Industry Updates: Two Apprenticeship Standards Undergo Major Revisions
- jomassiah1
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
July Edition
The apprenticeship landscape continues to evolve as industry needs change and assessment methodologies advance. Against the backdrop of ongoing consultation on assessment plan reforms and the new apprenticeship assessment model, it's encouraging that the development of apprenticeship standards continues without disruption.
Two significant apprenticeship standards have recently undergone substantial revisions, reflecting a broader trend towards streamlined assessments and modernised content delivery. The Advertising and Media Executive apprenticeship and the Network Engineer apprenticeship have both received comprehensive updates that fundamentally reshape how these programmes are structured and assessed.
These revisions may well represent the last standards to be released in the current end-point assessment (EPA) format, as the consultation on the new apprenticeship assessment model progresses towards implementation. This makes their release particularly significant, demonstrating how standards can be improved within the existing framework whilst the sector prepares for broader systemic changes.
Advertising and Media Executive Apprenticeship: A Complete Assessment Overhaul
The Advertising and Media Executive apprenticeship standard has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations we've seen in recent years. The changes represent a fundamental shift from a complex, multi-faceted evaluation system to a more streamlined approach that prioritises practical skills demonstration.
Assessment Revolution
The most striking change involves a complete overhaul of the EPA structure. The previous version required apprentices to navigate through two distinct assessment methods: a comprehensive project showcase involving work-based projects, slide decks, and oral presentations, followed by a professional discussion and practical observation supported by an extensive portfolio of evidence. This complex system has been replaced with a significantly simplified approach featuring a presentation with questions (60 minutes minimum) and an integrated test that combines with the IPA Foundation Certificate.
Time and Grading Improvements
The EPA period has been reduced from a maximum of six months to a typical four-month duration, reducing the administrative burden on both apprentices and employers. Perhaps more significantly, the grading system has been enhanced from three grades (fail, pass, distinction) to four grades (fail, pass, merit, distinction), providing more nuanced recognition of apprentice achievement.
Integration Benefits
A marked improvement is the integration of the IPA Foundation Certificate assessment directly into the apprenticeship EPA. Previously, this qualification served as a separate gateway requirement, creating additional complexity and potential barriers. The new integrated approach streamlines the process while maintaining the same educational standards.
Network Engineer Apprenticeship: Modernisation and Efficiency
The Network Engineer apprenticeship (version 1.3) demonstrates how standards can be modernised without sacrificing educational rigor. The changes reflect current industry practices while significantly reducing assessment burden.
Substantial Time Reductions
The most immediately noticeable change is the dramatic reduction in assessment time requirements. The simulation component has been reduced from 14 hours spread over two days to a maximum of four hours, while the questioning session has been shortened from 45 minutes to 30 minutes. These changes acknowledge that effective assessment doesn't necessarily require extensive time commitments.
The Contemporary Content Integration
Version 1.3 demonstrates a commitment to staying current with industry trends. The updated Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours now emphasise sustainability in networking, including energy-efficient practices and e-waste reduction. Modern security approaches such as zero-trust networking and SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) are now integrated throughout the curriculum, alongside enhanced focus on cloud technologies and AI-driven network automation.
Financial Investment
Both apprenticeship standards have received significant funding increases, reflecting their enhanced value and the growing importance of these skills in the modern economy. The Network Engineer apprenticeship funding has increased from £17,000 to £19,000 (a 12% increase), whilst the Advertising and Media Executive apprenticeship has seen funding rise from £8,000 to £11,000 (a substantial 38% increase). These increases demonstrate recognition of the enhanced programmes, and the investment required to deliver high-quality training in these rapidly evolving sectors.
Broader Industry Implications
These revisions reflect several important trends in apprenticeship development:
Streamlined Assessment: Both standards demonstrate a move away from overly complex assessment methods toward more efficient approaches that maintain educational integrity while reducing administrative burden. An approach that is likely to continue with the apprenticeship assessment plan reforms.
Technology Integration: The Network Engineer standard particularly shows how apprenticeships are adapting to rapidly evolving technology landscapes, incorporating emerging concepts like AI and automation whilst maintaining foundational networking principles.
Professional Recognition: Both standards have improved pathways to professional recognition, acknowledging that apprenticeships should provide clear career progression routes.
Practical Focus: The emphasis on presentations, simulations, and integrated assessments reflects industry demand for practical skills over theoretical knowledge demonstration.
Looking Forward
These revisions signal a maturing apprenticeship system that responds to both industry needs and educational best practices. The trend towards streamlined assessments doesn't represent a lowering of standards but rather a more sophisticated understanding of effective evaluation methods.
For employers and training providers considering these apprenticeship programmes, we are ready to support you as your end-point assessment organisation (EPAO). Our experienced team can guide you through the revised assessment processes for both standards, ensuring smooth delivery and positive outcomes for your apprentices.
Whether you're looking to implement the streamlined Advertising and Media Executive apprenticeship or the modernised Network Engineer programme, we offer comprehensive support throughout the EPA process. Our detailed guidance and expert assessors ensure that apprentices receive fair, robust assessment that recognises their achievements whilst meeting industry standards.
For more information about our services for these apprenticeship standards, visit our dedicated pages:
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