How will apprentices demonstrate occupational competence?
City & Guilds' assessment approach is designed to draw evidence from real-world workplace practice, enabling apprentices to demonstrate the full breadth of the standard's knowledge, skills and behaviours through meaningful occupational activity. By assessing performance in real workplace contexts, it reduces reliance on simulated assessment scenarios and focuses on evidence generated from real organisational challenges. the approach reflects how AI and automation solutions are identified, implemented and evaluated within professional environments. The combination of a work-based project and professional discussion allows apprentices to demonstrate both the practical application of AI and automation solutions and the professional judgement required to implement them responsibly. Together, these assessment methods provide opportunities to evidence technical capability, problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, ethical decision-making and the ability to balance organisational objectives with governance, risk and workforce considerations.
Evidence can be generated throughout the apprenticeship and applied directly to workplace projects and activities, allowing apprentices to demonstrate competence through real business challenges and outcomes. This approach supports a holistic assessment of occupational competence, capturing not only what apprentices know, but how effectively they apply their knowledge and skills within their organisation.
City & Guilds 'Flex' assessment option
City & Guilds provides a flexible assessment option for this standard for providers seeking to outsource internal assessment components. Providers that opt for the Flex service reduce assessment administration, access specialist assessment expertise, retain control over capacity levels, and benefit from established quality assurance processes. The apprenticeship assessment handbook (centre requirements section) will show the programme of study (POS) number to register apprentices on for City & Guilds to carry out the internal assessment components of this apprenticeship.
Work-based project
The work-based project enables apprentices to demonstrate how AI and automation can deliver tangible organisational value. Using a real workplace challenge, apprentices apply their knowledge and skills to identify opportunities for improvement, implement solutions, evaluate outcomes and evidence productivity, efficiency or service improvements.
Professional discussion
The professional discussion enables apprentices to demonstrate how they balanced organisational objectives with ethical, governance, workforce and operational considerations while exercising professional judgement and responsible practice. Apprentices will be asked competency-based questions that allow them to draw on relevant workplace experiences to evidence their knowledge and skills. Together, these assessment methods provide a holistic assessment of occupational competence,
capturing not only what apprentices know, but how effectively they apply their knowledge and skills to deliver value within their organisation.
Apprentices will achieve one of the following grades:
Successful apprentices will be eligible for the apprenticeship certificate issued through the relevant apprenticeship certification process.