Apprenticeship standards are developed by employer groups known as ‘trailblazers’ and replaced the old SASE apprenticeship frameworks.

Each standard is linked to a specific occupation and includes the knowledge, competency and behaviours required to undertake that job role effectively.

All apprentices must undertake an End-point Assessment (EPA) before completing their apprenticeship. This EPA will be conducted by an organisation and assessor that is independent of, and separate from, the training provided by the provider and employer.

Skillsfirst Assess is approved to provide End-point Assessment for a number of standards, you can find further details here.

The end-point assessment will be graded according to the methodology outlined in each standard / assessment plan.

All new apprenticeship standards require learners to develop their English and Maths. Typically:

• Level 2 apprentices require English and Maths at Level 1. Apprentices must then be supported to work towards Level 2. They must attempt the qualifications, although they do not have to pass 
• Level 3 apprenticeships require English and Maths at Level 2

English and maths prior equivalent qualifications 

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) have a published guidance on the current and prior qualifications accepted as evidence, of the apprentice having met the minimum English and maths requirements for apprenticeship standards at level 2 and above.

For more information on the qualifications Skillsfirst has developed to support the new apprenticeship standards, please follow the links on the right hand side of this page.