The EPA assesses the skills, knowledge and behaviours in a holistic way and judges whether the Apprentice is fully competent and can perform the role effectively.

Once an Apprentice can demonstrate they meet Apprenticeships Assessment Plan criteria, they are ready for End Point Assessment. Criteria includes Maths, English and on- programme mandatory qualifications or, competency-based training and evidence of work based practical skills and knowledge.

Apprenticeship standards are written by industry, for industry. They were developed by Trailblazer Groups, made up of employers and sector organisations, who understand the skills their industries need to flourish.  

Apprenticeship standards support and guide each apprentice through their individual work-based learning journey. Apprentices get constructive appraisals, develop practical skills and knowledge and gain competency-based qualifications, all complemented by off-the-job training that widens their industry experience.

For a full overview of all apprenticeship standards, click here.

For information on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, click here.

The Gateway is the door between the two core stages of the Apprenticeship – the on-programme development stage and the EPA stage.

The Apprentice is Gateway-ready once the employer, in conjunction with the Apprenticeship training provider, agrees they have reached the level of competence in their job role, as set out in the Standard, and is ready and able to prove it.

The Gateway mandatory requirements differ for each assessment plan. The training provider or employer must submit evidence to Lantra as the EPAO via the on-line system - ACE360, to enable Lantra to approve the evidence and schedule the EPA.

The EPA is carried out by independent, impartial, industry specific/experienced, qualified assessors that have not been involved in the Apprentice's training. The IEPA will carry out assessments in line with the Standard and guidance from the EPAO.

EPA generally consists of two or more assessment methods and these are graded. The assessment methods vary for each standard but can include:

• Multiple choice knowledge tests
• Professional discussion or interviews
• Observations of practical tasks
• Practical demonstrations
• Projects
• Presentations.

Apprentices cannot achieve their Apprenticeship until they have achieved all elements of the EPA.