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 …
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 …
New Apprenticeship Assessment Plans: How we’re supporting you
The apprenticeship landscape is evolving rapidly, and with Skills England accelerating the release of new Apprenticeship Assessment Plans (AAP’s), staying informed has never been more important. For employers, training providers, and apprentices, these changes bring exciting opportunities, but they also create a need for clear, timely information and practical guidance. That’s why we’re committed to …
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 …
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 …
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, …
Case Study: JBC
Training Provider Name: JBC Skills Training Ltd What were the reasons you started using 1st for Awarding as your AO? We moved to 1st for Awarding because, unlike other EPAOs, they’re focused on getting the best out of the apprentices. They understand that apprentices aren’t all in the same job or the same working situation, and that applying one rigid, …
Digital Notes Guidance
Apprentices can only use digital notes during their assessment, provided they are shared on screen with the assessor. This also includes making notes digitally during an assessment; however, these must be seen to be removed and deleted at the end of the assessment. The ability to use digital notes is always contextual and will be …
PODCAST: 1st for EPA On Air Ep11: Centres
This video was created under our previous name, 1st for EPA. Episode 11: Centres With apprenticeship assessment on the horizon, many training providers are exploring becoming a Centre – that is, taking an active role in the delivery or marking of assessments. In this podcast, Owen and John explore what it means to become a …
