IMI EPA Offer

Ensuring apprentices are ready for the motor industry

When an apprentice approaches the end of their training on an apprenticeship standard, the final stage involves a series of assessments known collectively as an End-Point Assessment or EPA. The purpose of an EPA is to demonstrate an apprentice has learnt and developed the key knowledge, skills and behaviours that are required to fulfil the role expected by their employer.

End-Point Assessments (EPAs) explained

End-Point Assessment (EPA) is a series of assessments undertaken by an apprentice which tests their ability to carry out the job they have been training for.

An EPA will only take place once an apprentice has completed all on-programme learning and readiness has been agreed by the employer, training provider and apprentice. It is made up of various assessment methods which test the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours required to carry out a specific job role. Each apprenticeship standard will have different assessment methods which make up an EPA. The criteria of each apprenticeship standard’s EPA can be found within it’s assessment plan which is published on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).

IfATE are responsible for the development, approval and publication of apprenticeship standards and assessment plans.

EPA can only be delivered by an approved, independent third-party, also known as an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO).

Organisations must be listed on the ESFA’s Register of End-Point Assessment Organisations (RoEPAO) in order to provide services for EPA.

The IMI are proud to be the leading EPAO for the automotive industry. We recognise the value of up-skilling and maintaining professionalism for individuals within the sector.

Why choose the IMI as your EPAO?

IMI have developed a comprehensive EPA offer, providing an outstanding end to end service to apprentices, employers and providers:

  • By selecting us as your EPAO we can offer;
  • Specialist team of experts to help you through every step of the EPA journey
  • Robust and fair assessment materials
  • Reliable and responsive support for providers, employers and apprentices
  • A smart and easy booking process
  • Professional, independent End-Point Assessors
  • A dedicated EPA team and specialist product developers

How an EPA takes place

Every apprenticeship standard will have its own EPA, ranging from different assessment methods and grading criteria however, the basic steps of how an EPA takes place from start to finish is simple;

Apprentice completes on-programme learning

All relevant training and off the job learning has taken place and the apprentice has achieved the relevant qualifications required to progress onto EPA.

EPA Gateway Sign-Off

Employer, Provider and apprentice all agree readiness for EPA. This must be a formal agreement that takes place between all three parties.

EPA Booking Request

Employer/provider submits EPA booking request to chosen EPAO.

EPA Booking Confimed

EPAO has completed checks of EPA gateway requirements and confirms EPA booking request.

EPAO makes relevant arrangements with employer, provider and apprentice to allow end-point assessments to take place, including allocating relevant independent assessors (approved by the EPAO).

EPA Event

End-Point Assessments take place on scheduled dates, in the agreed location with relevant independent assessors, apprentices and where required employer/providers.

Resits/retakes may be required to be scheduled in if EPA result is referred.

EPA Results and Certification

Results of EPA are sent to the employer, apprentice and provider.

Successful EPA results will be submitted to the ESFA and certificate claim will be requested by EPAO.

ESFA will process claim and send certificate directly to the apprentice’s employer.