Guidance for Employers

The new apprenticeship standards, developed for specific occupations by employer groups contain on-programme training and an end-point assessment. The endpoint assessment must be delivered by an independent organisation recognised on the Register of Apprentice Assessment Organisations. The sole purpose of the Register of Apprentice Assessment Organisations (the Register) is to provide employers with a list of organisations who have shown that they are capable of delivering independent end-point assessment.

How new apprenticeships work

Each standard will have a minimum duration; this will typically be at least one year and contain on-programme learning and training, which may incorporate assessment; the full requirements will be specified in each standard. The on-programme learning and training will take place in the workplace and may be delivered by the employer or by an approved training organisation

On-programme learning

The period of learning, development and continuous assessment is managed by the employer, in most cases with the support of a training provider. The on-programme pace will be driven by individuals, as well as by the breadth of experience an employer can offer prior to the minimum of 12 months, after which end-point assessment will take place. Employers should work closely with any training provider to plan and deliver support and training appropriately. This close working will add value to the employer, as it centres on real work competencies demonstrated in a real work environment

End-Point Assessment

Towards the end of the apprenticeship, the employer, training provider (if relevant) and apprentice will review the apprentice’s progress and sign him/her off as ready for the end-point assessment. This is called the gateway. The employer and, if appropriate, the training provider, will formally sign off that the apprentice has met the minimum requirements in regards to knowledge, skills and behaviours within the standard and confirm that he/she is ready to move on to the end-point assessment. This will take place during a meeting involving the apprentice, his/her line manager and the trainer. The end-point assessment replaces the existing model of continuous workplace assessment leading to a qualification. The assessment organisation and assessor must be independent of and separate to the employer and, where used, the training provider. The end-point assessment will be developed by the approved end-point assessment organisation.

Assessment plans are developed in accordance with the government’s published guidance and in conjunction with the apprenticeship standard by the employer group. The assessment plan sets out the knowledge and skills required, along with an outline of the assessment methods to be used. Approved end-point assessment organisations use this to develop and deliver the high quality and rigorous assessment required for each standard.

The end-point assessment organisation will, in line with the assessment plan:

Design and develop the content of the end-point assessment. For example, test questions, project topics or interview scripts.
Check and verify that the apprentice has completed any prerequisites to end-point assessment, including any mandatory qualifications.
Conduct end-point assessment of apprentices.
Quality-assure the end-point assessments that it delivers.
Adhere to the external quality-assurance arrangements.
Ensure that end-point assessment is synoptic and independent.
Identify and record when the apprentice has passed the end-point assessment.
Apply and pay for the apprenticeship certificate

As part of the end-point assessment the apprentice will be graded; the grades and methodology for grading will be set out in the assessment plan. On successful completion of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will be awarded a certification.

*The apprentice will not be able to achieve the apprenticeship without passing the end-point assessment .