Gateway and End Point Assessment
Gateway to Completion is the point where the practical period (on-programme learning) ends and the Apprenticeship Assessment period begins. Gateway to Completion takes place before an Apprenticeship Assessment 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 Completion?
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
- There may also be standard specific requirements set out in Skills England's assessment plan (sometimes mandated by Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs)). Please refer to Skills England's assessment plan for further information.
Please note: only apprentices who complete Gateway to Completion successfully can start the Apprenticeship Assessment.
During their final Progress Review Meeting with their Learning and Development Coach, the Gateway to Completion Form must be completed and submitted to Aptem. Please add any additional criteria to the Gateway to Completion Form that may be relevant to the assessment plan in the apprenticeship standard. All signatures must be obtained to ensure we are compliant.
Determining Readiness for Gateway to Completion
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 to Completion as planned.
Where Gateway to Completion requirements have not been met
Where Gateway to Completion 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 to Completion evidence and a new 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 to Completion, 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 to Completion date should be agreed between all parties.
Who is Responsible for Passing an Apprentice Through Gateway to Completion?
Employers have the final say on whether an apprentice should be put forward for Apprenticeship Assessment based on whether they feel that the apprentice:
- Displays occupational competence
- Meets the Gateway to Completion 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 Completion to check that the apprentice is able to demonstrate all of the required knowledge, skills and behaviours and can do so in a live Apprenticeship Assessment.