Business Update - Issue 45 (June 2019)
Updated 1 November 2021
Applies to England
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1. Small and medium employers needed to help develop the apprenticeship service
ESFA has opened an Expression of Interest for small and medium-sized apprenticeship employers and supporting training providers that currently have a non-levy contract to test the system functionality of the apprenticeship service for employers who do not pay the Levy.
2. Framing quality in the apprenticeship landscape
This week the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (the Institute) published their External Quality Assurance (EQA) framework.
The new framework sets out how apprenticeship end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) will be externally quality assured, what good practice in end-point assessment looks like, and what EQA providers will look for to ensure this has happened.
The improved clarity to EPAOs and EQA providers will ensure consistency with how assessments are delivered across the country.
To find out more visit the EQA framework.
3. End-Point assessment in principle arrangements
High-quality apprenticeships include an independent End-Point Assessment (EPA). These assessments check the apprentice has received quality training and supports their employer to know that they are competent in the occupation.
Change to starts policy for new standards being approved
From 1 October 2019, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) will not fund apprentices to start on a new standard until an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) has given an ‘in principle’ commitment to deliver the EPA.
You can read more about the apprenticeship end-point assessments: change to starts policy for new standards being approved.
4. National Apprenticeship Week 2020 – save the date
We are thrilled to announce that the next National Apprenticeship Week will be held 3 to 7 February 2020.
The week provides an exciting opportunity to celebrate apprenticeships and bring the whole apprenticeship community together to showcase the positive differences that apprenticeships can make to individuals, employers and to the wider economy.
The earlier date allows apprenticeships to lead the careers conversation, which is particularly useful for young people deliberating their career choices at this crucial time of year.
Show your support and fuel the enthusiasm for National Apprenticeship Week 2020 by sharing our news story through your social media channels and start to plan your own amazing National Apprenticeship Week 2020 activity.
More information on National Apprenticeship Week 2020 will be announced on GOV.UK and via social media channels in due course.
Follow @Apprenticeships on Twitter and the National Apprenticeship Service on LinkedIn to keep up to date.
5. National Apprenticeship Awards 2019
The National Apprenticeship Awards 2019 have now closed for entries. 1200 applications have been received, 10% up on 2018. The Apprenticeship Champion of the Year category has had a 122% increase in applications from 2018.
We now look forward to the regional judging panels being held between 22 July to 2 August, with the nine regional ceremonies taking place across the country during September.
The national ceremony will be held at Old Billingsgate in London, on Wednesday 27 November 2019. Thank you to all the employers who took the time to enter the Awards and encouraged their apprentices to do so.
Please visit appawards.co.uk to find out more.
6. Fire it up campaign and National Apprenticeship Week 2019 survey
We are reaching out to stakeholders to find out how well recent apprenticeship campaign resources have supported your promotion of apprenticeships.
We would like to receive feedback on the materials and resources we shared on GOV.UK for the national apprenticeship campaign – Fire It Up and National Apprenticeship Week 2019.
Complete the questionnaire by Friday 12 July 2019. Your support is appreciated.
For any queries, please contact marcomms.mailbox@education.gov.uk
7. New report highlights how traineeships are benefiting young people and employers
Traineeships have announced a new achievement rate measure (to bring greater transparency and include a focus on trainee progression).
Traineeships have also published the Traineeship Impact Evaluation Report – showing that 75% of trainees are in apprenticeships, other jobs or further learning a year after their traineeship.