Overview
As a manager of an apprentice, it is helpful to understand the why behind their apprenticeship projects. Every apprenticeship culminates in an End Point Assessment (EPA). Think of the EPA as their "Finals." It usually consists of two main parts: AM1 and AM2.
The Two Types of Assessment
Assessment Method | What it is | Your Role |
AM2: The Portfolio
(The "Body of Work") | A collection of the projects they have delivered throughout the programme (the ones discussed in the guide above). These form the basis of a Professional Discussion with an examiner. | Ensure they are working on real business problems so they can speak to this in the assessment. |
AM1: The Work-Based Project
(The "Big Finish") | A significant, standalone project, report, and presentation delivered at the end of the programme. | You help define the scope, but the apprentice must execute this independently to evidence their competence. |
'Gateway' and Project Timing
You will often hear the term 'Gateway'. This is the milestone that marks the end of the learning phase and the start of the assessment phase. Depending on which programme your apprentice is on, their project work will look different leading up to Gateway.
They will generally fall into one of two categories:
Scenario A: Milestone Projects (Pre-Gateway)
What it is: The apprentice is allowed to work on their major project before Gateway, but they cannot write the final report yet.
What they are doing: They are collecting "evidence" in a project log. They answer reflective questions to track their progress.
Manager Tip: If you see them documenting work but not writing a final report, this is normal. They are "banking" their evidence for later.
Scenario B: Practice Projects (Post-Gateway)
What it is: The apprentice is not allowed to start their official major project until after Gateway.
What they are doing: To prepare, they complete shorter, structured drills (e.g., writing a project proposal), as “practice projects”, to ensure they are ready for the real thing.
Manager Tip: Treat these like dress rehearsals. Give them feedback on their work so they are ready to execute the "real" project independently once they pass Gateway. Once they pass Gateway, the "teaching" stops and the "assessing" begins. Your support shifts from coaching to cheering them on.
‘Simulations’ on the Multiverse Platform
Sometimes, you may see your apprentice working on a project that does not use your company's data.
What this is: Some programmes require Simulated Practice. This usually happens on our Multiverse platform.
Why they do it: They are given fictional datasets to solve specific problems. This prepares them for "Scenario Demonstrations"—timed exams where they must analyse data on the spot.
Manager Tip: If they are working on "fictional" data, don't worry — they aren't wasting time. They are training for a timed exam environment where accuracy and speed are graded.