Interviews and professional discussions are common in end point assessment (EPA). They are part of EPA for many standards.
Here’s our Training Provider Guide of what interviews and professional discussions are and how to prepare your apprentices.
What is an interview or a professional discussion?
Interviews and professional discussions are similar assessment methods. They are conducted one-to-one, between the apprentice and an assessor. Their purpose is for the apprentice to demonstrate their competency against the assessment criteria mapped to this assessment method. These can be found in the support materials we provide and also in the assessment plan.
Both assessment methods involve the assessor asking carefully selected questions. In an interview, the assessor will lead the conversation. In a professional discussion, the assessor will introduce the session and the expectation is then that apprentice then takes the lead.
For both interviews and professional discussions, the assessor will be looking for the apprentice to cover the topics detailed in the standard’s assessment criteria. Assessors may steer the conversation towards these criteria, and move it on when they have heard enough.
What should the apprentice expect?
Interviews and professional discussions with 1st for Awarding are usually carried out by video call, unless requested otherwise.
The interview or discussion will start with the assessor introducing themself and the session, and telling apprentices what to expect. They will do their best to make the apprentice feel at ease. The apprentice will have the opportunity to introduce themself and ask any questions before the interview/discussion begins.
This introduction is not counted within the timings specified for the interview or discussion.
TIPS TO PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS AND PROFESSIONAL DISCUSSIONS
You should ensure your apprentices:
- Receive the email confirmation when the interview/discussion is booked, and add the date and time to their calendar.
- Test the software that will be used. We use Teams, GoToMeeting and Zoom. (NB for apprentices who cannot download software due to company restrictions, it’s possible to request a change of software by emailing support@1stforawarding.co.uk)
- Book a quiet room where they won’t be disturbed.
- Have access to a computer with a webcam, strong internet connection and a microphone or telephone.
- Read the support materials (including Resource Pack or Toolkit) and know how long the interview/discussion lasts, and how many questions to expect. This way they can determine how in depth long their responses should be.
- Understand the assessment criteria and practice speaking around each of these, giving examples of how they have met them in their role or project (as appropriate to the standard).
- Practice using terminology that demonstrates not only knowledge of theory, but also how skills and behaviours have been applied. This guide gives tips on doing this: 6 Ways to Demonstrate Skills and Behaviours in End Point Assessment.
TIPS FOR PERFORMING WELL IN THE INTERVIEW OR PROFESSIONAL DISCUSSION
- Apprentices must bring photographic ID to verify their identity – they won’t be able to take part if they don’t.
- For most standards, apprentices can have their notes or the assessment criteria with them, electronically. They shouldn’t read from notes but may refer to them throughout the interview or discussion. The assessor will ask the apprentice to screen share.
- Coach your apprentices to speak in the first person – they should emphasise talking about “I” not “we”. Often apprentices fall into the trap of talking about “my team” or “my department” however assessors can only assess what the apprentice has done.
- It’s fine for apprentices to reflect on their past actions or performance. If they did one thing in the past but would take a different course of action now, it’s fine to say so – this shows they have reflected on their performance.
- Where the interview or professional discussion is based on a portfolio or a specific piece of work, the apprentice should focus their answers on this. For some standards, it’s allowable to bring in evidence from other areas of their work if it helps demonstrate how they have met the assessment criteria (refer to the support materials for details).
- Assessors know the assessment criteria and will focus the interview or discussion on these criteria. Apprentices should pay attention to exactly what the assessor is asking, and answer accordingly. If the assessor tries to move the conversation on, they may be managing the time effectively or the apprentice may have sufficiently covered the criteria being discussed.
Apprentices often benefit from undergoing a mock interview or discussion with their training provider prior to their EPA.
Your apprentices may also be interested in our Apprentice Guide: How to Prepare for EPA and our blog 6 Ways to Demonstrate Skills and Behaviours in End Point Assessment.
1st for Awarding provides full guidance on what to expect and how to prepare for end point assessment. This forms part of the support materials, available to apprentices who are registered with us.
