In preparation for the 2026 Christmas holiday period, we would like to clarify our opening times and the effects of holidays on apprentices’ deadlines and submission dates. Our opening times 1st for Awarding will only be closed on recognised English bank holidays, which are: Our office will otherwise be open as normal, including Tuesday 29th December to Thursday 31st December …
Learning, Leading and Levelling Up: Tanya’s Apprenticeship Journey
Today, we’re sharing a case study with a twist! One of our very own team members, Tanya Hill, completed an apprenticeship alongside her role here at 1st for Awarding. While her apprenticeship wasn’t completed through us, we wanted to hear from Tanya about her experience, how she prepared for her EPA, and any tips she …
Case Study: Isabella, Multi-Channel Marketer Apprentice
Name: Isabella Price Training Provider: Velocity Company: JCB Apprenticeship standard: Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer Result: Distinction Which apprenticeship did you do and why did you choose it? Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer Apprenticeship – I chose this apprenticeship as I have always had an interest in marketing, since high school, and wanted to explore this more …
Case Study: Leah, Multi-Channel Marketer Apprentice
Name: Leah Cordall Training Provider: VelocityCompany: Wakefield Hospice Apprenticeship standard: Level 3 Multi-Channel MarketerResult: Distinction Which apprenticeship did you do and why did you choose it? Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer. I chose this apprenticeship because I have a strong interest in design and content creation. After doing some research into different career paths, I discovered that marketing …
epaPRO becomes Proficient
As the apprenticeship landscape evolves, so too must the systems that support it. To reflect these changes, epaPRO is now known as Proficient. This change aligns with the transition taking place across the sector, where the term End-Point Assessment (EPA) is moving towards the broader term of Apprenticeship Assessment. 1st for Awarding want to ensure …
Wellbeing in your Assessment
It’s normal to feel anxious when preparing for your Apprenticeship Assessment. Pressure and stress are common when you are keen for it to go well. Apprentice wellbeing in assessment is important to us, and our assessors are aware that apprentices will be nervous. Our role is to support you to perform your best. Read on for some simple tips on how to manage stress in assessment. …
The New Apprenticeship Assessment Model
The apprenticeship assessment model in England is evolving. The latest reforms mark a shift away from a single, high-stake end point assessment (EPA) toward a more flexible, integrated approach that better reflects how competence develops in the workplace. The new model is designed to simplify assessment, reduce duplication, and place greater emphasis on demonstrating occupational …
Apprenticeship Units
A New Approach to Skills Development The introduction of apprenticeship units marks one of the most significant recent changes to the apprenticeship system in England. Designed to increase flexibility and responsiveness, these units represent a shift away from the traditional model toward a more modular, skills-focused approach. Apprenticeship units signal a move toward shorter, targeted …
Transferring Apprentices to Newer Versions of Standards
The new Apprenticeship Funding Rules for August 2026 to July 2027 have been released and they introduce guidance for transferring apprentices to newer versions of standards, where the apprenticeship assessment plan (AAP) has been revised. This means existing apprentices may transfer to the latest version of the same standard. This can occur at any point …
The Adoption of AI in UK Workplaces: Why upskilling and apprenticeships matter more than ever
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming workplaces across the UK. From automating routine administrative tasks to enhancing decision-making through advanced data analysis. AI is no longer a future concept, it is a present-day business reality. Organisations are increasingly investing in AI technologies to improve productivity, efficiency, and innovation. However, successful AI adoption is not solely …
Partner Case Studies
These partner case studies highlight the support we provide and the added value we bring throughout the assessment journey. They showcase how our approach helps strengthen delivery. We work hard to enhance the learner experience and support positive outcomes for apprentices and training providers. Read on to see how our collaboration helps ensure a smooth, …
Coming soon: Apprenticeship Assessment for Administration Assistant Level 2
We will soon be introducing Apprenticeship Assessment for Administration Assistant Level 2. What is an Administration Assistant? The assistant administrator is responsible for assisting colleagues with routine duties. These can vary depending on the team structure and size of business. They use digital systems and tools to collate, extract and enter data. An assistant administrator …
