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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.

Christmas 2025 Closure Dates and Effect on EPA Deadlines
Company news For apprentices For providers, coaches & employers
In 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 & employers
1st 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 news For providers, coaches & employers
From 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 & employers
The 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 news
The 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 & employers
1st 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 news For apprentices For providers, coaches & employers
In 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 & employers
1st 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 & employers
1st 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 …
PODCAST: 1st for EPA On Air Ep4 – Meet the Partnerships Team
For providers, coaches & employers
1st for EPA is On Air! The 1st for EPA team is back with episode 4 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 4: Meet the Partnerships Team …
PODCAST: 1st for EPA On Air Special – Supporting Apprentice Wellbeing
For apprentices For providers, coaches & employers
1st for EPA is On Air! The 1st for EPA team is back with a special edition 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. 1st for EPA On Air …
PODCAST: 1st for EPA On Air Ep3 – EPA Presentations
For apprentices For providers, coaches & employers
1st for EPA is On Air! The 1st for EPA team is back with episode 3 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 3: EPA Presentations In episode …