Apprenticeship Standards

Apprenticeship Standards have been developed by various groups of employers through pilot schemes known as ‘Trailblazers’. Apprenticeship standards describe the occupational profile linked to the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) that bring full competence in a particular occupation. They describe how an apprentice can demonstrate mastery of this occupation by the end of the apprenticeship thereby becoming fully competent in their respective job roles.

Standards are occupation-focused; they are not qualification-led, however some employers may request to include an accredited qualification within the Apprenticeship standard. The learning happens throughout the apprenticeship and the apprentice is assessed at an appropriate time by an end point assessor. To successfully pass the end point assessment the learner will need to prove that they can carry out all aspects of their job.

An end point assessment could consist of tests, examinations, professional discussions, workplace observations, portfolio of work, assignments and assessment of work output.

All of the existing Apprenticeship Frameworks will be replaced by new Standards by 2020.