Apprentices: What You Need To Prepare For End Point Assessment

Our assessors conduct EPAs every month, and they see all the issues apprentices encounter. EPA preparation is challenging, and the idea of a final exam can be particularly stressful. This stress can result in apprentices underperforming. We've put together a few tips to help you prepare for EPA and learn your trade.

Have a Goal

A goal is something you aim for. It's not a set destination, but a direction. It can be as general or specific as you like. For example, you may want to pass with a certain grade so you can save up for a car.

The most important thing about a goal is that it's SMART. You need to be specific so you can be focused and consistent. These goals are key:

S - Specific – M- Measurable A - Accountable - R - Relevant - T - Targeted

Make a Plan

You can't do everything in one day, and you won't be prepared for the EPA if you take this approach. You will have weeks of study and practice, and you will have to put in the hours to get the information you need. This means you can't just wing it and hope to get lucky.

You must plan ahead. A plan should include your goal, the dates you will be studying and practicing, what you will study, and how you will study. You should also put a buffer in case you experience setbacks.

Keep Going

The hours you put in will not show up on the final EPA, but they are vitally important. You will spend at least a few hours every day for the study and practice for your end point assessment. If you want to do well, you'll have to put in the hours.