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Coming soon.
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| # | Stage & Key Step | Typical timing* | Deadline/Duration | What the apprentice must do | Who else is involved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | On-programme learning | Months 0 – 24 (minimum 12 months) | Continuous | Follow training plan to build all KSBs | Employer & training provider monitor progress |
| 2 | English & maths qualifications | By the gateway (≈ Month 24) | — | Achieve the required level in both subjects | Training provider supports; certificates kept ready |
| 3 | Employer “gateway readiness” sign-off | Month 24 | — | Confirm to employer you are occupationally competent and ready for EPA | Employer decides; may consult provider |
| 4 | Submit project brief (≤ 500 words) | At the gateway (Month 24) | Same day | Draft and send brief to EPAO for approval (title, scope mapped to KSBs) | EPAO signs off suitability |
| 5 | Send gateway evidence pack | At the gateway | Same day | Provide brief, English & maths certificates, any requested policies | Employer/ provider forward to EPAO |
| 6 | EPA period starts | Day gateway is approved (Month 24) | Total EPA window = 4 months | Receive EPA schedule and assessor details | EPAO launches EPA |
| 7 | Project work + evaluation report + presentation prep | Weeks 1 – 8 of EPA | Report & presentation due end of Week 8 | Complete real-work project. Write 5 000 ± 10 %-word evaluation report with KSB mapping appendix. Prepare presentation slides/ materials | Employer provides time/resources |
| 8 | Independent assessor review | Weeks 9 – 10 | 2 weeks | No action – assessor reads report & drafts questions | Independent assessor |
| 9 | Presentation with questioning | Typically Weeks 11 – 12 (must finish inside EPA) | 50 min (+ 10 % max); apprentice gets ≥ 2 weeks’ notice | Deliver 20 min presentation then answer ≥ 6 questions | Independent assessor conducts session |
| 10 | Professional discussion | Any time in EPA window (often Weeks 12 – 16) | 90 min (+ 10 %); apprentice gets ≥ 2 weeks’ notice | Take part in structured discussion covering the 11 topic areas; answer ≥ 6 questions | Independent assessor |
| 11 | Grading & outcome | By end of Month 28 (EPA month 4) | — | Await results – grades for each method combined into overall Fail / Pass / Merit / Distinction | Independent assessor records, EPAO issues grade |
| 12 | Certification & professional recognition | Immediately after successful EPA | — | Receive apprenticeship certificate; become eligible for BCS Advanced RITTech | EPAO notifies ESFA & BCS |
| 13 | Optional re-sit / re-take (if needed) | Re-sit: within 3 monthsRe-take: within 6 months | Grade capped at Pass | Prepare, book and complete only the failed assessment method(s) | Employer & EPAO arrange |