KEITS is getting to the point where our first apprentices on the ‘new’ standards are coming close to being prepared for their End Point Assessment. Other providers who have been dealing with other standards to us have already been going through this process and most are finding the process challenging, exciting but rewarding.
Previously with apprenticeship frameworks, they were continually assessed throughout their programme. They collated a portfolio of evidence that was assessed and quality assured internally by KEITS and then externally Quality Assured (QA’d) by the awarding organisation.
In the new world we are seeing major changes which have resulted in a greater focus on the training and development of skills, knowledge & behaviours. These are now assessed at the end of the programme by independent assessors by an End Point Assessment Organisation and in accordance with the Assessment Plan.
KEITS and other providers have had to radically review their delivery models to ensure that we can meet the demands of the new system. There will be a clearly developed collaboration and partnership approach with employers, to provide support and training for apprentices. Employers & apprentices will see a more structured programme with planned training sessions delivered both internally by employers and our team of Training & Assessment Consultants (TAC). Apprentices will have to take ownership and some responsibility for their apprenticeship. There will be structured assessment of learning, skills & behaviours, specific revision sessions, as well as examination preparation sessions to assist apprentices to prepare for the demands of a final assessment with someone they have never met before.
Every apprenticeship standard has a slightly different End Point Assessment structure, the detail will be found in the appropriate End Point Assessment Plan.