Programme structure
An apprenticeship is made up of two key stages:
The Practical Period (On-Programme Learning)
This is the main learning phase of the apprenticeship, where apprentices develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for their role. They will complete a mix of workplace training, online learning, assignments, and practical tasks, all supported by their Programme Lead and workplace mentor.
Gateway and End-Point Assessment (EPA)
Once an apprentice has completed their training and is confident in their role, they go through “Gateway,” where their employer and Programme Lead confirm they are ready for the final assessment. The End-Point Assessment is a formal process where apprentices demonstrate what they’ve learned through a combination of assessment methods depending on their apprenticeship programme.
In-person days
We offer up to two in-person days throughout the programme to provide the opportunity for cohorts to come to one of our central offices or a hosting school to network and have a full day of learning. Lunch will be provided, and each cohort will have an opportunity to opt in or opt out and days will only go ahead once fully confirmed
Assessment
Programme Leads and Tutors will check apprentices’ understanding using informal question-and-answer sessions, quizzes, assignments, reflections, and other suitable methods such as:
- Observations
- Professional discussions
- Portfolio reviews
- Self-assessments
- Workplace projects
End Point Assessment (EPA)
The End Point Assessment (EPA) is where apprentices demonstrate their competency in the role by completing a formal assessment at the end of their apprenticeship. The specific EPA requirements vary by programme:
- Knowledge test
- Portfolio-based Interview
- Project/improvement Presentation
Eligibility criteria
A person must be 16 or over, not in full-time education, and have the right to work in England.
They must be employed in a school support staff position or seeking this employment, with an employment contract that lasts long enough to complete the apprenticeship if not a permnant position. Learners can already hold higher-level qualifications if the subject is different from what they want to study now or is a higher level than the subject they have previously completed.
They must have lived in the UK or EEA for the past three years (with some exceptions).
What employers need to do
Apprenticeships work as an agreement between United Apprenticeships, the employer, and the apprentice. Positive collaboration between the three parties allows the apprentice to gain the best value from their apprenticeship and for the organisation to gain optimal benefits from the apprentice’s work.
It is the employer’s responsibility to:
- Assign a suitable workplace mentor who can support and guide the apprentice throughout the programme
- Allocate 6.5 hours a week ‘off-the-job’ time for apprentices
- Conduct observations as and when required to support the collation of evidence
- Incorporate regular formal 1:1 support/conversations where appropriate to support with any work-based questions or issues
- Make sure apprentices have opportunities to observe and learn from staff in other areas of the school
- Invited to attend mentor briefings to enable them to support their apprentice
- Have access to the Programme Lead
- Attend learner progress reviews
After the apprenticeship
Obtaining a Level 3 qualification opens doors for further progression. Staff could continue with further study or progress in their career.
Potential roles include:
This role may be a gateway to further career opportunities, such as management, School Business Manager or other senior administrator roles. The next learning chapter could be the School Business Professional Level 4.