Your Weekly Apprenticeship Insights Newsletter | 📈 The EPA Bottleneck

Apprenticeship Challenge: Finding an EPA Partner That Delivers Both Quality and Efficiency

Training providers face increasing pressure to deliver exceptional apprenticeship outcomes while managing complex assessment requirements. Many struggle with slow turnaround times, limited feedback, and cumbersome processes that impact both apprentice experience and business efficiency. The right End Point Assessment partner can transform this experience.

Accelerate People has developed a unique approach, using technology to offer the industry’s most streamlined EPA process whilst maintaining exceptional quality and collaborative partnerships for success.

• Avg. 24-hour grade turnaround

• Detailed grading reports for all grades

• Detailed data access to identify opportunities for improvement

• Comprehensive EPA support resources and webinars

• 90% FTE assessors with industry experience

Working with some of the industry’s top training providers, Accelerate People is known for delivering high-quality, holistic EPAs across 36 standards (across Digital, IT, Data, AI, Sales and Marketing, Leadership & Management, HR and L&D).

VOCATIONAL TRAINING EXPANSION

AQA Purchases Construction EPA Company

AQA's acquisition of the Construction EPA Company marks a significant expansion in the vocational training sector. Known primarily for its GCSE and A-Level examinations, AQA is enhancing its presence in vocational education, complementing its previous acquisition of TQUK. Construction EPA, recognised by Ofqual since 2022, stands as the third largest construction end-point assessment organisation in the country, covering 30 standards and boasting significant growth with 1,680 completions in 2023-24.

This move aligns with the UK government's ambitious goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2029, necessitating an increase in the construction workforce by 250,000. Colin Hughes, AQA's CEO, highlighted the strategic fit of Construction EPA's all-inclusive pricing model that supports this growth. Samuel Riley, the company's CEO, is optimistic about leveraging AQA's resources to narrow the skills gap and fuel the construction sector's advancement.

ADULT CARE PROVIDER CHALLENGES

Franhen Consultancy Faces Setbacks After Inadequate Ofsted Rating

Franhen Consultancy, an adult care apprenticeship provider based in Birmingham, has received an inadequate rating from Ofsted in its first full inspection. The main issues identified include insufficient preparation for apprentices' end-point assessments, low attendance for online classes, and a lack of leadership skills amongst trainees. While Franhen Consultancy maintains partnerships within the care sector, the training environment was hindered by inadequate student engagement, with many apprentices unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts with their jobs. Ofsted also criticised the effectiveness of the provider's assessments and its response to advisory board recommendations for leadership improvement.

Dennis Ofinam, CEO of Franhen Consultancy, argues the rating does not represent the centre’s efforts to address the leadership gap in adult care. He attributes low attendance to the challenging schedules of healthcare apprentices. Ofsted's report highlights that despite having skilled advisory board members, internal improvements have not yet effectively supported apprentice achievement. The judgement raises concerns about the continued viability of Franhen Consultancy's apprenticeship funding contract with the Department for Education.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

New Initiative Empowers Young Scots Through Apprenticeship Day Experiences

The "Apprentice for a Day" initiative, launched by Skills Development Scotland, offers young people across Scotland the chance to experience real-life apprenticeships by shadowing local apprentices. This programme, accessible to individuals up to 19 years and care-experienced individuals up to 24 years, intends to provide invaluable work experience and the opportunity to explore potential career paths. The initiative encourages young people to gain practical insight into various industries, thereby improving their confidence and aiding in making informed career choices.

APPRENTICESHIP PERFORMANCE

Apprenticeship Achievement Rates Improve Significantly Across Various Training Providers

Apprenticeship achievement rates have shown promising growth, surpassing the 60% mark in the 2023-24 academic year. Independent training providers achieved a notable 6.5% increase, heralding a rise to 57.7%, though still below the average. Specialist colleges excelled with a 10.1% boost, reaching 64.3%, while large providers like Lifetime Training rebounded from previous declines. Even the gap between white and ethnic minority apprentices has lessened, with a reduction from a 6.8% to a 5.3% disparity.

Furthermore, apprenticeships are meeting and exceeding government targets, with Level 6 surpassing the 67% goal at 69.1%. Despite some gaps persisting, notably amongst learners from deprived areas and those with learning difficulties, the overall trajectory is one of progress and optimism. This data reveals a positive trend in how educational institutions are addressing and adapting to the prevailing challenges, leading to a more inclusive and successful apprenticeship landscape.

EDUCATION INVESTMENT

Government Allocates £302m To Improve College Infrastructure Across England

The recent announcement of £302 million in funding to enhance the condition of further education colleges across England marks a significant investment in educational infrastructure. This funding aims to address essential maintenance needs, ensuring that college facilities are capable of supporting educational opportunities. In addition, an extra £20 million has been allocated to Leeds and Greater Manchester to handle the anticipated growth in student numbers, particularly for those aged 16 to 19.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

Improving Careers Guidance for Socioeconomic Equality in Education

The need for improved collaboration between schools and colleges is evident as many students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds receive inadequate careers advice. Ofsted's report highlights that effective guidance is vital for creating meaningful career opportunities, yet many institutions offer generic, tick-box solutions devoid of tailored support. The integration of comprehensive career strategies, leveraging employer collaborations and strategic information sharing, proves beneficial, yet remains underutilised.

Furthermore, the scarcity of qualified Level 6 careers advisors exacerbates the issue, requiring colleges to rely on untrained staff. The report emphasises the pressing need for innovative solutions like flexible work experiences and targeted initiatives to enhance career guidance. Despite these challenges, the Department for Education remains committed to enhancing careers education through increased opportunities and support, such as the Youth Guarantee and improved work experiences. This outlook promises advancements and equitable access to skills and training for all students.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS🗳️