When an apprentice reaches gateway, it is the opportunity for the provider and employer to agree whether the apprentice is ready to take their end point assessment.  At this stage, the apprentice should have:

• Completed their Level 2 English and maths
• Completed their portfolio to the required standards and entries have been validated by the employer
• Been assessed against all of the knowledge, skills and behaviours
• Been given the opportunity to take mock tests, practice interviews
• Achieved any included qualifications
• A current DBS certificate

End Point Assessment (EPA)

Following all your learning there will be an end-point assessment. This is where an independent end point assessment organisation assesses your learning. You will be fully supported and prepared for this element of your apprenticeship by your assessor.

The End Point Assessment (EPA) is made up the following components:

Observation of practice by independent assessor in apprentice’s own workplace setting.

Competence interview with independent assessor. Apprentices will submit their portfolio which will be reviewed by the assessor and be the subject of the competence interview.

---

Methods of Assessment

Methods of assessment can be tailored to you and your job role. We provide a variety of assessment methods in order to accommodate different learning styles and enhance skills development. There are some types of assessments which form a requirement of the apprenticeship. Each module has an assessment consisting of either a written assignment, report, test or set tasks. Most modules will also include either a professional discussion, presentation or observation.

Professional Discussions

This method is an excellent way of gathering a lot of information from you and can often cover several criteria. You will be given a list of criteria to prepare notes around. Your assessor will facilitate the discussion and you will do the majority of the talking. 

Written Assignments

Workshops will focus on academic writing at the beginning of the apprenticeship to support you with written assignments. Where required, assignments will be submitted by a given date and time.

Knowledge Questions

You will be given set questions with time to prepare and complete your answers. Once complete, you will be given feedback and your answers can be mapped against knowledge criteria. The questions can also be recorded verbally during a visit with the assessor, and feedback given afterwards.

Reflective account

This is a write up of how you carry out certain tasks, recording events that happened. 

Observation

The assessor will plan to observe you completing specific tasks in the workplace. It can be recorded or written, and this should be captured live where possible. It is likely that multiple criteria can be covered at once

Witness Testimony

A statement from your manager or mentor indicating how they have witnessed you carry out specific task(s). These can be completed as a face to face interview/discussion between the assessor and the witness. The apprentice will then be given feedback.

Product Evidence

Documents that show implementation of your real work activity such as reports, action plans, case notes, records produced, letters, emails and photographs.

Tests and Exams

Certain qualifications include mandatory tests. These are usually (but not exclusively) multiple choice online exams. Learning and revision will be completed prior to tests being booked so you will be fully prepared.

Got a question about end point assessment? Email apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk