Apprenticeships
Diplomas
OfQual recognised IAT diplomas are delivered in a range of settings, in the workplace, classroom, or remotely.
End Point Assessments
Introduction to IAT Education
End Point Assessments
IAT Education, on behalf the EPAO (The IAT), will assess the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprentice and judges whether they are fully competent and can perform their role effectively.
Once an apprentice can demonstrate they meet Apprenticeships Assessment Plan criteria, they are ready for End Point Assessment (EPA), and are passed through the “Gateway”.
The Gateway is the door between the on-programme development stage of the apprentice and the EPA.
To be gateway ready, the employer and the training provider must both agree that the apprentice has reached the level of competence in their job role, as set out in the Standard, and has a record showing they can meet the gateway components.
Diplomas
Apprenticeships
This Apprenticeship offers employers a chance to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours of junior technicians in preparation for the demanding role as a Licensed Animal Technician.
The apprentice will develop the technical knowledge and real practical experience, along with the functional and personal skills, required to be an effective Personal Licence Holder. These are acquired through a combination of learning in the workplace, formal off the job training and the opportunity to practice and embed new skills in a real work context.
During the apprenticeship the apprentice will get a lot of formative assessments helping them create a robust portfolio of their learning achievements and will get support in preparing for the End Point Assessment. They will also complete the relevant IAT qualification.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) GUIDANCE: END-POINT ASSESSMENT OF APPRENTICESHIP STANDARDS
UPDATES
All apprentices can attend on-site training and assessment.
Once Step 4 of the Roadmap out of lockdown commences, all apprentices will be able to attend the workplace.
IAT Education is currently working in line with IfATE guidance to deliver EPAs as outlined below.
- OVERVIEW
Where possible, apprentices should continue with scheduled EPAs, in line with requirements set out in the assessment plan. This includes where apprentices change employers.
If this is not possible, providers should first consider rescheduling the EPA to when all the requirements set out in the assessment plan can be met. This could be achieved by applying a break in learning if the apprentice has not yet reached gateway or pause after gateway until they can take their EPA.
Any flexibilities in this guidance do not change the expected “outcomes” included in the EPA plan. These exceptional arrangements will carry on for no longer than strictly necessary to address the immediate issues caused by COVID-19.
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
IAT Education will keep a specific log of any COVID-19 related actions. This includes the application of any measures listed below and/or any ‘temporary discretions’ relating to a specific standard.
Assessments must only be in a supervised and controlled environment. IAT Education will ensure all assessment meets security requirements. Details of invigilation will be recorded.
- GENERAL FLEXIBILITIES AVAILABLE FOR USE ACROSS ALL STANDARDS
Flexibility in delivery by relaxing the set order of assessment methods is allowed.
Gateway sign-off can be done remotely, with the agreement of the apprentice, employer and training provider.
IAT Education will continue to determine the appropriate balance of on-site and remote assessment based on the apprenticeship and the apprentice’s ability to take their assessment remotely.
Where an apprentice has passed their gateway and the EPA plan specifies a time limit by which EPA must be completed after gateway, this time limit can be extended. This is at the discretion of IAT Education until it is safe and practical for the assessment to take place, and in discussion with the employer and apprentice.
Assessments can take place in suitable alternative venues, including an apprentice’s workplace if IAT Education considers this to be reasonable. IAT Education will ensure that the assessment environment is secure and suitable for conducting the assessment itself, and for the apprentice. The assessment will need to be delivered fairly and appropriately and must be invigilated.
In certain circumstances, an apprentice can pass gateway and take their EPA before receiving a calculated functional skills qualification result.
- FLEXIBILITIES AVAILABLE FOR USE WITH IAT STANDARDS
Where an assessment method needs face-to-face engagement, we will do this by using video conferencing (including for workplace observations).
Such remote assessment will only take place if:
- IAT Education or an independent assessor have verified the apprentice’s identity
- appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice, making sure the apprentices are not receiving help
- an appropriately trained invigilator or qualified assessor(s) supervises the apprentice (this can happen remotely). The invigilator or qualified assessor(s) must meet the following criteria:
- hold the necessary qualifications (as detailed in the assessment plan), training or experience
- not have been involved in the training, preparation or line management of the apprentice
- the impact on apprentices is taken into consideration to ensure a fair and reliable assessment of occupational competence
If suitable facilities exist and are available, you can use simulated environments for practical assessments, as long as IAT Education considers this to be reasonable.
For further information regarding the impact of Covid-19 on Apprenticeships, please visit the Government website.
