The way we assess new talent in engineering and manufacturing standards is changing. Despite these changes, EAL remains committed to providing the best possible service for our customers, providing access to the skills and training learners need to begin a career in the sector.

Join EAL for an update on the national reform of apprenticeship assessment on Thursday, 4 December to learn more about the changes to apprenticeships and EPA, and how these may affect providers, learners and employers.
Apprenticeship assessment refers to the process of evaluating an apprentice's skills, knowledge, and competencies to determine whether they meet the required standards for their occupation.
The government has announced a significant overhaul of how apprenticeships are assessed in England, marking the biggest shift in over a decade. In order to facilitate these changes, apprenticeship standards are being updated.
Under the current system of end-point assessment (EPA), apprentices must complete all on-programme training before passing though gateway to be assessed externally by an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO).
Their detailed assessment plans contain set information on the different methods of assessment, timings, number of questions and so on – which all learners must adhere to.
With the new plans for apprenticeship assessment, assessment can take place during the training programme where appropriate. Some of these assessments can be assessed by the training provider, and behaviours verified by the employer.
The aim is to give employers the responsibility of ensuring development within their environment and work culture, which will allow EPAOs to focus on technical knowledge and skills.
Explore the key upcoming timelines and milestones within the national reform of apprenticeship assessment.
As part of the national reform of apprenticeship assessment, several key developments are underway. What we know so far:
Assessment plans will be reduced to just the essential elements, focusing on occupational relevance. This means the different elements of the assessment plan will all be designed by the assessment organisation with the support of employers.
The assessment organisation will oversee quality assurance of the training provider, and will still assess certain elements to maintain standards, allowing for more timely and flexible evaluation.
Nothing will change for apprentices already placed on their apprenticeship. The new apprenticeship assessment will only apply once the apprenticeship standard has been reviewed and published by Skills England.
It is currently unclear whether apprentices currently on programme will be able to move onto the newer version of their apprenticeship when it is published.
The way assessment organisations are approved to deliver apprenticeship assessment is changing too. Rather than applying for individual standards, assessment organisations will be able to choose which sector(s) they are approved for, making it easier to add on standards where required and allowing them the chance to specialise in their chosen field. While this new process is still being finalised and things are unclear, we are dedicated to support the sectors we already serve through our wider portfolio.
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