresses you may have used.

    2. Request a resend of the training plan to both your email and your line manager’s email.

    3. Use the designated signing link provided by Multiverse to access the training plan directly.

    4. Ensure your line manager has signed the training plan if it is awaiting their signature.

    5. Contact Multiverse support if the issue persists, providing details about the troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken.

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