A Myerscough College Sports Turf apprentice was become the first in the country to achieve a distinction level grade under the Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship Standard.

Luke Weston, who has been undertaking an apprenticeship while working as part of Magdalen College School ground staff in Oxford, achieved the highest possible grade under the new system, introduced just a few years ago. He said:

“It was quite daunting to be the first learner to undergo the end point assessment process. My tutor Simon Dadge and my employer gave me tons of support to make sure I was ready for the day."

“To achieve a distinction is something I am extremely proud of. My advice to other apprentices is to be confident and to make sure you practice. I would also say to only agree to the end point assessment when you know you are ready, and your employer and tutor agree.”

The Apprenticeship Standards are written by the industry, for the industry. The Apprenticeship Standard includes an assessment plan produced by ‘trailblazers’, who are employer-led groups developing the standards, to make the apprentice truly industry ready at the end of their training.

The Apprenticeship Standards are designed to support and guide the apprentice through their work-based learning journey with constructive appraisals, the development of practical skills and knowledge, relevant competency-based qualifications, all complemented by off the job training designed to widen their industry experience.

The final stage of the apprenticeship is an End Point Assessment (EPA), which in Luke’s case was carried out by Lantra.

Taken from an article written by Dave Salmon