Skip to content
3 July 2026

Employer sign-off on behaviours is a chance to strengthen apprenticeships

Shifting responsibility for signing off apprenticeship behaviours away from EPA recognises vital role employers already play in judging workplace behaviours
Leanne Poole Guest Contributor

Head of EPA at NCFE

4 min read
|

Listen to this story

Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article.

1.0x

Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice.

0:00 0:00

Recent reform changes in apprenticeships have prompted important conversations across the sector, particularly around the decision for behaviours to be signed off by employers rather than formally assessed through end-point assessment (EPA).

It’s understandable that some employers, providers, and sector professionals have questions or concerns about this shift. Any change to established assessment practices naturally brings a level of uncertainty, especially where there are worries about additional responsibility or consistency of approach.

However, when considered in practice, this reform may present a valuable opportunity to align behavioural assessment more closely with the realities of the workplace and the way employers already support and manage their people.

Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week

subscribe

Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.

Share

Explore more on these topics

No Comments

Featured jobs from FE Week jobs / Schools Week jobs

Browse more news