Blog
In our EPA blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about end point assessment, including news, tips and frequently asked questions.
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 …
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 …
Digital Standards now live
Company news1st 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 …
How can Providers and Employers bridge the Digital Skills Gap?
Company newsFor providers, coaches & employersWith 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 …
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 …
Policies Updated
Company newsFor providers, coaches & employersWe 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 …
We’re part of the Neuro-inclusion Charter
Company newsWe’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 …
1st for EPA Triumphs at The Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Company newsHelen 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. …
1st for EPA is a Certified B Corp
Company newsOur End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) has become a Certified B Corp. We achieved the impressive certification this month. What is B Corp Certification? B Corp Certification is a designation that shows a business is meeting high standards of performance, accountability, and transparency. This is verified, using factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to …
New Standards launched for EPA
Company newsWe’re one of the fastest growing EPAOs in the country, and we’re delighted to announce we now assess two new standards: Business Analyst level 4 Senior Leader level 7 With Ofqual recognition in place across all our standards, we started offering end point assessment for Business Analyst and Senior Leader in May 2023. At 1st …
Meet the EPAO – Online – March 2023
Company newsFor providers, coaches & employers1st for EPA is holding a Meet the EPAO event for training providers and employers. We invite employers and training providers who haven’t worked with us before to meet our team and find out what makes us an award-winning, Ofqual-recognised EPAO that’s rated Excellent on Trustpilot. We’ll share the guidance and support we have to make the EPA process easy for apprentices, training …
Celebrating Apprentice Achievement
Company newsWe recently asked a client to speak at one of webinars and give providers and employers an insight into what it’s like working with 1st for EPA. Something she said really stuck out to us: “I’ve loved using you, it’s a real pleasure to put learners through to EPA. Something that you do really, really …
