The end-point assessment (EPA) for the Level 7 Academic Professional Apprenticeship is the final step in a course designed to develop early career academics from their entry point into employment in higher education to full professional competence. To understand more about the course and assessment, we spoke to Dr Leo Watkins, a lecturer in research methods, sports fan behaviour and sports marketing at UCFB Wembley. Dr Watkins undertook his EPA in December 2021 and completed the course with a distinction.