Blog

In our EPA blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about end point assessment, including news, tips and frequently asked questions.

  • PARS banner

    Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme Launched

    For apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employers

    The Post Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) has officially launched in the UK. The scheme gives qualified apprentices the opportunity to be awarded post nominal designations – that is, letters after their name. Launched by the Association of Apprentices (AoA) and the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE), the scheme aims to give professional status to

  • What happens in an EPA assessment?

    VIDEO: What happens in an EPA assessment?

    For apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employers

    Introduction 1st for EPA’s mission is to make the End Point Assessment process easy for everyone to understand and use. We provide support and guidance throughout the EPA journey. This video and transcript will give you an example and guidance on what an apprentice can expect at the beginning of a remote assessment, when using

  • Digital Standards now live

    Company news

    1st for EPA has launched a full range of end point assessment (EPA) for Digital standards. We’re offering end point assessment for more standards in the digital route than ever before, along with our signature support and guidance. 11 digital standards now live – you can see the full list of digital standards here, or

  • John Pritchard

    How can Providers and Employers bridge the Digital Skills Gap?

    Company newsFor providers, coaches & employers

    With the new government recently announcing the launch of Skills England, a body tasked with transforming opportunities and driving growth, what does this mean for the digital skills gap and apprenticeships? Digital Europe reports that over 60% of EU enterprises struggle to fill ICT specialist roles. This gap can directly impact the wider adoption of AI, big

  • Anna H apprentice case study

    Case Study: Anna, Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Practitioner Apprentice

    Case studies

    Name: Anna Hadingham Company: MottMacDonald Apprenticeship standard: Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Level 4 Training Provider: LDN Apprenticeships Result: Distinction Which apprenticeship did you do and why did you choose it?  I chose the Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability apprenticeship as I knew that this would be a great way to get an entry level role

  • life ring

    Senior Leader dispensation – support for apprentices made redundant

    Company newsFor apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employers

    Ifate has introduced a temporary dispensation for Senior Leader version 1.2 (ST0480) for apprentices who are made redundant at gateway. To allow these apprentices to undergo EPA and complete their apprenticeship, these apprentices will be allowed complete a Strategic Business Proposal based on a theoretical topic. In this case, the apprentice’s training provider will act as

  • files

    Policies Updated

    Company newsFor providers, coaches & employers

    We review and update our EPA policies regularly to ensure they’re up to date and reflect the latest quality practices in end point assessment. The following policies have been updated and are now live on our Policies page and on the epaPRO portal: Appeals Policy and Complaints Policy – these used to be combined and

  • Cognassist

    We’re part of the Neuro-inclusion Charter

    Company news

    We’re pleased to announce that 1st for EPA is now part of the Cognassist Neuro-inclusion Charter. The Charter shows a list of inclusive EPAOs. To gain a place on the Charter, EPAOs must have staff attend relevant training to be more aware of different learning styles and abilities, to allow us to recognise these and

  • project upload banner

    How do I upload a project on the EPA Pro portal?

    For apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employers

    This guide shows you how to upload assessment evidence, such as a project, on our portal, also known as EPA Pro. Please note that some providers may have switched off the upload function, in which case you should email your submission directly to your provider. When you log into the portal, you should see a

  • epa word count

    VIDEO: Word Count Guide – EPA Reports

    For apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employers

    This is 1st for EPA’s video guidance on word counts for written reports that are submitted as part of end point assessment   Transcription: This is 1st for EPA’s guidance on word counts for written reports that are submitted as part of end point assessment Report content and format The requirements for the written report vary according

  • epaPRO logo

    What file types are accepted on the EPA Pro portal?

    For apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employers

    EPA evidence comes in many forms – portfolios, project reports, presentation slides, mapping documents and more. We’re often asked what file types are accepted on our portal, also known as EPA Pro. Formats accepted Any widely accessible format will be accepted, i.e. it should not require specialist software to be viewed. Live, dynamic or changeable

  • GBEA

    1st for EPA Triumphs at The Great British Entrepreneur Awards

    Company news

    Helen Shinner, Founder of 1st for EPA, has been awarded Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year for the North East at The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Recognised annually as one of the most prestigious accolades in the entrepreneurial world, The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards received over 5,000 applications this year alone.

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