Apprenticeship staff from Solihull College & University Centre and Stratford-upon-Avon College have taken part in development sessions to help support apprentices through their end point assessment.
Apprenticeships are an opportunity for learners to learn and earn while carrying out practical work with an employer.
Supporting them through the learner journey, assessor coaches regularly visit in the workplace to both assess their knowledge, skills and behaviours and ensure apprentices are on track with their learning.
An essential part of an apprenticeship is the end point assessment (EPA), the part at the end of their learning to ‘test’ their competencies in the job role – a bit like a driving test. EPAs vary depending on the sector, apprenticeship standard, and awarding body. Learners are supported by their assessor coaches through ‘gateway’ – preparation time leading up to the EPA.
Several of the College’s assessing and quality team recently underwent continuing professional development (CPD) to better support apprentices when taking their EPA. Through blended learning, online study and a practical assessment day, 15 staff took part on the Undertaking End Point Assessment course delivered by training provider Strategic Development Network (SDN).
The content allowed assessors to delve deeply into the role of supporting the learner at this vital point of their apprenticeship journey and to better understand end point assessment from the awarding body point of view. Eight modules covered different methods of EPA, decoding apprenticeship standards, grading methods, policies, procedures and legislation, as well as equity and equality in assessment including reasonable adjustments.
A key part of the course took place with a practical, in-person session where all participants were able to watch and analyse video recordings of assessments and take part in group tasks and discussions.
Participant Rebecca Phipps, Curriculum Lead for Veterinary Nursing, commented: “I found the day very useful to understand the different forms of assessment used within EPA outside of my course. I also enjoyed getting together with like-minded people to see how they were supporting their students when within the EPA stage of the apprenticeship and throughout the programme – it has given me food for thought in some areas, one of which I have already implemented and am awaiting learner feedback.”
CPD for staff is vital to keep in line with industry and delivery advancements to ensure learners are supported, achieve, and are ready for their next steps in their career.
