LEIA Assessment welcomes a new policy introduced by the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education (IfATE) concerning the use of mandatory qualifications in apprenticeships. The policy aims to refine the use of mandated qualifications in response to concerns raised by employers and apprentices who were only completing the qualifications and not the full apprenticeship.

The new policy ensures that mandatory qualifications align with what employers recognize as necessary for apprentices to acquire the knowledge, skills, and behaviours essential to perform the job effectively. It also seeks to integrate professional qualification tests and end-point assessments (EPA) to prevent apprentices from dropping out after obtaining their professional qualification, thereby ensuring they complete their apprenticeship journey successfully.

Karen Slade, Head of End-Point Assessment at LEIA Assessment, said, “These changes are ultimately all about ensuring that the apprentice and employer get the most from the apprenticeship. It’s a positive step for future-proofing apprenticeships and supporting achievement rates.”

The new criteria will take effect on 6th July 2023. Existing apprenticeships do not need immediate compliance but should become aligned with the new policy as revisions are submitted from that date onwards. This progressive approach allows for a smoother transition to the updated requirements, ultimately improving the quality and effectiveness of apprenticeships in the future.