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In our EPA blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about end point assessment, including news, tips and frequently asked questions.
PODCAST: 1st for EPA On Air Ep11: Centres
For providers, coaches & employers1st for EPA is On Air! Episode 11: Centres With apprenticeship assessment on the horizon, many training providers are exploring becoming a Centre – that is, taking an active role in the delivery or marking of assessments. In this podcast, Owen and John explore what it means to become a Centre of an awarding organisation. …
Leadership with a Latte: Meet Our Managing Director, Helen Shinner
For apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employersEver wondered who’s steering the ship at 1st for EPA, keeping our strategy sharp, our standards high, and somehow still making every Zoom meeting with a smile? It’s time to step behind the scenes and meet the powerhouse leading our team: Helen Shinner, our Managing Director. From navigating the evolving world of End Point Assessment …
PODCAST: 1st for EPA On Air Ep10: Foundation Apprenticeships
For providers, coaches & employers1st for EPA is On Air! Episode 10: Foundation Apprenticeships Owen and John discuss foundation apprenticeships, including the launch of Hardware and Software apprenticeships. They cover key considerations for management, including: The new terminology we see in foundation apprenticeships, including assessment outcomes and performance descriptors. Curriculum design and how to structure apprenticeship programmes with consideration …
Christmas 2025 Closure Dates and Effect on EPA Deadlines
Company newsFor apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employersIn preparation for the 2025 Christmas holiday period, we would like to clarify our opening times and the effects of holidays on apprentices’ deadlines and submission dates. 1st for EPA will be only be closed on bank holidays, which are: Thursday 25th December 2025 Friday 26th December 2025 Thursday 1st January 2026 This means our office …
PODCAST: 1st for EPA On Air Ep9: Assessment Reforms
For providers, coaches & employers1st for EPA is On Air! Episode 9: Assessment Reforms We’re back with more podcasts, starting with a deep dive into assessment reforms. Join Owen and John as they discuss what the changes to assessment mean for apprentices and providers. They explore how providers can keep apprentices at the heart of delivery with the introduction …
Foundation Apprenticeship Assessment Launched
Company newsFor providers, coaches & employersFrom 1 August 2025, 1st for EPA is approved to deliver assessments for two new Foundation Apprenticeships in the digital sector: Hardware, Network and Infrastructure (FA0004) Software and Data (FA0005) These Level 2 apprenticeships provide an accessible route into the technology workforce and help learners build the knowledge and experience needed to progress to Level …
Provider-Delivered Apprenticeship Assessment: What It Means and How to Prepare
For providers, coaches & employersThe 2025 Apprenticeship Assessment Principles announced significant changes to end point assessment (EPA). Skills England are currently planning and implementing these changes, with Ofqual expanding its regulatory framework to ensure assessments remain valid and reliable. Key changes include: Published assessment plans will be simplified, containing only high-level information and Assessment Outcomes which apprentices must demonstrate. …
Launch of Machine Learning Apprenticeship to be Industry Game Changer
Company newsThe world is on the cusp of an AI revolution, and the new Machine Learning Engineer Level 6 apprenticeship is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of the tech industry. This apprenticeship is now available for new starts, and it could be key to putting apprenticeships front and centre stage when …
PODCAST: 1st for EPA On Air Ep7: Meet the Admin & Ops team
For providers, coaches & employers1st for EPA is On Air! The 1st for EPA team is back with episode 7 of our podcast. Whether you want to learn about the EPA landscape, see the faces behind the names, or just find out what everyone’s favourite biscuit is, our EPA podcast has you covered. Episode 7: Meet the Admin & …
Christmas 2024 Closing and Effect on EPA Deadlines
Company newsFor apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employersIn preparation for this year’s Christmas holiday period, we would like to remind you of our opening times over the Christmas period and how this affects apprentices’ submission dates. 1st for EPA will be closed on the 25th, 26th , 31st December 2024 and the 1st January 2025. This means our office will be open …
PODCAST: 1st for EPA On Air Ep6 – How AI is changing the apprenticeships landscape
For providers, coaches & employers1st for EPA is On Air! The 1st for EPA team is back with episode 6 of our podcast. Whether you want to learn about the EPA landscape, see the faces behind the names, or just find out what everyone’s favourite biscuit is, our EPA podcast has you covered. Episode 6: How AI is changing …
PODCAST: 1st for EPA On Air Ep5 – Projects in EPA
For providers, coaches & employers1st for EPA is On Air! The 1st for EPA team is back with episode 5 of our podcast. Whether you want to learn about the EPA landscape, see the faces behind the names, or just find out what everyone’s favourite biscuit is, our EPA podcast has you covered. Episode 5: Projects in EPA In …
