Blog
In our EPA blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about end point assessment, including news, tips and frequently asked questions.
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 Special – Supporting Apprentice Wellbeing
For apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employers1st 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 apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employers1st 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 …
Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme Launched
For apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employersThe 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 …
VIDEO: What happens in an EPA assessment?
For apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employersIntroduction 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 …
Senior Leader dispensation – support for apprentices made redundant
Company newsFor apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employersIfate 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 …
How do I upload a project on the EPA Pro portal?
For apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employersThis 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 …
VIDEO: Word Count Guide – EPA Reports
For apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employersThis is 1st for EPA’s video guidance on word counts for written reports that are submitted as part of end point assessment Updates: the video mentions separate mapping documents and front sheets; we now provide Project Templates which have these included. Some standards have a Resource Pack rather than a Toolkit and these are referred to …
What file types are accepted on the EPA Pro portal?
For apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employersEPA 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 …
The Black Apprentice Network share their stories
For apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employersThe Black Apprentice Network, along with Amazing Apprenticeships, have shared a collection of apprentice stories and experiences. In the video below, two of the BAN founders, Kwesi Bimpong and Rubin Aboagye-Poku, give an introduction. The inspirational stories shared are from current and past apprentices who are members of the Black Apprentice Network. Their apprenticeships are …
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in EPA
For apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employersWith the use of artificial intelligence (AI) becoming more prominent, 1st for EPA has set out rules for its use in end point assessment (EPA). This guidance applies to apprentices using 1st for EPA; other EPAOs will issue their own guidance. Apprentices should not use AI to generate content that they will present as their …
Apprentice Wellbeing Hub launched
Company newsFor apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employersToday, 1st for EPA have launched our new Apprentice Wellbeing Hub to support apprentices’ mental health and wellbeing. The free resource is the first of its kind aimed solely at apprentices. It combines resources to support apprentices through challenges in their apprenticeship, answer common apprentice questions, and provide direction on where to find further support. …
