The Institute of the Motor Industry delivers remote End Point Assessment for apprenticeships during coronavirus crisis

Automotive industry body adapts to changing environment to ensure apprentices can still receive their EPA.

Automotive industry professional body, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has recently delivered the first End Point Assessment (EPA) in the sector using remote technology. Working with industry training business, the Calibre Group, the IMI remotely delivered the EPA for its Motor Finance Apprenticeship Standard.

The IMI had been planning to implement the remote solution for EPA activities before the coronavirus pandemic changed working practices for many. It was, therefore, easily able to implement the EPA with the Calibre Group earlier this month, avoiding the risk of the apprentice having the completion of his apprenticeship delayed for several months. The IMI now intends to roll out the process for its other Apprenticeship Standards where practical.

Mark Armitage, Head of Membership Products and Services at the IMI commented: “With the support of the regulator, it has been exciting to see how effectively we can deliver End Point Assessment during this time of vital social distancing. It is really important that apprentices who have invested considerable time and commitment are not left waiting to complete their EPA – especially as the sector will be looking for skills when people start heading back to automotive retailers. And it was great to be able to work with such a professional organisation as the Calibre Group which ensured that the apprentice was well prepared and able to use the technology.”

Helen Gladden-Porter, the EPA Assessor added: “Completing the first EPA event for Motor Finance Specialist using remote technology was perfect. The remote system worked fantastically and allowed the EPA to take place. The apprentice was well prepared and very professional. I felt technology usage really enhanced the experience for all involved in the EPA.”
 
Sabina Hegarty, Managing Director, Calibre Group concluded:  “We have been working closely with the IMI for many years and currently it is conducting End Point Assessments for our Motor Finance Specialist apprenticeships. Long before Covid19 took over our lives, the IMI had already been working hard to improve its digital offering across its range of activities. This has been brilliant for us as a training provider as it aligned well with our own digital approach to training and managing of processes.

“Earlier this month, our first apprentice underwent their structured interview with an IMI Assessor. This was all conducted using video-conferencing technology and was slick, efficient and perfect for the apprentice who was dialling in from home as he’s on furlough. Had the IMI not had digital capability, our apprentice would have needed to wait for a physical visit many months in the future, delaying his completion through no fault of his own.

“The IMI’s practical and sensible approach to digitisation has meant that businesses like us who are already using digital technology can work with them efficiently even through these difficult times. As always the IMI continues to listen and understand the needs of our sector and the businesses within it, supporting us all when we really need it.”