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AIM Assessment
Information for employers new to AIM Assessment

End-point assessment (EPA) for employers

Image of a TV studioEnd-point assessment (EPA) is the name given to a series of assessments an apprentice must take to prove their ability to do the job for which they’ve undertaken training. These assessments take place at the end of an apprenticeship following a period of training and development. Depending on the apprenticeship standard, the apprentices may also be required to achieve other mandatory requirements eg completing a portfolio, achieving level 2 English or maths qualifications. These must be achieved prior to applying for the EPA. At this point the employer, in discussion with the apprentice and training provider, will ‘sign off’ their apprentice as ready for EPA. This is known as the ‘gateway’ to EPA.

EPAs can be undertaken, at a minimum, 12 months after the start of an apprentice’s training. It must be successfully completed before the apprentice receives their completion certificate. Please note that it is very important when issuing employment contracts for an apprentice to include sufficient time beyond the 12-month minimum on training to enable the EPA to take place (including potential re-sits). We are not permitted to assess any apprentice who is no longer employed.

AIM is on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) Register of Apprentice Assessment Organisations (no. EPA0064). We are approved to deliver end-point assessments for a range apprenticeship standards.

 


"Can I just offiBauer logocially say that I LOVE our end-point assessment organisation!
They are just so positive and helpful and full of ideas to
make things happen.”

Genevieve Potter
Bauer Media

     

Why choose AIM as your end-point assessment organisation?

  • As creative and cultural industry specialists we understand what is required by these industries - we only provide EPAs for occupations where we have expertise.
  • As a leading EPAO, we deliver EPAs for SMEs and large blue-chip creative companies.
  • Our assessors are current industry practitioners and are fully trained by us in assessment practice.
  • AIM is leading research into EPA delivery and improvements: AIM has been awarded two research grants by the Education and Training Foundation to consider effective delivery of EPAs.
  • We provide extensive support materials including sample papers and guides for the apprentice, employer and training provider that clearly explain what to expect.
  • We are constantly developing our networks with industry and education refining our approach, listening to the voice of industry and the practical needs of providers.
  • There are no surprise charges or hidden fees. We charge per apprentice price for each EPA. The only additional cost will be for assessment re-sits or re-takes.
  • We offer ‘understanding your EPA’ training sessions to support you and your training provider.
  • In June 2020, 93% of apprentices passed the first time; 95% overall pass rate (based on 430 apprentices)

 

Association of Apprentices

We are members of the Association of Apprentices which unlocks access to a host of free resources and peer support aimed at helping apprentices maximise their apprenticeship.
 

Employers who don’t pay the apprenticeship levy

From January 2020 employers who do not pay the apprenticeship levy will be able to create accounts on the Department of Education apprenticeship service and begin arranging their own apprenticeships.

These employers will be able to:

  • choose from a range of apprenticeship standards
  • choose a provider from the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP) to deliver apprenticeship training
  • find an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) like AIM
  • reserve access to funding for apprenticeship training and assessment
  • agree contracts with providers
  • benefit from collaborative relationships by delegating permissions to providers to service their accounts.

Resources and guides

Downloadable AIM forms and policies can be found on our resources page.

The National Apprenticeship Service has produced a really useful document available to download: Employer guide to apprenticeships (PDF).

More links to Department of Education documents and guides can be found on our resources page.

Testimonials

To find out what our learners, employers and training providers thought about their experience working with AIM Assessment, take a look at our Creating Happy Customers testimonials page.

The Facts

According to the Department for Education

  • 71% of apprentices agreed that their chances of earning a higher wage in future had increased
  • 80% of apprentices agreed that their chances of progressing to a higher level of training had also increased
  • 90% of apprentices will get a job or go into further training after finishing an apprenticeship
  • 78% of employers reported improved productivity
  • 65% of employers recognise the new ideas apprentices bring to their organisation
  • 83% would recommend apprenticeships to other businesses

These facts are available as a downloadable PDF.

Find out more

If you'd like to speak to us about our apprenticeship EPAs please get in touch

Read the latest update (5th August) from the ESFA about employing an apprentice and how apprenticeship funding works on apprenticeshipsdirectory.com