As the final stage of an apprenticeship, end point assessment (EPA) can be stressful for both apprentice and employer. However, the EPA is a crucial part of the apprenticeship. It will assess the apprentice’s skills, knowledge and behaviours and ultimately determines whether they have achieved the required standard for their chosen qualification. As an employer, you have a key role in helping your apprentice prepare for the EPA.
Here are some tips on how to support your apprentice during this important stage:
- Understand the EPA process and requirements. This will help you to guide the apprentice through the entire process. You should be familiar with the assessment plan for their qualification, in addition to the assessment methods and criteria. For example, look at our process.
- Provide regular feedback. This is crucial in helping your apprentice understand their progress. It will also identify any areas where they might need to improve. Ensure that feedback is always constructive and includes targets for improvement.
- Give realistic and achievement goals which will help support their learning throughout. These should be reviewed regularly so that if there are any areas of concern they can be addressed.
- Support independent learning. To complete EPA, apprentices must be able to work independently, taking responsibility for their own learning throughout the process. Support and encourage them to research and learn more about their subject.
- Match them with a mentor. These can be valuable tools for helping your apprentice prepare for the EPA. Mentoring is invaluable and can also be beneficial for mentors too who learn from mentees.
- Set up practice assessments to simulate the final thing. This will give apprentices the opportunity to practice their skills and knowledge in a safe environment. It can also help to reduce anxiety preparing them for what to expect in the actual assessment.
- Give them access to resources. They will need access to material to prepare for their EPA. This will include books, online tools and training materials. Ensure that these are set up from the very start of the apprenticeship programme.
- Be open and supportive. This can be a stressful time for apprentices, and the best employers are understanding and reassuring. Ensure that apprentices know they can ask questions and seek help whenever they need it.
With your guidance and support, your apprentice can successfully navigate the EPA process and take the next step on their career ladder.
