1st for Awarding, the Stockton-on-Tees-based assessment organisation, has been ranked among the fastest-growing businesses in the North of England and the UK’s fastest-growing assessment organisation in the 2026 UK Fast Growth Index, after growing its turnover by 104 per cent in two years. It was named the UK’s fastest-growing end-point assessment organisation. John Pritchard, CEO …
New service from 1st for Awarding: Apprenticeship Units
1st for Awarding now offers expert-designed assessment materials, skills tests, learner guidance and independent moderation to verify results of AI leadership apprenticeship units. This gives employers confidence and assurance that learners have been assessed fairly and robustly. Apprenticeship units we support We provide assessment materials, learner guidance and independent moderation across the following units: AI …
Christmas 2026 Closure and Effect on EPA Deadlines
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 …
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 …
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 …
1st for EPA Company Changes
Assessment is evolving, and so are we. The assessment reforms will phase in a more flexible assessment model, known as apprenticeship assessment. This term will eventually replace the term ‘end point assessment’ for new starts. In line with these changes and to ensure we’re best positioned for our growth plans, we have taken the decision to …
Leadership with a Latte: Meet Our Managing Director, Helen Shinner
Ever wondered who’s steering the ship at 1st for EPA, keeping our strategy sharp, our standards high, and somehow still making every Zoom meeting with a smile? It’s time to step behind the scenes and meet the powerhouse leading our team: Helen Shinner, our Managing Director. From navigating the evolving world of End Point Assessment …
Christmas 2025 Closure & Effect on EPA Deadlines
In preparation for the 2025 Christmas holiday period, we would like to clarify our opening times and the effects of holidays on apprentices’ deadlines and submission dates. 1st for EPA will be only be closed on bank holidays, which are: Thursday 25th December 2025 Friday 26th December 2025 Thursday 1st January 2026 This means our office …
Foundation Apprenticeship Assessment Launched
From 1 August 2025, 1st for EPA is approved to deliver assessments for two new Foundation Apprenticeships in the digital sector: Hardware, Network and Infrastructure (FA0004) Software and Data (FA0005) These Level 2 apprenticeships provide an accessible route into the technology workforce and help learners build the knowledge and experience needed to progress to Level …
Launch of Machine Learning Apprenticeship to be Industry Game Changer
The world is on the cusp of an AI revolution, and the new Machine Learning Engineer Level 6 apprenticeship is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of the tech industry. This apprenticeship is now available for new starts, and it could be key to putting apprenticeships front and centre stage when …
1st for EPA Triumphs at The Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Helen Shinner, Founder of 1st for EPA, has been awarded Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year for the North East at The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Recognised annually as one of the most prestigious accolades in the entrepreneurial world, The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards received over 5,000 applications this year alone. …
Digital Standards now live
1st for Awarding has launched a full range of end point assessment (EPA) for Digital standards. We’re offering end point assessment for more standards in the digital route than ever before, along with our signature support and guidance. 15 digital standards now live – you can see the full list of standards we assess here.
