Apprenticeship assessment in England is changing—but are training providers and employers ready for their new responsibilities?

Under the revised arrangements, assessment contributing to the final result may take place during the apprenticeship rather than being concentrated solely at the end.

The changes may also allow:

• training providers to deliver and mark some assessment activities
• employers to verify behaviours demonstrated in the workplace
• assessment organisations to focus on assessment design and assuring the validity of outcomes

The reforms are intended to make assessment more flexible, proportionate and closely related to occupational competence.

However, greater flexibility must be supported by clear responsibilities, competent assessors and robust quality assurance.

Quality assurance should cover the complete apprenticeship journey—from recruitment and initial assessment through training, workplace development and assessment to final certification.

The reforms will be introduced progressively, so organisations must check the revised assessment plan and implementation date for each apprenticeship standard.

Our latest blog examines what the changes mean for providers, employers and assessment organisations—and how they can prepare.