EPA

What is end-point assessment?

The Assessment is the final stage of an apprenticeship, a formal independent evaluation designed to confirm that apprentice has achieved the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for their occupation. It is the moment an apprentice demonstrates their competence and readiness for the workplace. Each Assessment is carried out by an approved Assessment Organisation such as United Centre of Excellence, this ensures the process is fair, consistent, and fully compliant with national standards.

How does it Work?

Throughout their apprenticeship, learners complete a period of on-programme training and development supported by their employer and training provider. Once the apprentice has met all the mandatory requirements of their standard, such as a Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing, they will be reviewed at this stage this is called Gateway. At Gateway, the employer, training provider, and the apprentice all agree that the apprentice is ready to move on to their Assessment. Only once this sign-off has taken place can the final assessment begin.

On-programme

20% off the job training
example: 13 days training 7 days coaching, 32 days working preparation for Assessment.

Assessment gateway

Employer and apprentice agree if they are ready for Assessment, and they met all the requirements for Assessment.

End Point Assessment

UCE get involved at the start of the process as being agreed at the AO and then after the Gateway to carry out the Assessment.

UCE is on the Education and Skills Agency Register of Apprentice Assessment Organisations. UCE was the 1^st Improvement Apprenticeship AO. Find us under code EPA0148. We are approved to deliver assessment for the following apprenticeship standards:

Lean Manufacturing Operative (Level 2)
Improvement Technician (Level 3)
Improvement Practitioner (Level 4)
Improvement Specialist (Level 5)
Improvement Leader (Level 6)
Business Analyst (Level 4)
Process Leader (Level 4)
Quality Practitioner (Level 4)

To find out how UCE can help with your Assessment needs just call us on 01332 987670, or alternatively email epa@uce.org.uk

At UCE, our role as an approved Assessment Organisation (RoEPAO ID 00148) is to provide:

A clear, structured assessment process for every standard we deliver
Support materials to help apprentices and employers prepare
Independent, fair, and consistent assessment outcomes
Qualified assessors with genuine industry experience

Our aim is to make every EPA experience professional, transparent, and positive ensuring every apprentice can showcase their true potential.

The Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) created the Register of Apprentice Assessment Organisations (RoAAO) for employers. UCE – United Centre of Excellence have been assessed as being suitable to conduct independent end-point assessment of apprentices and be in receipt of public funds.

Only organisations on the Register can be selected to undertake the end-point assessment of apprentices.

Who do I contact for more information?

For more information on all things EPA please contact your named UCE account manager.

If you don’t yet have a named account manager please contact our EPA team on email info@UCE.org.uk

How do I become a UCE independent assessor?

We are recruiting assessors nationally and would like to hear from you – should you be interested please send your CV to assessor@UCE.org.uk and we will be in touch.

Why should I choose UCE as my EPA provider?

UCE are dedicated to making the EPA process a positive experience for all learners and will work with you to create a bespoke support package.

UCE is the first Improvement Apprenticeship EPA Organisation on the ESFA register. We’re the first organisation that can embed Lean Six Sigma Improvement trailblazer apprenticeship standards into your organisation.

So, by working with us you can have the confidence that the EPA we provide will be progressive, comprehensive and underpinned by exceptional customer service, quality and support.

When do I pay for EPA?

UCE will create an invoice at each stage of the process of which there are 4 as per the agreement signed by the training provider. Please email our team on info@UCE.org.uk for more information.

Will I need to pay for resits of EPA assessments?

There is a sliding scale of resit fees, dependent upon where in the process the resit is required and in many cases there will be no charge. Please refer the website or speak to your account manager or a member of our customer services team on info@UCE.org.uk for more information.

How much does EPA cost?

UCE pricing is based on volume and level of qualifications. For the accurate pricing please email our designated apprenticeships team on info@UCE.org.uk and we will be in touch with you.

When is the Apprentice certificate issued?

The Apprenticeship Certificates are issued by the Institute for Apprenticeships (IFA) and UCE will work closely with you and the IFA to ensure the process is as smooth as possible.

How do I let you know my learners are ready for EPA?

UCE will provide a number of supporting documents to help you understand what to look for when making this decision. Ultimately, both the employer and training provider in collaboration must make the decision.

Who will conduct the EPA?

UCE as an approved assessment organisation will conduct the EPA. We will appoint an independent assessor to manage the EPA process.

For the Improvement Technician apprenticeship, the independent assessor will conduct the professional discussion and competency interview.
For the Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship a representative from the training provider and the employer will join the independent assessor for the presentation of the work-based project, structured competency based interview and professional discussion relating to CPD activity.
For the Specialist and Expert apprenticeships more information will be made available once the standards are ready for use.

How are conflicts of interest going to be managed?

UCE will provide clear guidance on the roles for each panel member (where this is part of the EPA). The independent assessor will make the final grading and EPA outcome decision. The independent assessor will be closely managed by UCE to ensure that they have no prior experience of teaching/assessing any of the apprentices they provide the EPA for. UCE has developed a Conflict of Interest Policy for EPA which explains the process for recruitment and monitoring of independent assessors.

How to ensure that an apprentice is ready for EPA?

This is for the training provider and employer to agree that the apprentice has met the requirements of the published Standard and the gateway. As part of the on-programme assessment, apprentices will collate a portfolio of evidence that also forms part of the EPA. This portfolio will be important in identifying the apprentice’s readiness for the EPA.

What level of feedback will there be for apprentices if they fail part of the EPA?

UCE Independent Assessors will give comprehensive feedback on any areas where the Apprentice has failed to meet the Standard to allow for focussed development to take place before re-assessment.

Training Providers we support for End Point Assessment

Apprentice

Employer

Management Consulting

What is end-point assessment?

How does it Work?

On-programme

Assessment gateway

End Point Assessment

Training Providers we support for End Point Assessment

U C Excellence

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