Plans to integrate mandatory qualifications with final assessments in apprenticeships have been put to the sector for a 10-week consultation.
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has published its proposals to make mandatory professional qualifications work “seamlessly” with the end point assessments (EPAs) and eliminate some of the current problems in the system.
Currently, an apprenticeship doesn’t end until the end point assessment has been completed, but for many apprenticeships such as electrician or adult care worker, a professional qualification to work in their industry are also required. Those qualifications are often completed before the EPA.
IfATE reckons around 40 per cent of apprenticeships mandate at least one qualification.
But it says there is evidence that learners leave their apprenticeship after gaining the qualification and before EPA, meaning there is no formal record of their knowledge, skills and behaviours.
