If you have been supporting an employee through an apprenticeship, you might be asking, ‘What happens at the end of an apprenticeship?’
This question could mean two things: What happens once the learning period finishes, when your apprentice moves into their end-point assessment? Or you may be thinking about what comes after that – whether to offer them a permanent position, how to reward their progress and what development opportunities could come next.
Both stages are important. Understanding how the apprenticeship wraps up and what to do next will help you make the most of the time and investment you’ve put into your apprentice’s development.
At Damar Training, we work closely with employers to guide both the practical and strategic steps, from onboarding and learning, right through to progression and retention.
The structure of an apprenticeship
Let’s start by recapping the apprenticeship journey.
Starting the apprenticeship: When your apprentice begins their programme, they will complete initial assessments to understand their starting point and any support they may need.
If they’re new to your business, this is also when they’ll complete their induction and get to know your workplace. See our guidance on how to take a new apprentice for more information.
On-programme learning: This is the main part of the apprenticeship, when your apprentice is developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need for their job.
Alongside on-the-job experience, they will take part in structured training delivered by the provider. This could include one-to-one coaching sessions, online workshops, independent study and progress reviews that involve both you and the coach.
Gateway and end-point assessment: Once the on-programme learning is complete, you, your apprentice and their coach will hold a ‘gateway to completion’ meeting. This meeting confirms that your apprentice has developed the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for their standard and is ready to move to the end-point assessment.
With some apprenticeships, there may also be a project that the apprentice needs to complete after gateway as part of their assessment preparation.
What is an end-point assessment (EPA)?
The EPA is the final stage of the apprenticeship and an important milestone. It confirms that your apprentice has met the requirements of their apprenticeship standard and can apply what they’ve learned in their role.
To ensure fairness and consistency, the EPA is conducted by an independent assessment organisation, not by you or the training provider.
Your training provider will arrange the assessment and keep you updated on timings and requirements. Most assessments are completed online, but where an exam or test is required, this can often be completed at your workplace or the provider’s premises.
What does an EPA involve?
Each apprenticeship standard has its own EPA format designed to suit the role. Details of every EPA are available on the Skills England website, but they usually include one or more of the following:
- Knowledge test or exam
- Practical observation or assessment
- Professional discussion
- Portfolio review
- Project or presentation.
For example, the level 3 business administrator apprenticeship includes a knowledge test, a portfolio-based discussion and a presentation on a project completed during the programme. This helps show both technical knowledge and the ability to make a real impact in the workplace.
After the EPA
Once your apprentice has completed their EPA, the results are usually released within a few weeks, although it can take longer depending on the apprenticeship and assessment organisation.
Your training provider will share the results with both you and your apprentice. Most apprenticeships are graded as pass or fail, although some offer merit or distinction grades.
Your apprentice will also receive written feedback on their performance, which is a great resource for their development and a useful insight for you when considering their future progression plan.
If an apprentice doesn’t pass the first time, there are often opportunities to re-sit the assessment, depending on the rules for that particular apprenticeship standard.
At this stage, the formal apprenticeship is complete, but the next phase is just beginning for both you and your apprentice.
Progression beyond the apprenticeship
When your apprentice successfully completes their programme, it’s time to think about their next steps.
Employment: If your apprentice was on a fixed-term contract, you now have the option to offer them a permanent role. You’ve already invested in their training and seen their progress first-hand. Retaining them enables you to keep a motivated, skilled employee who knows your organisation.
Salary and benefits: If your apprentice has been on the minimum apprenticeship wage, this must now be increased, as they are no longer classed as an apprentice. Many employers also use this point to review pay and benefits to reflect the individual’s new skills and responsibilities.
Progression and promotion: Your newly qualified apprentice may now be ready to take on more responsibility. This could include a promotion or a broader role within their team. Many employers also encourage successful apprentices to support or mentor new starters, helping to build a culture of learning and progression within the business.
Further training: Completion doesn’t have to mean the end of learning. You could support your employee to complete another apprenticeship at a higher level, a professional qualification, or another form of accredited or non-accredited training.
For example, a paralegal apprentice could progress to a solicitor apprenticeship. Many of Damar’s apprentices also go on to complete management apprenticeships.
Kellie Wiggins at Carpenters Group said:
“The apprenticeship gives us the opportunity to train candidates in a way that is suitable to the business. The apprentice on my team has stayed with Carpenters Group and has developed from an administrator to a litigation case handler, dealing with all aspects of cases within her case load.”
Invest in apprenticeships with Damar Training
We hope that has given you all of the insight you need into what happens at the end of an apprenticeship. Ultimately, it isn’t the end of the journey; it’s the beginning of a new phase for both you and your apprentice.
If you’d like to further understand the process and how to make sure your apprentices deliver real impact, both now and in the future, get in touch with our expert team. We’re always happy to help.