What assessment methods are used?
EPA can take many forms, with each EPA plan tailored to the specific Apprenticeship Standard. Some EPA plans require practical demonstrations, knowledge tests, presentations, a professional discussion, and more. Our Scheduling Team will explain the full process to you, detailing everything that is involved in your EPA. At ELS, we provide all the support materials necessary to help prepare you for your EPA, ensuring you have the best chance of success.
What is “Gateway”?
“Gateway” is a new term used in the world of apprenticeships. It refers to bridge between the two main stages of an apprenticeship programme.
The first stage is the “In-Training” phase, which is completed with the Training Provider. The second stage is the “EPA” stage. In between these two stages, there is a meeting called the “Gateway”. This meeting involves the apprentice, the training provider, and the employer, and is designed to ensure that the apprentice has developed the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in their apprenticeship standard. The Gateway confirms that the apprentice is competent in all areas and that prerequisites have been achieved. ELS provides Declaration and Readiness Reports to help the employer, and once the Gateway is achieved, the apprentice can progress to their EPAs. Our team will provide you with all the necessary support materials and guidance to help you prepare for the Gateway meeting and progress smoothly through your apprenticeship programme.
When does EPA take place?
As previously mentioned, the EPA is the final stage of an apprenticeship programme and takes place after the apprentice has completed their training. The length of time for EPA varies depending on the apprenticeship standard, ranging from one to six months. During this period, a range of assessment activities will be carried out, with some Assessment Plans specifying a specific order for conducting these activities, while others offer more flexibility.
After completing their on-programme training with their training provider, the apprentice must go through “Gateway” to progress to EPA. The Gateway is a crucial step that an apprentice must undertake to proceed with their EPA.
Who conducts the EPA?
An independent, Ofqual regulated, EPA organisation (EPAO) must End-point Assess each apprentice. ELS is an independent, Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation and End Point Assessment Organisation. We are regulated by Ofqual, ensuring ELS always adhere to our Conditions of Recognition (CoR).
Our Responsible Office to Ofqual is Caroline Walton, Head of ELS Awarding Organisation.
Who selects an EPAO?
It is important for employers to choose an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) that is approved to deliver EPA in the specific apprenticeship standard being undertaken by their apprentice. The selected EPAO must be listed on the Register of EPA Organisations.
Unless stated otherwise in the Assessment Plan, employers cannot select an apprentice’s training organisation to carry out the EPA. This is to ensure that the EPAO remains independent and impartial throughout the assessment process.
At ELS, we are proud to be on the Register of End Point Assessment Organisations for an excellent range of Apprenticeship Standards. Our experienced team ensures that all assessments are carried out fairly and efficiently, and that the apprentices are supported throughout the process.
What does EPA cost?
The cost of EPA varies for each Apprenticeship Standard and is based on the specific requirements outlined in the Assessment Plan. This includes factors such as the assessment methods used, the duration of the assessment, and the location where it takes place.
Generally, the cost of the EPA will not exceed 20% of the funding band maximum, but it may be lower. It’s worth noting that this doesn’t mean the EPA must cost the full 20%.
At ELS, we strive to keep our prices competitive whilst maintaining excellent service standards for our customers. Our pricing is calculated based on the cost of delivering the EPA, ensuring our rates are reasonable and transparent.
Who pays, and when is payment due?
Payment for EPA is made from the employer’s National Apprenticeship Service account, with the actual payment routed through the main provider. Once the arrangements and price of EPA have been agreed upon between the employer and ELS, this will be detailed in the contract with the main provider.
When ELS signs a new EPA agreement, we require an upfront payment of 25%, with the remaining 75% due prior to the start of the EPA.
Please note that the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) is currently reviewing policies and processes that will allow EPAOs to access the employer’s National Apprenticeship Service account directly in the future.
At ELS, we pride ourselves on being transparent about our fees. Any fees related to re-sits and retakes will be discussed upfront, and all fees will be detailed in the EPA agreement.
What are re-sits and re-takes?
If an apprentice fails one or more assessment methods, they will be offered the opportunity to take a re-sit or a re-take. If an apprentice fails the EPA, it becomes a collective decision between the employer, provider, and apprentice as to whether to attempt a retake or resit. In preparation for a retake or resit, apprentices should have a supportive action plan in place, and the employer must agree that this is an appropriate course of action.
Whilst a re-sit does not require further learning, a re-take does. If a retake is necessary, the apprentice will need to undergo a period of further learning and complete a new Gateway readiness meeting and report. If a re-sit is required, the apprentice can simply contact ELS to schedule it.
However, it’s worth noting that re-sits and retakes are not available for apprentices who wish to move from a pass to a distinction. Additionally, when taking a retake or resit, the apprentice must redo the assessment method(s) in full, regardless of any individual assessment criteria that were passed on a prior attempt.
For more detailed information on retake and resit clauses, this will be found in the agreement that ELS provides the employer and training provider at the beginning of the process.
Want to know more?
As a registered EPA Organisation (EPAO), we are happy to provide expert advice and guidance. ELS is a trusted EPAO, delivering high quality End Point Assessments to apprentices all over the UK.
Call our dedicated EPA team on 01235 861805 or drop us an email at:
