In the recent years, apprenticeships have moved away from the more traditional frameworks. New apprenticeship standards have emerged, with mandatory End-point Assessments giving the updated apprenticeship structure a new format. But what does the new standard look like and what actually is EPA?
Apprenticeship standards are developed by employers that are representative of the chosen industry, with its content recognised as relevant and current industry practice. The reformed standards recognise that the apprentice will learn as they work, to acquire knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary to undertake the job in question. This stage is distinguished as the apprentice being ‘on-programme’. Then, when the apprentice is nearing the end of their learning, the employer and training provider will decide if the apprentice has met the requirements as specified in the standard. This is known as the ‘Gateway’.
Once the Gateway stage has been completed, an End-point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) will appoint an independent assessor to carry out the End-point Assessment, with the EPAO applying for the apprentice’s certification of achievement should the assessment be successful.
To be put simply, an End-point Assessment is a series of assessments an apprentice must complete at the end of their apprenticeship, to prove their ability to do the job they have been training for. These could include, for example, an online exam, practical skills assessment or a professional discussion, and will vary between apprenticeship standards.
As an End-point Assessment Organisation, the Skills and Education Group are currently involved in a wide range of Fashion and Textiles standards, and will be continuously developing our End-point Assessment service. The current standards we offer, which we are excited to announce, are:
- Level 2 Sewing Machinist
- Level 2 Footwear Manufacturer
- Level 5 Bespoke Tailor and Cutter
If you would like more information about delivering our standards in your organisation, please get in touch with our friendly End-point Assessment team on epa@skillsedugroup.co.uk or call them on 0115 854 1620.
We are currently recruiting for Independent End-point Assessors, please visit our careers page for our current vacancies.