Apprenticeships

How do Apprenticeships work?

Instead of being assessed continually throughout their apprenticeship, all apprentices now have to complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) to complete their apprenticeship. 

The EPA is designed to test whether each apprentice has gained the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) outlined in the occupational standard and grade each apprentice according to their performance.

The difference between apprenticeship standards and old NVQ Frameworks, is that the apprenticeship concludes after a final independent summative assessment. This is facilitated by the End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) and is totally independent from the training provider and employer, ensuring there are no conflict of interests, raising standards of assessment.

Apprenticeships combine practical training delivered by a training provider and in a job with study delivered by the employer.

The EPA can only be arranged and confirmed once the apprentice has passed a “gateway meeting” completed by the apprentice, employer and training provider.

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the EPAO confirms a final assessment grade to the Education and Skills Funding Agency and a formal apprenticeship certificate is printed and sent.

As an apprentice you will:

• be an employee earning a wage and getting holiday pay
• work alongside experienced staff
• gain job-specific skills
• get time for training and study related to your role (at least 20% of your normal working hours)
• Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels:

• Intermediate, Level 2, GCSE
• Advanced, Level 3, A level
• Higher, Levels 4,5,6 and 7, Foundation degree and above
• Degree, Level 6 and 7, Bachelor’s or master’s degree

You can find out about apprenticeship standards on the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education website.