‘Here to Help’ Service Launched to Support the Sector during COVID-19
At PAL, we have officially launched our 'Here to Help' service to give anybody involved in apprenticeships or WBL access to our team of experts during the COVID-19 outbreak. We thought long and hard about what we have to offer and how we can support the sector at this extraordinary time. This dedicated line is available to all providers, [...]
A Guide for Employers and Training Providers. Furlough for Apprentices
GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS AND TRAINING PROVIDERS How does furloughing apprentices affect their programme of study? This document provides guidance regarding apprenticeship delivery during current working conditions and restrictions as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. Information correct at the time of issue 14/04/2020 An overview of furlough Furlough is a new form of leave which the UK Government has [...]
A Guide for Apprentices. What does furlough mean for you?
GUIDANCE FOR APPRENTICES As an Apprentice, how does being ‘furloughed’ affect your programme? This document provides guidance for apprentices that have been furloughed Information correct at the time of issue 14/04/2020. What does furlough mean? Furlough is a new form of leave which the UK Government has made available to businesses via its Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Furlough is [...]
Fact Sheet – Supporting Apprentices During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Temporary Adjustments in place for End-point Assessment and Clarification on Regulatory Requirements At this time of huge disruption, PAL is advocating an apprentice-focussed approach to ensure individuals do not miss out on important opportunities because of the current COVID-19 situation. To support this approach, we are committed to enabling completion of end-point assessment wherever possible and we are lobbying [...]
“Super impressed” by Taylor’s apprenticeship, Distinction Grade, and PAL EPA!
The family-run Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar in Ilfracombe, Devon, doesn’t just win national awards for its authentic Spanish fare, but also its staff. The 2019 and 2020 Good Food Award-winning eatery’s latest accolade is for its 21-year-old apprentice Taylor Phelps. She has achieved a distinction for her Hospitality Supervisor (Level 3) apprenticeship, specialising in food and beverage. It [...]
Apprentices Must be Confident to Discuss Their Development at EPA
Contributed by Lucy Smith, Professional Assessor at PAL. End-point Assesment has changed the face of apprenticeships. Not just in terms of how programmes are delivered, but also in terms of the additional skills apprentices have to develop in order to prove their competence and ability. Ensuring the apprentice is fully proficient in the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours within the Standard [...]
Proposed Changes to the 2019 Inspection Framework – The Same but Different?
By Andrea Bick, National Consultant at Professional Assessment. Acknowledgement to Richard Moore of Richard Moore Solutions It has recently been reported that, from September 2019, Ofsted intends to make changes to the inspection framework. At first glance, much of the information around the changes seem to be focussed on primary and secondary education. However, the principles are likely to [...]
End-point Assessment – Feedback from the Other Side…
EPA doesn't have to be scary - it's easy when you know how! Here are some of the things we've learnt as we've been delivering EPA: We’ve learnt that employers and apprentices actually LIKE the new standards - they LIKE the fact that they are challenging, they LIKE the fact that hard work and dedication is rewarded, they even [...]
The Importance of Funding Compliance
Successful providers must have effective funding compliance and data validation arrangements. My team are proud to be part of a service that is securing learning provision and funding to thousands of learners and their employers. An effective funding compliance regime is not only a source of financial safeguarding and assurance to training provider management, but it is also a [...]
Talk about End Point Assessment
Employers MUST be fully involved in the apprentices’ learning journey so that together they can measure their progress against the relevant new standard Don’t be afraid to have difficult and honest conversations with employers and apprentices if things are not going to plan. This is an opportunity to offer solutions! Communication is key. Line managers should find the time [...]
Stretching, Challenging and Aiming High
Focus your teaching and support on the areas and types of assessment that will be the most challenging for the individual apprentice Support apprentices fully; some will feel anxious about Endpoint Assessment. Combat this by encouraging them to PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE! Continuously provide strong developmental feedback that will enhance and improve apprentices’ performance against the relevant standards [...]
Starting with the end in mind
Ensure that all parties are familiar with the standards and the content of the assessment plan. Design your training and formative assessment activities in line with the new standards – and the outcomes of the relevant End-point assessment Plan. Some apprentices and employers may wish to undertake some aspect of End-point remotely, and should feel confident about using the [...]