Help Shape Future Apprenticeship Assessments
Apprenticeship assessment is changing. Now is your opportunity to help shape what future apprenticeship assessments should look like.
Why are apprenticeship assessments changing?
In February 2025, the Government announced changes to how apprenticeships are assessed. These reforms replace End‑point Assessment with Apprenticeship Assessment Qualifications (AAQs), which focus on demonstrating competence in real-world working environments.
The rules for new apprentice assessments now allow for a much wider range of assessment approaches. However, with more than ten years of end-point assessment experience, we know there are elements of the current model that have worked well for employers, providers and apprentices.
This consultation is your opportunity to tell us what should stay, what should change, and what future assessment models should look like.
What does a typical end-point assessment currently include?
- Assessment completed after all training has finished
- Independent assessment carried out by qualified assessors
- Typically, there are three assessment methods, including:
- Multiple-choice knowledge test
- Interview based on a portfolio, although the portfolio itself is not assessed
- Practical observation
- Practical assessments normally last between one and two days
- Final grading that includes a distinction grade
- Assessment covering all knowledge and skills within the standard
All of these elements can now be reviewed and consulted on as part of the new apprenticeship assessment model.
What’s involved and how to take part
What is changing
End-point assessment is evolving into a more integrated approach through new apprenticeship assessments. These new qualifications will define how apprentices demonstrate competence in real-world working environments.
Energy & Environment Awards is redesigning its assessment approach to align with these reforms. This is your opportunity to ensure the new model reflects real-world practice, delivery-led needs and sector-wide expectations.
Why your input matters
These new apprenticeship assessments will directly influence how competence is measured across the sector for years to come.
Your feedback will help ensure assessments are practical, realistic and aligned with real workplace expectations.
Who should get involved
We want to hear from employers in power, gas and water, engineering and construction employers, and training providers and colleges delivering relevant apprenticeships. Whether you are already working with us or not, your voice matters.
How you can take part
We are running a flexible programme of consultation activity across sectors. Once you register your interest, we will work with you to confirm the best way for you to get involved. Options include online consultation workshops via Teams, face-to-face sessions, hosted discussions at your organisation or venue, and survey participation if you are unable to attend a session.
Our approach is flexible but focused on meaningful, insight-driven engagement.
Area of focus
We are seeking feedback on assessment approaches across key standards including:
- Engineering Construction Pipefitter
- Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician
- Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician
- Engineering maintenance technician – single discipline
- Engineering maintenance technician – dual discipline
- Engineering Operative
- Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician
- Low Carbon Heating Technician
- Heat Network Maintenance Technician
- Dual Fuel Smart Meter Installer
- Gas Network Operative
- Gas Network Craftsperson
- Gas Engineering Operative
- Groundworker
- Lead Traffic Management Operative
- Electrical Power Protection and Plant Commissioning Engineer
- Electrical Power Networks Engineer
- Power Industry Overhead Linesperson
- Power Industry Substation Fitter
- Power Industry Distribution Cable Jointer
- Water Process Operative
- Drainage Network Operative
- Water Network Operative
- Water Treatment Technician
- Water Industry Treatment Process Technician
- Water Industry Network Technician
- Water Industry Asset Maintenance Technician
What you will gain
By taking part, you will influence how apprentices are assessed in your sector, help shape qualifications that reflect real-world delivery, contribute to sector-wide improvement, and build early-stage engagement with upcoming qualification changes.
This is also an opportunity to explore future collaboration with Energy & Environment Awards.
Fill out our survey
Complete a short survey and share your views in just a few minutes.
Join an online session
Attend a consultation workshop via Teams at a time that suits you.
Host a face-to-face discussion
We can arrange sessions at your organisation or venue.
Prefer a one-to-one conversation?
Speak directly with a member of our team.