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If you are already working with us, you can book a video meeting with one of our experts. Please select the Relationship Manager in your region below.

Not working with us yet? Contact our Business Growth Team - BGandM@SkillsEduGroup.co.uk

We look forward to having the opportunity to connect!

Benito Sansone

Hi, I’m Benito Sansone, Business Growth Manager here at BIIAB. My role is to support Centres looking to partner with us at every step of their journey, from initial enquiry through to onboarding and the delivery of their first qualification.

 

I am driven to provide the best possible support to Training Providers, Employers and FE Colleges seeking to become an approved centre with us. Being on hand to provide guidance on our wide range of services we have on offer, including Regulated and Non-regulated qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and our End-Point Assessment provision.

 

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Cliff Farrell
Yorkshire, The Humber, North East, and Scotland

 

Hello, I’m Cliff, your Relationship Manager at BIIAB. I am passionate about helping learners achieve their full potential and engaging with Training Providers, Employers and FE Colleges to achieve this goal.

 

My role involves building relationships and providing support, advice, and guidance on our wide range of services, including vocational qualifications, accredited training programmes (ATP), end-point assessments (EPA), CPC for Transport Managers, and MOT Testing, as well as Membership, Training, and CPD for staff development. Get in Touch to learn how we can help you.

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Nicola Johnson
East Midlands and Eastern Region

 

Hi, I am Nicola, your dedicated Relationship Manager at Skills and Education Group Awards.

 

I aim to ensure you have everything you need to deliver our qualifications seamlessly. From animal care and counselling to fashion and youth work, I am genuinely passionate about helping you create exceptional learning opportunities that uphold the highest standards. Let’s work together to help your learners achieve their ambitions while advancing skills, education and career opportunities. Feel free to contact me, I would love to hear how I can support you.

 

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Paul Chivers
London and the South East

 

Paul here, your Relationship Manager at Skills and Education Group Awards.

 

I work closely with my providers and communicate regularly to assist with short—and long-term planning. My role is to ensure that you are fully versed in the breadth of products and support available so that you can deliver life-changing qualifications for your learners.

 

I look forward to connecting with you to support your students.

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Alex Palmer
North West and Wales

 

Alex is one of our Relationship Managers, and he covers the North West Region. His role is to provide a high level of customer service to our centres and also support their growth and development. Alex focuses on maintaining regular contact with stakeholders in his region to provide updates on our new developments and offer suggestions on how our customers can make the best use of them.

 

Alex is passionate about creating long-term relationships that benefit and support our customers in the best possible way. He is keen to find solutions that meet the customer’s needs while also aligning with their strategy and goals.

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  • End-Point Assessments
  • Apprenticeship Assessments
  • Foundation Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a work-based training programme that combines paid employment with targeted learning and development. It equips individuals with the practical skills, essential knowledge, and workplace experience needed to become fully competent in a specific job role.

Apprenticeships are designed around industry-approved standards, developed by employers and specialists to ensure training aligns directly with current sector needs.

How are Apprenticeships Structured?

Apprenticeships combine practical workplace experience with structured training and assessment against the occupational standard.

In England, apprenticeship assessment arrangements are currently transitioning from the traditional End-Point Assessment (EPA) model towards more flexible Apprenticeship Assessment (AA) approaches. Depending on the apprenticeship standard, assessment may take place towards the end of the programme, throughout the apprenticeship, or through a combination of both approaches

With BIIAB/AWARDS as your approved assessment organisation, you can be assured that assessment delivery is fair, accurate, and of the highest quality.

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Two Awarding Organisations, One Great Service for End-Point Assessments

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Why choose us?

We specialise in various sectors for Apprenticeships. Our experience with the standards for these industries means we know exactly what employers and apprentices need, making the assessment process clear, easy to use and responsive. We are passionate about apprenticeships and the futures of your apprentices. By delivering high-quality apprenticeship services and ensuring that training providers, employers and apprentices are fully supported throughout, we aim to provide your apprentices with the best start in their careers.

An apprenticeship organisation must be listed on the register of apprentice organisations. Employers select an organisation from the register, so it’s important to find one that’s the best fit for you and your apprentices. Contact our dedicated team today in order to start your journey with us.

Contact us

Learn about apprenticeships:

Available End-Point Assessments

Future Developments

We are developing our Apprenticeship Assessments and Foundation Apprenticeships as part of the reforms to create a more flexible, streamlined, and proportionate system.

Please contact our team for more information or sign up for email updates below.

Email updates

About the Apprenticeship Levy

What is it?

The Growth and Skills Levy provides essential funding for workplace training that employers can access to upskill their workforce. Building on the Apprenticeship Levy, the new approach is designed to give businesses greater flexibility in how they invest in skills and training. It supports foundation apprenticeships and apprenticeship units alongside traditional apprenticeships.

How does it work?

All UK employers with an annual payroll of more than £3 million contribute 0.5% of their payroll through the Levy system and receive an annual allowance of £15,000 to offset their Levy payment. Employers below this payroll threshold do not pay in. All employers can access funding for apprenticeships and more flexible technical training, with significant government support available towards training costs. All employers can draw from the Levy pot to train apprentices, with 90%-100% of the training costs funded by the government.

How does it help?

The expanded Levy gives employers greater flexibility to invest in the skills their workforce needs now and in the future. This helps businesses improve productivity, respond more quickly to changing skills demands, and build stronger pipelines of skilled workers.
For employees, the Levy creates more opportunities to gain practical experience, recognised qualifications, and career progression through apprenticeships and technical training. It’s a win-win.

  • What is an end-point assessment?

    Apprenticeship standards all have a requirement for end-point assessment (EPA). An EPA is the name given to a series of assessments an apprentice must complete to prove their ability to do the job they have been training for. These assessments take place at the end of the apprenticeship. EPAs must be provided by an approved end-point assessment organisation.

    Assessments are carried out in accordance with an assessment plan which supports the apprenticeship standard.

    Find out more about the register of end-point assessment organisations here.

  • Who is an independent end-point assessor (IEPA)?

    An IEPA is a specialist who is sub-contracted to carry out the end-point assessment on behalf of BIIAB. All of our IEPAs have the required occupational experience to undertake the role and are trained in carrying out assessments.

  • What is an External Quality Assurance Organisation?

    An External Quality Assurance Organisation (EQAO) is responsible for quality assurance of the End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). There are several EQAOs that support end-point assessment (EPA). For example, the EQAO for the hospitality sector is currently carried out by People 1st, however from summer 2022, all EQA will be conducted by Ofqual. 

    As an EPAO, BIIAB is closely monitored to make sure we provide high-quality, effective and consistent EPA service across all employers and training providers.

  • What support will I receive as an employer/training provider?

    We can offer a range of support, including the following:

    • Our relationship managers can can offer advice on our product range, including end-point assessment (EPA).
    • We have a dedicated EPA team. Named officers are available to support customers.
    • We have regular communications via our website, social media, email newsletters and annual conference.
    • We provide a dedicated EPA email address.

  • Why choose us as your End-Point Assessment Organisation?

    The following are the benefits of working with us:

    • You will be working with an End-Point Assessment Organisation that is part of Skills and Education Group, which has over 100 years of experience of supporting vocational education and training.
    • You will gain access to our dedicated end-point assessment (EPA) team, who will provide you support with your EPA journey.
    • We provide clear guidance and resources to help you through the EPA process, including what to expect and how the assessments are carried out.
    • We allow staged payments to ensure no unnecessary upfront charges.

  • Once the end-point assessment process is complete, how quickly are certificates issued?

    As soon as an apprentice completes and achieves their end-point assessment, we will apply to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for your final certificate to be issued by them. Whilst we cannot guarantee any timelines for processes undertaken by the ESFA, we can assure you that our part of the process will be undertaken quickly and efficiently.

    During the assessment process, we will provide a certificate in respect of completion of each component. Whilst this is not a formal certificate of completion, it does recognise success as apprentices go through the process.

  • Who can I contact for more information?

    Please get in touch with our End-Point Assessment team, and we will be happy to provide further information. You can email epa@BIIAB.co.uk or telephone us on 0115 854 1620.

  • When are end-point assessment fees payable?

    Fees are paid in two stages, with a small amount paid at the beginning of the process and the remainder of the fee payable at Gateway.

  • How much does an end-point assessment cost?

    Fees vary by standard. View the list of standards to find out more information, including the fees payable.

  • Who pays for end-point assessment?

    End-point assessment costs are paid for by the training provider on the employer’s behalf as part of their contract with BIIAB.

  • Do resits and retakes cost extra?

    There are additional charges in respect of resit and retake fees. These vary by standard. Please contact us, and we will be happy to provide the relevant prices for the standard you are interested in.

    Costs in excess of the money available from the funding band to pay for the end-point assessment must be met by the employer.

  • When should end-point assessment services from BIIAB be requested?

    You should let us know as soon as possible that you would like us to provide end-point assessment services so that we can set you up on our system and enable you to access the relevant support materials you need to help you and your apprentice prepare for their assessment.

    For each apprentice, please provide at least three months’ notice of their expected Gateway progression date so that we can plan to support this process at the right time.

  • Where will an end-point assessment be carried out?

    The venue will depend on the requirements set out in the assessment plan for the standard. This is often the training provider or employer’s location. We will let you know of any particular requirements you might need to fulfil in order for the assessment to be carried out. For example, the assessment might require a quiet room free of distractions or specific equipment.

  • How can I register for standards?

    To register for a standard, email epa@BIIAB.co.uk or telephone us on 0115 854 1620.

  • Will I need a contract to access end-point assessment services?

    In order to access end-point assessment, the employer must select us as their End-Point Assessment Organisation, at which time we will set in place a contract with the training provider/employer in respect of the service. This is a quick and straightforward process.

  • Who will be my End-point Assessor?

    We appoint end-point assessors who have relevant experience within the industry in which you work. They will also be trained to undertake the assessments and check whether you have the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need in order to complete your apprenticeship.

  • Who will support the learner during the End-point Assessment?

    The employer and training provider will help the learner prepare for the end-point assessment so that they are ready and know what to expect. We also provide supporting materials and guidance to assist.

  • What assessments will I be expected to take?

    This depends on the requirements of your particular apprenticeship. Each apprenticeship has its own end-point assessment plan which sets out which type of assessments will be undertaken. It could include things such as an online test, direct observation, a practical skills test, a presentation or an interview. There are normally two or three assessments for each standard.

  • How do I find out more about becoming an Apprentice?

    There’s lots of information online about apprenticeships which can help you. We suggest looking at the following links to start:

    https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/

    https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice

    https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/apply-for-an-apprenticeship

Did you know that you can set a video meeting with one of our team members?

 Book video call

Available Apprenticeship Assessments

Future Developments

We are developing our Apprenticeship Assessments and Foundation Apprenticeships as part of the reforms to create a more flexible, streamlined, and proportionate system.

Please contact our team for more information or sign up for email updates below.

Email updates

  • What is an Apprenticeship Assessment>

    More details coming soon.

  • What is an end-point assessment?

    Apprenticeship standards all have a requirement for end-point assessment (EPA). An EPA is the name given to a series of assessments an apprentice must complete to prove their ability to do the job they have been training for. These assessments take place at the end of the apprenticeship. EPA must be provided by an approved End-Point Assessment Organisation.

    Assessments are carried out in accordance with an assessment plan which supports the apprenticeship standard.

    Find out more about the Register of End-Point Assessment Organisations here.

  • Where will end-point assessment be carried out?

    The venue will depend on the requirements set out in the assessment plan for the standard. This is often the training provider or employer’s location. We will let you know of any particular requirements you might need to fulfil in order for the assessment to be carried out. For example, the assessment might require the use of a quiet room free of any distraction, or require the use of particular equipment.

  • Who will be my end-point assessor?

    We appoint end-point assessors who have relevant experience within the industry in which you work. They will also be trained to undertake the assessments and check whether you have the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need in order to complete your apprenticeship.

  • Who will support me during the end-point assessment?

    Your employer and training provider will help you prepare for your end-point assessment so that you are ready and know what to expect. We also provide supporting materials and guidance to assist you. Your training provider will be able to tell you how to access these.

  • What assessments will I be expected to take?

    This depends on the requirements of your particular apprenticeship. Each apprenticeship has its own end-point assessment plan which sets out which type of assessments will be undertaken. It could include things such as an online test, direct observation, a practical skills test, a presentation or an interview. There are normally two or three assessments for each standard.

  • I’m interested in becoming an apprentice. How do I find out more?

    There’s lots of information online about apprenticeships which can help you. We suggest looking at the following links to start:

    https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/

    https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice

    https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/apply-for-an-apprenticeship

ESFA's guide for Apprentices on End-Point Assessment

 ESFA Guide for Apprentices

What is a Foundation Apprenticeship?

More information coming soon.

Contact our team to find out more about future developments

 epa@skillsedugroup.co.uk

Future Developments

We are developing our Apprenticeship Assessments and Foundation Apprenticeships as part of the reforms to create a more flexible, streamlined, and proportionate system.

Please contact our team for more information or sign up for email updates below.

Email updates

In Development

Catering and Hospitality Foundation Apprenticeship

Email updates

  • What is an end-point assessment?

    Apprenticeship standards all have a requirement for end-point assessment (EPA). An EPA is the name given to a series of assessments an apprentice must complete to prove their ability to do the job they have been training for. These assessments take place at the end of the apprenticeship. EPA must be provided by an approved End-Point Assessment Organisation.

    Assessments are carried out in accordance with an assessment plan which supports the apprenticeship standard.

    Find out more about the Register of End-Point Assessment Organisations here.

  • What is an independent end-point assessor?

    An independent end-point assessor (IEPA) is a specialist who is sub-contracted to carry out the end-point assessment on behalf of BIIAB. All of our IEPAs have the required occupational experience to undertake the role and are trained in carrying out assessments.

  • I’m interested in the role but not sure whether I meet all the requirements. How can I check?

    Please get in touch with us if you are interested in the role, and we can check whether your previous experience meets the requirements of the standard(s) you are interested in.

  • I’m interested in the role but I cannot commit to a full-time position. Is this a problem?

    No this isn’t a problem; in fact, our assessors are required to keep up to date with their knowledge and expertise, so this can be a bonus. You can undertake the role on a flexible, part-time basis.

  • Which apprenticeship standards are you currently recruiting end-point assessors for?

    Please check our vacancies page for an up-to-date list of end-point assessor vacancies.

  • How does BIIAB recruit independent end-point assessors (IEPAs)?

    BIIAB is currently recruiting IEPAs to our professional register against the person specifications and requirements for each standard and assessment plan. We are already canvassing our network to identify and encourage experienced, occupationally competent and knowledgeable people to join.

  • Will BIIAB consultants and external quality assurers be end-point assessors?

    Yes, providing they meet the requirements of the respective apprenticeship standard and assessment plan, our existing contacts may become end-point assessors. In many cases, they may play a quality assuring role as a senior end-point assessor (SEPA), monitoring, quality-assuring and standardising the assessor’s assessments.

Did you know that you can set a video meeting with one of our team members?

 Book video call