60 seconds with Karen Slade, Head of End-Point Assessment, LEIA Assessment

What is end-point assessment?

It’s the final evaluation of your apprentice’s journey, conducted by an independent organisation. Think of it as quality assurance that confirms your apprentice has the right knowledge skills and behaviours for their profession.

What does end-point assessment involve?

EPA includes multiple components like multiple choice exams, interviews, and practical assessments. Each apprenticeship standard has its own specific assessment methods defined in the Assessment Plan which has been developed by a group of employers from the sector.

Why should employers choose LEIA Assessment for end-point assessment?

What makes LEIA Assessment the best choice as an EPAO for the standards we assess is the assessment designers, and independent assessors. We have taken a lot of care in selecting experienced and credible professionals who are experts in their areas of work. This means that they understand what apprentices do in their roles on a day by day basis and are best placed to not only build a rapport with apprentices, but make an educated judgement on their level of competence.

Which apprentice standards do you assess?

We currently assess four standards:

• Lift & Escalator Electromechanic level 3 which will be replaced by the revised Lift & Escalator Engineering level 3 Apprenticeship by the end of 2025.
• Stairlift, Platform Lift, Service Lift Electromechanic level 2
• Lifting Equipment Technician level 3
• Engineer Surveyor level 4

What support is offered to employers during the process?

We have numerous resources available on our dedicated portal.

These include:

• Policies and procedures
• Mock assessments
• Assessment preparation tip videos
• Assessment submission guides

In addition to this we have a dedicated EPA Coordinator who is always on hand to provide support when needed.

Tell us how the assessments have been going?

We’re heading into year three of delivering end-point assessment and although we have seen, and continue to see changes both within the sectors we operate in, and the apprenticeship space we’re really pleased with where we are.

We now have a team of dedicated and experienced assessors who provide the very best experience for apprentices. We have developed excellent working relationships with employers, and training providers who in turn feel more confident when preparing apprentices for their final assessments.

What can visitors expect to see from the LEIA Assessment stand at LIFTEX?

It’s been four years since the inception of LEIA Assessment and we’re taking this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of apprentices. We’ll be showcasing the standards we offer, featuring testimonials from apprentices and employers on their apprenticeship experience. Emma and I will be on hand to answer any queries on anything and everything apprenticeship related and you may even see some of our wider assessment team loitering around the stand over the two days so please come and say hello.