The clock is ticking for organisations responsible for assessing apprenticeships, as Apprenticeship End Point Assessment Plans (EPA) need to be in the Apprenticeship Assessment Plan (AAP) format by the end of 2026.
The stated aim, according to Skills England, is to “ensure assessments demonstrate full occupational competence, maintain quality (including in safety-critical roles) and recognise specific sector needs”.
For standards administered by Cogent Skills, the following now have a new AAP and are in the transition period for providers:
Science manufacturing process operative L2 apprenticeship: for new starts commencing 1 November 26 the new AAP covers mandatory knowledge and skills in health, safety and environmental compliance, process manufacturing operations, quality assurance and continuous improvement, work organisation and record keeping, plus non-mandatory skills and knowledge in communication and teamwork.
Technician scientist L5 apprenticeship: from 14 January 2027, the AAP will cover mandatory knowledge and skills in scientific techniques and experimentation, data handling and interpretation, compliance and continuous improvement, along with professional skills and personal development.
Engineering maintenance technician – single discipline L3 apprenticeship: from 13 April 2027, the AAP will cover mandatory knowledge and skills in engineering maintenance within a single discipline, including maintenance operations, fault diagnosis and repair, health and safety compliance, plus the technical skills and knowledge required for the relevant discipline.
Engineering maintenance technician – dual discipline L3 apprenticeship: from 13 April 2027, the AAP will cover mandatory knowledge and skills in engineering maintenance across two disciplines, including the technical knowledge and practical skills required to maintain, diagnose faults and repair equipment across both disciplines.
Clinical Trials Specialist L6 apprenticeship: from 13 September 2027, according to Skills England, the “degree detailed in the occupational standard must be completed, passed and formally conferred before apprenticeship completion”. The agency’s assessment guidance emphasises that the degree “must fully align with the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship” and that “employers must monitor behavioural development throughout the programme and confirm sufficient demonstration of all required behaviours before an apprenticeship certificate can be requested”.
For the Bioinformatics scientist L7 and Clinical pharmacology L7 apprenticeships, the commencement of the new APPs applies in line with the above degree apprenticeship.
Attention - employer representation needed!
Attention - employer representation needed!
For other Cogent Skills’ apprenticeship standards in transition from EPA to AAP, we are asking employers to get involved with the review process as a matter of urgency. This involvement would cover:
- Science industry manufacturing technician L3
- Process industry manufacturing technician L3
- Nuclear welding inspection technician L4 - online consultation live until 25/10/26
- Nuclear operative L2 - review starts 28/10/26
- Nuclear health physics monitor L2 resumes late 2026
Non-Cogent led groups: EAP to AAP transition employers needed as reviews underway
- Regulatory affairs specialist L7
- Research scientist L7
Employers able to participate in the review process for the three apprenticeship standards in transition from EPA to AAP should contact: [email protected]
