Operations Manager End Point Assessment
Level 5
1st for EPA is an EPAO for the level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship standard. This includes the previous version, Operations or Departmental Manager.Choose 1st for EPA for transparent end point assessment with support, guidance, webinars and more.Register your interest
What does EPA involve for Operations Manager?
The end point assessment, or EPA, for the Operations Manager standard is made up of two components:
- Written project report with presentation and questions
- Professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
EPA1: Written project report with presentation and questions
The written project report involves the apprentice completing a significant and defined piece of work that has a real business application and benefit. The report should be 4,000 words, and is followed by a 20 minute presentation and 40 minutes of questions.
EPA 2: Professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
The professional discussion is a structured, two-way conversation, lasting 60 minutes. It takes place by video call, between the apprentice and the assessor. It is largely based on a portfolio of evidence which is submitted at gateway.
1st for EPA provides full guidance on preparing for end point assessment.
The previous version of standard ST0385, Operations or Departmental Manager, has the following components of EPA:
- Professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
- Project proposal, presentation and questioning
EPA1: Professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
The professional discussion is a structured, two-way conversation, lasting 60 minutes. It takes place by video call, between the apprentice and the assessor. It is largely based on a portfolio of evidence which is submitted at gateway.
EPA 2: Project proposal, presentation and questioning
The project proposal will be a significant piece of work that has a real business benefit. The scope will be agreed at gateway and the written proposal will be 4,000 words long. The presentation typically lasts 20 minutes, and the questioning 40 minutes.
1st for EPA provides full guidance on preparing for end point assessment.
Operations Manager EPAO
Operations Managers undertake leadership and management duties where there is a requirement to ensure that teams carry out their role to meet organisational goals. They are a key component of all types of business where there is an operational area/department with a workforce to lead, manage and support.
Typical job titles for apprentices in this role include Operations Manager, Area Manager, Regional Manager, General Manager, Department Manager and Specialist Managers.
Remote EPA for Operations Manager
1st for EPA carry out EPA for the Operations Manager (previously Operations or Departmental Manager) apprenticeship remotely. We use video calling for the presentation, questioning and professional discussion. This means EPA can take place from anywhere in England, scheduled around the apprentice.
As soon as apprentices are registered with 1st for EPA, they receive access to our portal. This contains guidance, videos and a detailed Toolkit. We add transparency to the EPA process, supporting apprentices and providers.
We offer out of hours EPA on request.
Timescales for Operations Manager EPA
The EPA for the Operations Manager standard typically lasts 5 months. Apprentices may complete sooner if they wish – speak to us to find out our current availability.
Operations Manager Assessment Plan
To see the 2024 Operations Manager v1.4 occupational standard, duties, and Assessment Plan, visit the Institute for Apprenticeships website here (link opens in a new window):
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/operations-manager-v1-4
See the Operations Manager Level 5 Assessment Plan
To see the Operations or Departmental Manager occupational standard, duties, and Assessment Plan, visit the Institute for Apprenticeships website here (link opens in a new window):
See the Operations or Departmental Manager Level 5 Assessment Plan
Operations Manager EPA Guidance
- We provide:
- Apprentice Toolkit
- Portfolio Mapping
- Project Template & Mapping
- Detailed guidance and videos
- Every provider is offered an on-boarding session which covers our EPA process, how to schedule assessments, and best practice tips for Operations or Departmental Manager apprentices.
- We provide:
How does EPA work?
The training provider recommends an EPAO, often with input from the employer.
The training provider registers the apprentice with the EPAO, giving an expected date for EPA.
The apprentice completes Gateway and schedules their EPA.
1st for EPA provides full support and guidance to help the apprentice prepare for EPA.
EPA is carried out with a qualified assessor.
1st for EPA carries out quality checks, then emails the apprentice their results and claims their completion certificate from the ESFA.
What does EPA cost for Operations Manager?
Operations or Departmental Manager EPA is £1100.
Get in touch for resit and re-take fees.
How we make EPA easy
Here’s why employers and training providers choose 1st for EPA as their end point assessment organisation (EPAO):
Support and guidance
Full guidance and support is given to apprentices – We’ve created resources that prepare apprentices for EPA so they know what to expect and are ready for their final assessment
Resource bank
Resource bank with guidance notes to support apprentices through end point assessment
Experienced assessors
All our assessors are experts in the subject they assess. They understand the demands of the apprenticeship and the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to be successful
Friendly team
Friendly team to answer all your questions
Remote EPA
We carry out end point assessment remotely wherever the Assessment Plan allows, meaning we work across the UK and can be flexible
Secure system
To manage and schedule EPA
