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What is an End-Point Assessment?

To complete their apprenticeship, apprentices are required to complete an end-point assessment once they have finished their on-programme training, learning, and development.

This assessment ensures that an apprentice is capable of doing their job before they receive their apprenticeship certificate. Assessments are developed as part of the Apprenticeship Standard by employers and specialists who are representative of a particular industry. These standards maintain impartiality in the assessment. When an approved end-point assessment organisation like ours delivers an assessment, you know that it is fair, accurate and of the highest quality.

Note: An end-point assessment is not a qualification in itself and is separate from any qualification or other assessment that an apprentice is undertaking in an apprenticeship.

Case Studies

Pathway to Success: Level 5 Diploma in Bespoke Tailoring

Why choose us?

As a part of Skills and Education Group Awards, we specialise in various sectors for Apprenticeships. Our experience with the standards for these industries means we know exactly what employers and apprentices need, making the assessment process clear, easy to use and responsive. We are passionate about apprenticeships and the futures of your apprentices. By conducting high-quality apprenticeship services, ensuring that training providers, employers and apprentices are fully supported throughout, we aim to provide your apprentices with the best start in their careers.

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

Contact our dedicated team today in order to start your journey with us.

Available End-Point Assessments

Business and Administration

Level 3 Customer Service Specialist

Assessment code: ST0071

Level 3 HR Support

Assessment code: ST0239

Level 4 Sales Executive

Assessment code: ST0572

Level 5 Coaching Professional

Assessment code: ST0809

Level 7 Senior Leader

Assessment code: ST0480

Level 3 Youth Support Worker

Assessment code: ST0906

Level 3 Learning and Development Practitioner

Assessment code: ST0562

Level 3 Teaching Assistant

Assessment code: ST0454

Level 5 Learning and Development Consultant Business Partner

Assessment code: ST0563

Level 2 Commercial Laundry Operative (formerly Textile Care Operative)

Assessment code: ST0604

Level 2 Footwear Manufacturer (v1.2)

Assessment code: ST0202

Level 2 Material Cutter

Assessment code: ST0899

Level 2 Sewing Machinist

Assessment code: ST0549

Level 2 Textile Manufacturing Operative (v1.2)

Assessment code: ST0458

Level 3 Fashion and Textiles Pattern Cutter

Assessment code: ST0541

Level 3 Garment Maker

Assessment code: ST0846

Level 4 Fashion and Textiles Product Technologist

Assessment code: ST0540

Level 4 Textile Technical Specialist

Assessment code: ST0581

Level 5 Bespoke Tailor and Cutter (v1.1)

Assessment code: ST0055

Level 2 Urban Driver

Assessment code: ST1025

Level 3 Transport and Warehouse Operations Supervisor

Assessment code: ST0647

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 end-point 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 Apprenticeship Levy

What is it?

The Apprenticeship Levy provides funding for the delivery of apprenticeships that can be accessed by employers. The Levy enhances opportunities for people building vocational skills and pursuing career opportunities, while ensuring that employers have employees that meet their skills needs.

How does it work?

All UK employers with an annual payroll of more than £3 million contribute 0.5% of their payroll to the Apprenticeship Levy. These employers receive one annual allowance of £15,000 to offset their levy payment. Employers below this payroll threshold do not pay in.

All employers can draw from the levy pot to train apprentices, with 90%-100% of the costs of training funded by the government.

How does it help?

Employers committed to training receive greater value from the levy than what they pay in via skilled workers and increased productivity. This leads to increased profits, and, for workers, increased wages. It’s a win-win.

Apprenticeship Funding Flowchart

Helpful Resources
FAQ

What is an end-point assessment?

Apprenticeship standards all have a requirement for end-point assessment (EPA). An EPA is the name given to a series of assessments an apprentice must complete to prove their ability to do the job they have been training for. These assessments take place at the end of the apprenticeship. EPAs must be provided by an approved end-point assessment organisation.

Assessments are carried out in accordance with an assessment plan which supports the apprenticeship standard.

Find out more about the register of end-point assessment organisations here.
Who is an independent end-point assessor (IEPA)?

An independent end-point assessor (IEPA) is a specialist who is sub-contracted to carry out the end-point assessment on behalf of Skills and Education Group Awards. All of our IEPAs have the required occupational experience to undertake the role and are trained in carrying out assessments.
What Is an External Quality Assurance Organisation?

An External Quality Assurance Organisation (EQAO) is responsible for quality assurance of the End-point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) and we are monitored by Ofqual to make sure we provide high quality, effective and consistent EPA services across all employers and training providers.
What support will I receive as an employer/training provider?
We can offer a range of support, including the following:
- Our relationship managers can can offer advice on our product range, including end-point assessment (EPA).
- We have a dedicated EPA team. Named officers are available to support customers.
- We have regular communications via our website, social media, email newsletters and annual conference.
- A dedicated EPA email address
- A bespoke IT system, which includes a full range of online resources and helps you manage the EPA process effectively
Why choose us as your end-point assessment organisation?
The following are the benefits of working with us:
- You will be working with an end-point assessment organisation that is part of the Skills and Education Group, which has over 100 years of experience of supporting vocational education and training.
- You will gain access to our dedicated end-point assessment (EPA) team, who will provide you support with your EPA journey.
- We provide clear guidance and resources to help you through the EPA process, including what to expect and how the assessments are carried out.
- You will have access to our bespoke IT system that provides a step-by-step approach to managing the process.
- We allow staged payments to ensure no unnecessary upfront charges.
Once the end-point assessment process is complete, how quickly are certificates issued?

As soon as an apprentice completes and achieves their end-point assessment, we will apply to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (Skills England) for your final certificate to be issued by them. Whilst we cannot guarantee any timelines for processes undertaken by the Skills England, we can assure you that our part of the process will be undertaken quickly and efficiently.
Who can I contact for more information?

Please get in touch with our end-point assessment team, and we will be happy to provide further information. You can email, or call us on 0115 854 1620.
When are end-point assessment fees payable?

Fees are paid in stages, with a small amount paid at the beginning of the process, 10% paid at Gateway and the remaining fee payable following completion of assessments.
How much does an end-point assessment cost?

Fees vary by standard. View the list of standards to find out more information, including the fees payable.
Who pays for end-point assessment?

End-point assessment costs are paid for by the training provider on the employer’s behalf as part of their contract with Skills and Education Group Awards.
Do resits and retakes cost extra?

There are additional charges in respect of resit and retake fees. These vary by standard. Please contact us, and we will be happy to provide the relevant prices for the standard you are interested in.

Costs in excess of the money available from the funding band to pay for the end-point assessment must be met by the employer.
When should end-point assessment services from Skills and Education Group Awards be requested?

You should let us know as soon as possible that you would like us to provide end-point assessment services so that we can set you up on our system and enable you to access the relevant support materials you need to help you and your apprentice prepare for their assessment.

For each apprentice, please provide at least three months’ notice of their expected Gateway progression date so that we can plan to support this process at the right time. You will do this by registering the apprentice on our IT Platform for End-Point Assessment (PEPA).
Where will an end-point assessment be carried out?

The venue will depend on the requirements set out in the assessment plan for the standard. This is often the training provider or employer’s location. We will let you know of any particular requirements you might need to fulfil in order for the assessment to be carried out. For example, the assessment might require the use of a quiet room free of any distraction, or require the use of particular equipment.
How can I register for standards?

To register for a standard, email us, or call our team on 0115 854 1620.
Will I need a contract to access end-point assessment services?

In order to access end-point assessment, the employer must select us as their end-point assessment organisation, at which time we will set in place a contract with the training provider/employer in respect of the service. This is a quick and straightforward process.

Apprenticeship Assessments - More information coming soon.

Here’s how it works for you

Pathway to Success: Level 5 Diploma in Bespoke Tailoring

Helpful Resources
FAQ

What is an end-point assessment?

Apprenticeship standards all have a requirement for end-point assessment (EPA). An EPA is the name given to a series of assessments an apprentice must complete to prove their ability to do the job they have been training for. These assessments take place at the end of the apprenticeship. EPA must be provided by an approved end-point assessment organisation.

Assessments are carried out in accordance with an assessment plan which supports the apprenticeship standard.

Find out more about the register of end-point assessment organisations here.
Where will end-point assessment be carried out?

The venue will depend on the requirements set out in the assessment plan for the standard. This is often the training provider or employer’s location. We will let you know of any particular requirements you might need to fulfil in order for the assessment to be carried out. For example, the assessment might require the use of a quiet room free of any distraction, or require the use of particular equipment.
Who will be my end-point assessor?

We appoint end-point assessors who have relevant experience within the industry in which you work. They will also be trained to undertake the assessments and check whether you have the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need in order to complete your apprenticeship.
Who will support me during the end-point assessment?

Your employer and training provider will help you prepare for your end-point assessment so that you are ready and know what to expect. We also provide supporting materials and guidance to assist you. Your training provider will be able to tell you how to access these.
What assessments will I be expected to take?

This depends on the requirements of your particular apprenticeship. Each apprenticeship has its own end-point assessment plan which sets out which type of assessments will be undertaken. It could include things such as an online test, direct observation, a practical skills test, a presentation or an interview. There are normally two or three assessments for each standard.
I’m interested in becoming an apprentice. How do I find out more?

There’s lots of information online about apprenticeships which can help you. We suggest looking at the following links to start:

https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice

https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/apply-for-an-apprenticeship

Foundation Apprenticeships

More information coming soon.

We are looking for independent end-point assessors to join our team. Email us using the link below to find out more.

Email us