Gateway and End Point Assessment
Gateway is the point where the practical period (on-programme learning) ends and the End Point Assessment (EPA) period begins. Gateway takes place before an EPA can start. The employer and training provider will review the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours to see if they have met the minimum requirements of the apprenticeship set out in the apprenticeship standard, and are ready to take the assessment.
What are the minimum requirements of Gateway?
To meet the minimum requirements set out in the apprenticeship standard, an apprentice needs to:
- Display occupational competency - the apprentice is competent in the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) set out in the apprenticeship standard
- Have evidence of or pass functional skills level 2 (GCSE grade A*-C or 9-4)
- Complete mandatory training (off-the-job training)
- Take any academic qualifications set out in the standard
- Meet the minimum duration for their apprenticeship training (12 months)
- There may also be standard specific requirements set out in the IfATE assessment plan (sometimes mandated by Professional Statutory & Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs)). Please refer to the IfATE assessment plan for further information.
Please note: only apprentices who complete Gateway successfully can start the EPA.
During their final Progress Review Meeting with their Learning and Development Coach, the Gateway Form must be completed and submitted to Aptem. Please add any additional criteria to the Gateway Form that may be relevent to the assessment plan in the apprenticeship standard. All signatures must be obtained to ensure we are compliant.
Determining Readiness for Gateway
An apprentice’s progress is measured throughout the programme and discussed at Progress Review Meetings (PRMs). During PRMs, Learning and Development Coaches (LDCs) and employers will review the apprentice’s academic performance, progress with off-the-job training and work-based progress using RAGB (Red, Amber, Green, Blue) ratings. If the apprentice’s progress is deemed as ‘off track’, a Supportive Action Plan (SAP) will be put in place, which will determine the steps required to ensure the apprentice can pass through gateway as planned.
Where Gateway requirements have not been met
Where Gateway requirements have not been met, a discussion between the University, the employer and the apprentice must take place to understand progress issues. A Supportive Action Plan (SAP) will be put in place and actions will be identified for the apprentice, the employer or the University.
During the discussion, new timescales will be agreed for the submission of gateway evidence and a new gateway meeting date will be set. Timescales will depend on the individual circumstances of the learner and the way that the programme operates. For example, if an apprenticeship programme has regular cohorts going through Gateway, it may be possible for the apprentice to realign with a later cohort. If it’s not appropriate for an apprentice to realign with a later cohort, a bespoke gateway date should be agreed between all parties.
Who is Responsible for Passing an Apprentice Through Gateway?
Employers have the final say on whether an apprentice should be put forward for EPA based on whether they feel that the apprentice:
- Displays occupational competence
- Meets the gateway criteria
- Is ready to complete their assessment
However, both the employer and training provider have a shared responsibility to decide whether the apprentice has demonstrated the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to be competent in their job role.
It is important to refer to the assessment plan when approaching gateway to check that the apprentice is able to demonstrate all of the required knowledge, skills and behaviours and can do so in a live EPA.