Is streamlining recruitment and training the answer to the end-point assessment dilemma?

Protocol and the Strategic Development Network (SDN) have teamed up to offer a new recruitment, training and deployment service – designed specifically to help address the shortage and growing need for quality, qualified end-point assessors.

It’s no secret that over the next 12-18 months, the number of end-point assessments is going to increase dramatically. The assessment landscape is already very different and high-stakes; end-point assessors will need to have occupational and assessment creditability, and many EPAOs are worried demand will quickly outstrip supply.

“It would stand to reason, that the only real way to try to avoid a crisis is to start thinking about your future EPA needs now. We’re seeing lots of EPAOs working hard to keep on top of current supply needs, but the cracks are already starting to show, and that’s just for the standards that are up and running”. Comments Beth Curtis, Head of Business Development & Strategy

This new combined recruitment and training initiative from SDN and Protocol, has the potential to significantly impact and future proof many EPAO’s delivery plans.

SDN and Protocol recognise that one size doesn’t fit all. Both the recruitment of candidates and CPD training will be completely tailored to the individual EPAO, their ways of working, and the apprenticeship standards they assess.

“Together we have a unique insight into the way EPAOs operate and the requirements of end-point assessors. Protocol are already working with a number of leading EPAOs to supply assessors, whilst SDN has trained and mentored many of the first assessor teams now conducting end-point assessment.” Added Colin Bentwood, Managing Director at SDN

Together, SDN and Protocol work with over 60 EPAOs and draw on a national network of more than 6,000 end-point and vocational assessors.

About Protocol: The leading recruitment consultancy to the skills, training and further education sector for over 20 years.

Protocol works with further education colleges, training providers, end-point assessment organisations, local authorities, and sixth form colleges across the UK. Protocol offer a complete recruitment solution, meaning they can recruit for roles at every level of an organisation. From senior leadership through to operations, both temporary and permanent – they find the people that make organisations excel.

About the Strategic Development Network: A team of specialists in FE, HE and apprenticeships – supporting training and assessment providers to launch, grow, adapt and improve their provision.

SDN has worked with over 50 of the first EPAOs (and their assessor teams) to set up and start offering end-point assessment, trained and mentored over 500 assessors, preparing to conduct end-point assessment, worked with 80 of the trailblazer employer groups, advising on the development of assessment plans, directly supported over 3,000 staff, from 900 apprenticeships organisations, to prepare to deliver the new standards.