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EPA Work-Based Project Guidelines
EPA Work-Based Project Guidelines

Submission requirements and guidance for those who need to complete a work-based project as part of their EPA

Updated over a week ago

Overview

This article provides detailed information for apprentices enrolled in the Data Fellowship, Advanced Data Fellowship, Software Engineering, and Business Transformation Fellowship programmes regarding the submission requirements and timelines for the Work-Based Project (WBP) as part of the UK End-Point Assessment requirements. A work-based project involves completing a relevant, defined piece of work with a real business benefit.

Submission Requirements

The submission requirements differ depending on your programme.

Data Fellowship and Advanced Data Fellowship

These programmes consist of two components:

  1. A project report.

  2. Presentation and questioning based on the project report.

You must submit an electronic WBP report and presentation (.docx/.ppt format) to the End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). For those of on the Data Fellowship programme, this is within 8 weeks (40 working days) from the EPA start date and for those on the Advanced Data Fellowship programme, this submission period is reduced to 4 weeks (20 working days).

Software Engineering

The assessment method for the Software Engineering programme includes:

  1. A work-based project report.

  2. Professional discussion and questioning.

You are required to submit an electronic WBP report (.docx/.ppt format) to the EPAO within 9 weeks (45 working days) from the EPA start date.

Business Transformation Fellowship

This programme consists of:

  1. A project report.

  2. Presentation and questioning based on the project report.

You must submit an electronic WBP report and presentation (.docx/.ppt format) to the EPAO within 6 weeks (30 working days) from the EPA start date.

Word Count Guidelines

Staying within the word count range is important; exceeding this range results in an automatic fail. Appendices should not be used to introduce additional context or new information.

Data Fellowship and Advanced Data Fellowship

  • The project report has a maximum word count specified in the assessment plan with a ±10% tolerance. For example, if the word limit is 3,500 words, the acceptable range is 3,150 to 3,850 words.

Software Engineering

  • The project report has a maximum word limit of 4,500 words with a ±10% tolerance.

Business Transformation Fellowship

  • The project report has a maximum word limit of 5,000 words with a ±10% tolerance.

Submission

The submission method depends on your End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO).

Accelerate People

  • Deadline: Must be received by 23:59 on the due date. It is recommended to submit during working hours (before 17:30) to resolve any issues urgently.

  • Submission Method: [email protected]

1st for EPA

  • Deadline: Must be received by 23:59 on the due date.

  • Submission Method: Upload via EPA Pro.

Instructions to Submit on EPA Pro:

  1. Login to your EPA Pro account: 1st for EPA Pro Login

  2. Navigate to your profile by clicking your name at the top right and selecting ‘View your progress.’

  3. Click on the ‘Files’ tab to upload your project and presentation.

  4. Select ‘New File,’ upload your documents, and click ‘Save File.’

  5. Double-check both file submissions.

BCS

  • Deadline: Must be received by 23:59 on the due date. It is recommended to submit during working hours (before 17:30) to resolve any issues urgently.

  • Submission Method: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I do not submit the WBP report and presentation by the deadline?

  • Failing to submit both the project report and presentation will result in an automatic fail.

If I return my WBP earlier than the deadline, can I make amendments before the deadline?

  • Email your EPAO directly with the updated submission before your original deadline to make amendments.

Can I change my WBP after I've started?

  • You likely can change your work-based project if the change is approved before the deadline. Notify your EPAO directly, ensuring you can still meet all grading criteria. No extensions will be granted for project changes.

Can I get a work-based project extension?

  • Extensions are granted only for serious illness, bereavement, or medical leave. Evidence from your line manager is necessary for a special considerations application, which will be submitted to the EPAO on your behalf.

What is a special consideration?

  • Special consideration is an adjustment for apprentices affected by incapacitating illness, personal circumstances, or significant disadvantage during the assessment. Conditions include personal illness/injury (lasting seven consecutive days or more), bereavement, or other serious disruptions (lasting seven days or more).

  • Special consideration will not be applied in the following circumstances:

    • Part of the assessment was missed due to personal arrangements, including unauthorised absences and holidays.

    • No evidence was supported by the employer/training provider indicating that an apprentice was affected by illness, injury, bereavement or other indisposition at the time of the assessment.

    • Difficulties experienced during the assessment that have not led to significant time out of the workplace or can reasonably be considered to have affected the outcome of an assessment.

I am on annual leave during my work-based project, can I get an extension?

  • Annual leave is not a valid reason for an extension. Your project due date remains unaffected by annual leave or similar absences.

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