The Post Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) has officially launched in the UK. The scheme gives qualified apprentices the opportunity to be awarded post nominal designations – that is, letters after their name. Launched by the Association of Apprentices (AoA) and the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE), the scheme aims to give professional status to …
What file types are accepted on the epaPRO portal?
Assessment evidence comes in many forms – portfolios, project reports, presentation slides, mapping documents and more. We’re often asked what file types are accepted on our portal, also known as epaPRO. Formats accepted for assessment evidence 1st for Awarding accepts widely used, accessible formats, i.e. the file should not require specialist software to be viewed. …
VIDEO: What happens in an EPA assessment?
Introduction 1st for Awarding’s mission is to is to support apprentices to succeed in their apprenticeship. We try make the assessment process easy for everyone to understand and use. We provide support and guidance throughout the journey. This video and transcript will give you an example and guidance on what an apprentice can expect at …
How can Providers and Employers bridge the Digital Skills Gap?
This article was originally published in August 2024 and was correct at the time of publication. With the new government recently announcing the launch of Skills England, a body tasked with transforming opportunities and driving growth, what does this mean for the digital skills gap and apprenticeships? Digital Europe reports that over 60% of EU enterprises …
Word Count Guide – Reports
This is 1st for Awarding’s video guidance on word counts for written reports that are submitted as part of assessment. This information is intended to give a high level overview; apprentices should check the support materials for their standard for specific guidance. Report content and format The requirements for written reports vary according to the apprenticeship …
Troubleshooting: User cannot log in to epaPRO
Do you have a user who cannot log in to epaPRO? This guide will take you through some of the most common issues and how to resolve them quickly. Step 1: Check the URL and username Firstly, if a user is having issues logging in to epaPRO, do confirm with them the URL they are …
The Black Apprentice Network share their stories
The Black Apprentice Network, along with Amazing Apprenticeships, have shared a collection of apprentice stories and experiences. In the video below, two of the BAN founders, Kwesi Bimpong and Rubin Aboagye-Poku, give an introduction. The inspirational stories shared are from current and past apprentices who are members of the Black Apprentice Network. Their apprenticeships are …
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in EPA and assessment
With the use of artificial intelligence (AI) becoming more prominent, 1st for Awarding has set out rules for its use in end point assessment (EPA) and apprenticeship assessment. This guidance applies to apprentices using 1st for Awarding; other awarding organisations will issue their own guidance. Apprentices should not use AI to generate content that they …
What is the APAR Register?
The APAR is the government’s new, single register, that lists all apprenticeship training providers. It previously also listed end point assessment organisations (EPAOs), though these were separated on 11 December 2024 and can now been found on the Find an end-point assessment organisation for your apprentice service. The APAR was announced in May 2023 and …
Video: Pass and Distinction example answers for end point assessment
This guidance was correct at the time of publication. Please be aware it may no longer reflect current guidance. Please refer to our current support materials for up to date guidance. This can be found on the epaPRO portal. In this video we give examples of how to answer questions in an EPA interview or …
EPA Examples and EPA Questions
This guidance was correct at the time of publication. Please be aware it may no longer reflect current guidance. Please refer to our current support materials for up to date guidance. This can be found on the epaPRO portal. Two of the most popular questions when preparing for end point assessment (EPA) are ‘What EPA …
Assessment FAQ for Providers & Employers
In this article, we’ll answer all the most frequently asked questions about end point assessment (EPA) and apprenticeship assessment. This information is for apprenticeship training providers, colleges and employers. What standards do you assess and what does EPA cost? You can view all our standards and the costs here: Standards we Assess Does the price listed …
