IMechE teams up with EAL to boost skills

Previously, most apprenticeships used a 'continuous assessment’ model where apprentices were tested regularly during their course.

However, new government rules require all apprentices to complete a final presentation and interview at the end of their apprenticeship. This is known as an End Point Assessment (EPA), and must be carried out by a government-approved, independent organisation.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has now teamed up with industry-awarding organisation EAL to deliver a pilot EPA program. It will be used on the level 3 mechatronics apprenticeship during summer and autumn this year, with a view to the organisations offering a broader range of EPAs in future.

“We know that engineering employers and training organisations are daunted by the introduction of End Point Assessment and wider apprenticeship reforms,” said Alison Parkes, EAL’s managing director. “However, we have the opportunity to make the system work in the very best way we can by pooling our talents and expertise for the benefit of the whole sector.”

IMechE’s chief executive Stephen Tetlow said the UK’s vocational training and qualification scene was about to change dramatically. “We are seizing the opportunity,” he said. “The UK urgently needs to raise its game in the development of a highly-skilled, technically-trained workforce to underpin our future economy. Our new collaboration with EAL will help achieve this by combining great qualifications, high quality assessment services and world-class professional recognition for engineering apprentices.”