EPA Pro – a better EPA experience

As a key part of the evolution of our end-point assessment service delivery we’re introducing a NEW EPA platform called EPA Pro.

Based on your feedback on the need for a simplified EPA journey and fewer platforms, we are launching EPA Pro as your one-stop shop for everything EPA.

We will be rolling this out to all customers over the next 12 months, but in the meantime here is a preview of the platform, highlighting the benefits to you.

EPA Pro latest news

After a really successful Beta testing phase we’re now in the early waves of customer migration. Our first wave has now been completed and we’re now in touch with centres who are in our second wave. They will migrate across by the end of September. We’ll continue then with subsequent waves over the course of the 2020/21 academic year. This migration will happen on a per customer basis to minimise the need for dual running of systems and processes.

Once we get in touch to tell your centre you are in our next migration group we’ll share more details, a timeline of activity and what, if any data preparation we require to smooth the transition.

How will current and new registrations and booking be handled?

  • We will be migrating all registrations that have been made with us that haven’t yet progressed to the booking stage.
  • Any apprentices where EPA has been booked will continue on the current EPA journey as those events are now in train.
  • All new registrations post-migration will be made directly into EPA Pro and all migrated registrations will progress through the gateway process and through to completion in EPA Pro.

New 8 Stage Journey in EPA Pro

We set out eight key stages in our current EPA journey, and EPA Pro will help us to streamline this.

8 steps epa pro diagram

Download the 8-step guide

Some key changes in the new 8 Stage Journey:

Stage 3 – this will now take place directly in EPA Pro, registrations will not take place in Walled Garden, although we will ensure the data is synched in the background. The registration is easy to perform in EPA Pro, individually or in bulk and apprentices will gain immediate access to support materials upon registration through EPA Pro.

Stage 4 – Gateway will no longer take place in the EPA Portal it will take place in EPA Pro. There is a simplified Gateway process in EPA Pro, with clear standard specific guidance on the evidence we require, easy file upload where we need it, save as you go functionality and providers signing electronically on behalf of themselves and the employer. We can accept and reject gateway evidence through the platform with guidance on resubmissions where required.

Stage 5 – Rather than requesting a booking date, we will be in touch to arrange a Planning meeting with your IEPA and other interested stakeholders to agree dates for all EPA events. This is also a great opportunity for your apprentice to meet the IEPA ahead of their EPA event, helping to build their confidence for the big day!

Stage 6 – Easy upload of assessment evidence directly into EPA Pro rather than the EPA Portal, all file types accepted.

Stage 8 – See component level results as soon as they are available and access on-line statement of achievement immediately to print or email. Upon completion of the Apprenticeship we will email the apprentice with their overall Statement of Achievement, showing all of the components and the overall grade and we’ll also issue them with an EPA Digital Credential. Overall results will automatically sent to ESFA who will issue the final Apprenticeship Certificate.

Key features

  • Single sign on – No more multi-platform logons. You only need to access one system, saving time and reducing the admin burden of EPA.
  • EPA journey mapping – Maps the entire apprenticeship journey with a calendar of events and profile showing progress for greater clarity.
  • Simplified gateway submissions – Evidence requirements are clearly mapped to each standard and can be submitted throughout the apprenticeship journey - no more windows.
  • Component scheduling – Assessment components are booked via a virtual, planning meeting that allows everyone to discuss and agree the key dates upfront.
  • Reporting and analytics – Comprhensive data and user dashboards give visibility of cohort progress and enable you to report on key success measures.
  • Virtual IEPA meeting – A virtual, planning meeting means apprentices meet the assessor (IEPA) before the event, reducing nerves and improving confidence.
  • Packed with support – Role-specific support resources including, checklists, exemplar materials and an EPA prep tool help increase your assessment success.
  • Instant results and feedback – Results at component level and visible as soon as they are determined. Plus, download and share Statement of Achievements.
  • Defined next steps – With faster results, you can celebrate success sooner of gain meaningful feedback and guidance on the nxt steps and actions needed to progress.

Top three reasons for EPA Pro

  1. Simplified and streamlined – We've simplified all aspects of EPA delivery from registration to evidence upload and exam booking through to results and certification, reducing the administration and allowing you to reach EPA success sooner..
  2. Clarity and control – The end-to-end journey is made clearer for you and your apprentices. with real-time information sharing, two-way planning meetings and speedy results and action planning, you're more in control of EPA than ever.
  3. Fully supported – EPA Pro centralises your EPA support from City & Guilds and ILM, giving you a single platform where we help manage and improve your EPA experience. You'll see escalation routes and ownership.