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NOTE: This is for the Software Developer apprenticeship standard. there is a lot of information here, please read through it as thoroughly as you can. If you have any questions about the EPA process please don’t hesitate to ask Dan Sofer or email Jess - [email protected]. For DevOps Engineer, follow the link below.
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Gateway - the period during which all training has ended and the apprentice is working on their final project.
EPA - End-point assessment, which takes place at the end of gateway.
| # | Step & key actions for the apprentice | When it happens / deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | On-programme training | |
| Follow the training plan. Build the evidence portfolio throughout this period. | Minimum 12 months, but no more than 24 months before entering Gateway. | |
| 2 | Functional-skills achievement• Gain English & maths at Level 2 | No longer a requirement for adults. |
| 3 | Gateway readiness. Upload final portfolio+KSB mapping document and a ≤ 500-word project summary, including proposed stakeholder specification & high-level plan (KSB mapping also strongly recommended). | Submit documents to End-point assessment organisation with help from FAC. |
| 4 | **EPAO project sign-off | |
| Important: don’t book leave now until 9 weeks later.** | ≤ 2 weeks post-Gateway. | |
| 5 | Deliver the work-based project, a real business project (research, develop, test, deploy). | 7 weeks (within the EPA period). |
| 6 | Write the project report, 4,500-word (±10 %) report plus code & artefacts. | 2 weeks immediately after Step 5. |
| 7 | Submit project report to the EPAO | No later than 9 weeks after EPAO sign-off (Steps 5 + 6 together). |
| 8 | Questioning on the project. 60-minute session (min 12 questions) with the Independent Assessor, based on the report. | Scheduled by EPAO after Step 7, still inside the EPA window. |
| 9 | Professional discussion underpinned by portfolio. 60-minute session (min 12 questions). | Can be booked any time in the 6-month EPA period; PD and Questioning order is flexible. |
| 10 | EPA grading & completion | |
| (Fail / Pass / Merit / Distinction). | Within the same 6-month EPA period. | |
| Re-sit / Re-take (if required)• Re-sit (no further learning): within 2 months of results.• Re-take (with further learning): within 4 months of results. | Only for failed methods; all EPA methods must still finish within 6 months unless exceptional circumstances. |
Apprentices can, at the earliest, enter gateway 12 months after starting the apprenticeship, although they can take longer, depending on the timetable outlined in their apprenticeship agreement with their employer.
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st0116-v1-1
This is the official source of truth on the Software developer apprenticeship standard and the End-point assessment plan on which all the other documents on this page are based.
https://fac-standard.netlify.app/
Including the requirements for the project and portfolio, the KSBs to meet, documentation, examples and timelines.
How to pass your project assessment
The project report is the part of the apprenticeship that requires the most thought. We recorded this guidance to help you prepare the 500-word project proposal before entering Gateway.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mi6-X7RKNRrbZLj199yg17u_bnKtANMy/view