Apprenticeships - Skills and Education Group Awards : Skills and Education Group Awards

What is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a work-based training programme that combines paid employment with structured learning and development. It enables individuals to gain the practical skills, knowledge and workplace experience needed to become occupationally competent.

Apprenticeships are based on employer-designed occupational standards, which set out the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for a particular role.

How are Apprenticeships Structured?

Apprentices develop their knowledge and skills through a combination of workplace experience and off-the-job training. Their competence is then assessed in line with the requirements of the relevant Apprenticeship standard and assessment plan.

Apprenticeship assessment in England is changing. Some Apprenticeships continue to use the established End-Point Assessment model, while newly reformed standards use the new Apprenticeship Assessment approach.

Case Studies

Pathway to Success: Level 5 Diploma in Bespoke Tailoring

Why choose us?

Skills and Education Group Awards has extensive experience of Apprenticeship assessment across a wide range of sectors. Our understanding of occupational standards, employers, and apprentices' needs enables us to provide assessment services that are clear, practical, and responsive.

For reformed Apprenticeship Assessment standards, we offer a flexible approach to delivery. Depending on the requirements of the assessment plan and the needs of the training provider, Skills and Education Group Awards can deliver the full assessment service or work collaboratively with an approved centre that assesses permitted elements of the Apprenticeship.

This flexibility allows training providers to select an approach that works for their organisation while benefiting from the guidance, quality assurance and support of an experienced awarding and assessment organisation.

We are passionate about Apprenticeships and the opportunities they create. Our dedicated teams support training providers, employers, centres, assessors and apprentices throughout the assessment journey, helping to ensure that assessment is fair, consistent and straightforward to manage.

Contact our team to discuss your requirements and find the right Apprenticeship assessment service for your organisation.

An apprenticeship organisation must be listed on the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR). Employers can select an organisation from the register.

Apprenticeship Assessments - New and reformed Apprenticeship standards operating under the Apprenticeship Assessment model.

Future developments

We are developing our Apprenticeship Assessments and Foundation Apprenticeships as part of the reforms to create a more flexible, streamlined, and proportionate system.

Please contact our team for more information or sign up for email updates below.

Email updates

Supporting services

As an apprenticeship assessment organisation, Skills and Education Group Awards makes the Assessment process as simple as possible by offering the following targeted support services:

Clear guidance on the EPA process

Clear and informative guidance on the end-point assessment process, including the resources and documentation you need

Allocated independent end-point assessor

An allocated independent end-point assessor with relevant industry experience to undertake the assessment

Ongoing service improvements

Ongoing service improvements, including those in response to customer feedback

Best ongoing service

The best ongoing service from our dedicated end-point assessment team

A place in a bigger family

A place in a bigger family that’s with you every step of the way

PEPA: our EPA online system

PEPA: is our user-friendly end-point assessment online system to help you manage the EPA process.

About the Growth and Skills Levy

What is it?

The Growth and Skills Levy is the expanded skills funding offer in England. It builds on the existing Apprenticeship Levy and gives employers greater flexibility to invest in high-quality workplace training.

Funding can support full Apprenticeships, Foundation Apprenticeships and selected Apprenticeship units. Apprenticeship units are shorter, targeted training programmes designed to help employers address specific skills needs without requiring an employee to complete a full Apprenticeship.

How does it work?

Employers with an annual UK pay bill above £3 million pay the Levy at 0.5%, less a £15,000 allowance.

Levy funds can pay for eligible Apprenticeship training and assessment, and up to 50% may be transferred to other organisations.

From 1 August 2026, government normally funds 75% where levy funds are exhausted, 95% for non-levy employers, and 100% for eligible 16 to 24-year-olds employed by non-levy employers across England.

How does it help?

The Growth and Skills Levy gives employers greater choice in how they recruit, develop and retain talent. Funding can support full Apprenticeships, Foundation Apprenticeships and selected shorter Apprenticeship units, helping organisations respond to skills gaps and changing workforce needs. For individuals, it creates more opportunities to gain occupational knowledge, practical experience and recognised skills, supporting progression into employment, further training and longer-term career development across a range of sectors.

Apprenticeship Funding Flowchart

Helpful Resources
FAQ

What is Apprenticeship Assessment?

Apprenticeship Assessment is the assessment model used for revised apprenticeship standards. It confirms that an apprentice has achieved the occupational knowledge and skills required by the standard. Unlike traditional end-point assessment, assessment may take place at appropriate points during the apprenticeship, towards the end, or through a combination of both.
How is Apprenticeship Assessment different from End-Point Assessment?

End-Point Assessment is completed after the apprentice reaches gateway and is assessed under the existing EPA plan. Under the reformed model, assessment can take place at different stages of the apprenticeship and training providers may be permitted to deliver or mark some assessment components. The relevant version of the standard and its published assessment plan will confirm which model applies.
Does Apprenticeship Assessment apply to every apprenticeship standard?

Not immediately. Revised assessment plans are being introduced on a standard-by-standard basis, so End-Point Assessment and Apprenticeship Assessment will operate alongside each other during the transition. Skills and Education Group Awards will confirm which arrangements apply when an apprentice is registered.
Who is responsible for Apprenticeship Assessment?

Skills and Education Group Awards, as the assessment organisation, is responsible for designing assessment materials, setting assessment requirements, maintaining standards and confirming results for the Apprenticeship Assessments it offers. Depending on the standard and selected service, assessment may be carried out by Skills and Education Group Awards or by an approved centre under our oversight.
Can Skills and Education Group Awards deliver the full assessment service?

Yes. Where available for the standard, Skills and Education Group Awards can deliver and assess all apprenticeship assessment components directly. This option is suitable for providers and employers that prefer the assessment organisation to manage the full assessment process.
Can a training provider assess part of the apprenticeship?

Where the assessment plan and Skills and Education Group Awards assessment design permit centre assessment, an approved centre may deliver, mark or make assessment judgements for specified components. Other components may continue to be assessed directly by Skills and Education Group Awards. The permitted delivery model will be confirmed in the assessment specification for the standard.
What is an approved centre for Apprenticeship Assessment?

An approved centre is an organisation authorised by Skills and Education Group Awards to deliver, administer, mark or make assessment judgements for specified apprenticeship assessment components on our behalf. This may include a training provider, college, employer-provider or another suitable organisation.
How does an organisation become approved to carry out centre assessment?

The organisation must first complete Centre Recognition, which considers its governance, systems, policies, staffing, resources and quality assurance arrangements. It must then complete standard-specific Apprenticeship Assessment Approval, demonstrating that it has suitable assessors and internal quality assurers, understands the assessment requirements and is ready to meet Skills and Education Group Awards quality controls. Existing recognition for qualifications will support a lighter-touch Centre Recognition process, but does not automatically grant approval for apprenticeship assessment.
What requirements apply to centre assessors and internal quality assurers?

Centre assessors and internal quality assurers must have the occupational expertise, assessment or quality assurance competence and current professional knowledge specified for the standard. They must be approved by Skills and Education Group Awards for each standard and complete the required training, induction and standardisation before undertaking live assessment or quality assurance activity.
How does Skills and Education Group Awards quality assure centre assessment?

We use a risk-based Centre Assessment Standards Scrutiny (CASS) approach. This may include sampling assessed evidence, reviewing marking and IQA records, observing assessment or marking, monitoring centre systems, reviewing standardisation and requiring corrective action. The level of scrutiny reflects the risk presented by the centre, individual assessors and the assessment activity.
Are centre-assessed results final when the centre submits them?

No. Centre-assessed outcomes are not final until Skills and Education Group Awards has completed the required CASS, internal quality assurance and completion checks. Where concerns are identified, we may ask the centre to review an assessment decision, provide further evidence, complete additional quality assurance or undertake further training before a result is confirmed.
Who confirms the apprentice’s behaviours?

For revised apprenticeship standards, the employer confirms that the apprentice has sufficiently demonstrated the behaviours in the occupational standard during their employment. This must be completed before gateway to completion. The formal Apprenticeship Assessment focuses on the required knowledge and skills.
What types of assessment might be used?

The assessment methods depend on the standard and the Skills and Education Group Awards assessment design. They may include observations, practical assessments, professional discussions, interviews, projects, presentations, work-based tasks, written or online tests, portfolios or other evidence collections. The assessment specification explains exactly what applies to each standard.
When and where will the assessment take place?

Assessment may take place at appropriate milestones during the apprenticeship or towards the end, depending on the assessment plan and assessment specification. It may be completed in the workplace, at an approved centre, remotely or through an online assessment system, provided the required assessment conditions can be met.
What support will training providers, employers and centres receive?

Skills and Education Group Awards provides clear standard-specific guidance, assessment specifications, assessment requirements, and guidance for training and standardisation. Our apprenticeship team and Relationship Managers can also support organisations with registration, service options, centre approval, assessment planning and operational queries.
Can reasonable adjustments be made?

Yes. Reasonable adjustments may be available where an apprentice has a disability or other assessment need. Requests must be made in line with the Skills and Education Group Awards Reasonable Adjustments Policy and early enough for the proposed adjustment to be reviewed. Adjustments must support access without changing the knowledge or skills being assessed.
How much does Apprenticeship Assessment cost?

Fees vary by standard and by the service selected, including whether Skills and Education Group Awards delivers the full assessment service or the provider becomes approved to assess permitted components as a centre. Please contact our team for the current price and a clear explanation of what is included.
What happens if an apprentice does not pass an assessment?

Resit or retake arrangements depend on the assessment plan and the Skills and Education Group Awards assessment specification. The apprentice, employer and training provider will be told which assessment must be repeated, whether further training is required and any applicable fee.
How is the final result and apprenticeship certificate issued?

Once all required assessments have been completed, and all quality assurance checks have been satisfied, Skills and Education Group Awards will confirm the final result and initiate the Gateway to Completion and certification process where it is responsible for doing so. The apprenticeship certificate is issued through the government apprenticeship certification process.
What is Gateway to Completion?
Gateway to Completion is the final checking stage after all apprenticeship assessment methods have been completed.

At this stage, Skills and Education Group Award confirms that:
- all required assessments have been completed,
- assessment outcomes have been quality assured,
- any required Centre Assessment Standards Scrutiny has taken place,
- any issues or actions affecting the result have been resolved, and
- the requirements for requesting the apprentice’s completion certificate have been met.
Gateway to Completion is not an additional assessment for the apprentice. It is a completion check carried out before the apprenticeship certificate is requested.
Who can I contact for more information?

Please contact the BIIAB/SEG Awards apprenticeship team. We will be happy to discuss available standards, service options, registration, centre approval or an individual apprentice’s assessment journey.

Call 0115 854 1620

or email customersupport@skillsedugroup.co.uk.

Helpful Resources
FAQ

What is an end-point assessment?

End-Point Assessment (EPA) is the final assessment stage of an apprenticeship operating under an existing EPA plan. It is completed after the apprentice has finished their training and passed through gateway. EPA confirms that the apprentice can perform the occupation and has achieved the required knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Does End-Point Assessment still apply?

Yes. EPA continues to apply to apprenticeship standards and apprentice cohorts operating under an existing EPA plan. Revised Apprenticeship Assessment plans are being introduced gradually, so both models will remain in use during the transition. Skills and Education Group Awards will confirm the correct assessment arrangement for each apprentice.
Who is an independent assessor?

An independent assessor is an occupational specialist appointed by Skills and Education Group Awards to carry out and judge the EPA. Assessors must meet the competence requirements for the standard, complete our training and standardisation and declare any conflicts of interest.
How is the quality of EPA maintained?

Skills and Education Group Awards uses trained occupational assessors, standardised assessment materials, internal quality assurance, monitoring and regulatory controls to support fair and consistent decisions. EPA is regulated by Ofqual for the standards within its scope.
What support will employers and training providers receive?

Our apprenticeship team provides guidance on registration, gateway, assessment booking, evidence submission, assessment requirements, results and certification. Training providers and employers also receive standard-specific materials to help apprentices understand and prepare for their EPA.
What support will the apprentice receive?

The employer and training provider are responsible for preparing the apprentice and ensuring they understand the assessment process. BIIAB/Skills and Education Group Awards provides guidance explaining the assessment methods, required evidence, assessment conditions and what the apprentice can expect on the day.
What assessments will the apprentice be expected to take?

This depends on the EPA plan for the standard. Methods may include an online or written test, observation, practical assessment, professional discussion, interview, presentation, project or portfolio-based assessment. The standard-specific guidance confirms the required methods and grading rules.
What is Gateway to EPA?

Gateway to EPA is the point at which the employer, supported by the training provider, confirms that the apprentice has completed the required training and any other gateway requirements and is ready to undertake EPA. The relevant EPA plan sets out the evidence that must be submitted.
When should Skills and Education Group Awards be selected and the apprentice registered?

Employers and training providers should engage Skills and Education Group Awards as early as possible so that the organisation can be set up, the apprentice can be registered, and the correct guidance can be accessed. For assessment planning, providers should give us as much notice as possible of the expected gateway date and follow the notice requirements for the relevant standard.
Where will End-Point Assessment take place?

The location depends on the EPA plan. Assessment may take place at the employer’s workplace, the training provider’s premises, an approved assessment venue or remotely. The venue must provide the equipment, systems, privacy and assessment conditions required by the standard.
Can reasonable adjustments be made?

Yes. Reasonable adjustments may be available where an apprentice has a disability or other assessment need. Requests must be made in line with the Skills and Education Group Awards Reasonable Adjustments Policy and, wherever possible, before the assessment. The adjustment must not change the occupational standard being assessed.
How much does End-Point Assessment cost?

EPA fees vary by standard. The relevant standard page or price information will explain the fee, and our team can provide a quotation and confirm what is included.
When are End-Point Assessment fees payable?

Payment arrangements are set out in the contract and current fees information. Where staged payments apply, Skills and Education Group Awards will explain the payment points when the service is agreed.
Do resits and retakes cost extra?

Additional charges may apply for resits and retakes. The amount depends on the standard and the assessment method that must be repeated. Please contact us for the current resit or retake fee.
Will I need a contract to access EPA services?

Yes. The appropriate service agreement must be in place between the training provider and us as the assessment organisation. The training provider should also have an agreement with the employer. Our team will guide you through the process.
How quickly are results and certificates issued?

Skills and Education Group Awards will complete its assessment, quality assurance and results processes as quickly as possible. Once the apprentice has achieved the EPA, we will record the result and request the apprenticeship certificate through the government service. The final certificate is issued by the government, so its delivery time is outside our direct control.
Who can I contact for more information?

Please contact the Skills and Education Group Awards apprenticeship team. We will be happy to discuss available EPA standards, fees, registration, gateway, bookings or an individual apprentice’s assessment journey.

Call 0115 854 1620 or email customersupport@skillsedugroup.co.uk.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Foundation Apprenticeships are designed to help individuals develop occupational knowledge and skills and progress to further training, employment or a full Apprenticeship.

Future developments

More information on Foundation Apprenticeships Coming Soon.

Email updates

Helpful Resources - Coming Soon
FAQ

What is a Foundation Apprenticeship?

A Foundation Apprenticeship is a paid, entry-level job with structured Level 2 training. It combines workplace experience with technical knowledge and skills, helping a young person build occupational confidence, develop work-readiness and progress into employment, further training or a more specialised apprenticeship.
Who can undertake a Foundation Apprenticeship?

Foundation Apprenticeships are available to young people aged 16 to 21. They may also be available to people aged 22 to 24 who meet specified eligibility criteria, including certain care leavers, prisoners or prison leavers, and people with an Education, Health and Care Plan. Employers and training providers should confirm eligibility against the current apprenticeship funding rules.
How long does a Foundation Apprenticeship take?

A Foundation Apprenticeship has a minimum duration of eight months. The exact programme length should reflect the apprentice’s starting point, support needs and the requirements of the relevant standard.
What will the apprentice learn?

The apprentice develops technical knowledge and skills drawn from a group of related occupations, alongside workplace experience and employability skills and behaviours. The relevant Foundation Apprenticeship standard sets out the full content and likely progression routes.
What is the intended outcome of a Foundation Apprenticeship?

Successful completion confirms achievement of the technical knowledge and skills and the required employability skills and behaviours at the level of the standard. The aim is to support progression into employment, further study or a more specialised Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship.
How is a Foundation Apprenticeship assessed?

Each Foundation Apprenticeship requires assessment of the specified assessment outcomes. The assessment design includes a knowledge assessment and a practical assessment, although the practical assessment may take different forms. Skills and Education Group Awards will publish an assessment specification explaining the methods, evidence requirements and pass standard for each Foundation Apprenticeship it offers.
When does the Foundation Apprenticeship assessment take place?

Assessment can take place at appropriate points or milestones during the programme. It does not need to be left until the end. The timing should support learning and progression and avoid unnecessary delay once the apprentice is ready.
What might the practical assessment involve?

The practical assessment must allow the apprentice to apply the knowledge and skills developed during training. Depending on the standard, this could include workplace observation, a practical task, a simulated activity, assessment of materials produced during training, a project, presentation or portfolio of evidence.
Who sets and marks Foundation Apprenticeship assessments?

Skills and Education Group Awards sets the Foundation Apprenticeship assessments it offers. The access-to-work knowledge assessment must be set and marked by the assessment organisation. Other technical assessments may be marked by BIIAB/Skills and Education Group Awards or by an approved centre where the assessment design permits this. BIIAB/Skills and Education Group Awards remains responsible for the validity, reliability and accuracy of the final result.
Can Skills and Education Group Awards provide the full assessment service?

Yes. Where available for the standard, Skills and Education Group Awards can deliver and mark all required assessment components. This option is suitable for providers and employers that prefer the assessment organisation to manage the full assessment process.
Can a training provider assess part of a Foundation Apprenticeship?

Where the Skills and Education Group Awards assessment design permits centre assessment, an approved centre may deliver, mark or make assessment judgements for specified technical assessment components. The assessment specification will make clear which components may be centre-assessed and which must be assessed directly by Skills and Education Group Awards.
How does a training provider become approved for centre assessment?

The organisation must complete Centre Recognition and then the relevant standard-specific Apprenticeship Assessment Approval. This includes checks on governance, policies, resources, assessment and IQA arrangements, staff competence, conflicts of interest, record-keeping and readiness for Skills and Education Group Awards monitoring and quality assurance.
What requirements apply to Foundation Apprenticeship assessors and IQAs?

Centre assessors and IQAs must meet the occupational, assessment and quality assurance requirements specified by Skills and Education Group Awards. They must be approved for the relevant standard, complete required training and induction standardisation, maintain suitable continuing professional development and follow the assessment and record-keeping requirements.
How will centre-assessed Foundation Apprenticeship assessments be quality assured?

Skills and Education Group Awards applies a risk-based CASS approach. This may include sampling apprentice evidence and assessment decisions, reviewing IQA records, observing assessment or marking, monitoring centre practice, analysing outcomes and requiring corrective action. Centre-assessed outcomes are not final until the required scrutiny and completion checks have been completed.
How are employability skills and behaviours confirmed?

Employability skills and behaviours are developed throughout the Foundation Apprenticeship and are not normally assessed through the formal knowledge and practical assessments. The employer confirms that the apprentice has suitably demonstrated the required employability skills and behaviours before the Foundation Apprenticeship is awarded, except where the relevant assessment plan states otherwise.
Where will the Foundation Apprenticeship assessment take place?

Assessment may take place in the workplace, at the training provider or approved centre, remotely or through an online assessment system, depending on the method. The location must allow the apprentice to demonstrate the required knowledge and skills under appropriate and secure assessment conditions.
What support will employers, training providers and centres receive?

Skills and Education Group Awards provides assessment specifications, apprentice and provider guidance, assessment requirements, and guidance for training and standardisation. Our apprenticeship team and Relationship Managers can also support organisations with available standards, registration, assessment planning, service options, centre approval and operational questions.
Can reasonable adjustments be made?

Yes. Reasonable adjustments may be available where an apprentice has a disability or other assessment need. Requests must be made in line with the Skills and Education Group Awards Reasonable Adjustments Policy. Adjustments should remove unnecessary barriers while preserving the knowledge and skills the assessment is intended to measure.
How is a Foundation Apprenticeship funded and what does assessment cost?

Foundation Apprenticeships are funded through the apprenticeship system, subject to the current eligibility and funding rules and the funding band for the standard. Skills and Education Group Awards assessment fees vary by standard and service option. Please contact our team for current pricing and to confirm what is included.
What happens if the apprentice does not meet an assessment outcome?

The Skills and Education Group Awards assessment specification will explain the reassessment arrangements for the standard. The apprentice, employer and training provider will be told which assessment activity must be repeated, whether further learning or practice is needed and whether an additional fee applies.
How is completion confirmed?

Skills and Education Group Awards will confirm completion once the required technical assessments have been achieved, the employer has confirmed the required employability skills and behaviours, and all quality assurance and completion checks have been satisfied. The result will then be recorded and certification initiated through the applicable government process.
Who can I contact for more information?

Please contact the Skills and Education Group Awards apprenticeship team. We will be happy to discuss available Foundation Apprenticeships, funding and fees, registration, assessment arrangements, service options or centre approval.

Call 0115 854 1620 or email customersupport@skillsedugroup.co.uk.

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Learn about our Apprenticeship Programmes

Benito Sansone

Cliff Farrell

Yorkshire, The Humber, North East, and Scotland

Nicola Johnson

East Midlands and Eastern Region

Paul Chivers

London and the South East

Alex Palmer

North West and Wales

What is an Apprenticeship?

Case Studies

Pathway to Success: Level 5 Diploma in Bespoke Tailoring

Why choose us?

Learn about Apprenticeships:

Apprenticeship Assessments - New and reformed Apprenticeship standards operating under the Apprenticeship Assessment model.

Future developments

Supporting services

About the Growth and Skills Levy

What is it?

How does it work?

How does it help?

EPA and Apprentice Assessment Glossary of Terms

Requirements for apprenticeship assessment

Apprenticeship funding rules

The benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship

National Careers Service

What is Apprenticeship Assessment?

How is Apprenticeship Assessment different from End-Point Assessment?

Does Apprenticeship Assessment apply to every apprenticeship standard?

Who is responsible for Apprenticeship Assessment?

Can Skills and Education Group Awards deliver the full assessment service?

Can a training provider assess part of the apprenticeship?

What is an approved centre for Apprenticeship Assessment?

How does an organisation become approved to carry out centre assessment?

What requirements apply to centre assessors and internal quality assurers?

How does Skills and Education Group Awards quality assure centre assessment?

Are centre-assessed results final when the centre submits them?

Who confirms the apprentice’s behaviours?

What types of assessment might be used?

When and where will the assessment take place?

What support will training providers, employers and centres receive?

Can reasonable adjustments be made?

How much does Apprenticeship Assessment cost?

What happens if an apprentice does not pass an assessment?

How is the final result and apprenticeship certificate issued?

What is Gateway to Completion?

Who can I contact for more information?

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