The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
has today (4 August 2020) published its
consultation outcomes which confirm the arrangements to
simplify the External Quality Assurance (EQA) of
apprenticeship End Point Assessments.
Under the new arrangements, EQA will be delivered by Ofqual
and the Office for Students, in alignment with the
Institute’s framework.
, Chief
Regulator, Ofqual, said: “We welcome the decision to expand
our role in the provision of EQA for apprenticeship End
Point Assessments, and look forward to building on our
existing approach.
“We will act on the feedback from the Institute’s
consultation, and ensure that we proactively engage with
end point assessment organisations (EPAOs) so that they
understand our requirements.
“We welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with
professional bodies through the new arrangements, and we
value the perspective and insight that occupational
expertise brings. Drawing on this is something we have been
doing successfully across a range of qualifications for
some time.
“We hope that the new arrangements will provide clarity and
consistency for EPAOs and increase confidence in the
apprenticeship system.”
The transfer of additional EQA delivery to Ofqual will
mean some changes for EPAOs. Those who are not yet
regulated will need to apply for recognition, and those who
are already recognised will need to agree their increased
range of regulated EPAs. We will contact EPAOs shortly to
explain how and when they should apply.
There will be a transition period of 2 years as we
implement these changes. We will work closely with the
Institute, Open Awards and the other EQA providers through
this period, building carefully on the work that they have
done to-date to ensure a smooth handover process.
More information about our EQA approach.
