Apprenticeship glossary

Apprenticeship standard

What does Apprenticeship standard mean?

In England, the official description of what an apprentice in a particular job needs to know and be able to do, which the training and the end-point assessment are based on.

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Guide Apprenticeships in England Who can apply, the levels from foundation to degree, the new foundation apprenticeships for 16 to 21 year olds, pay, assessment and how many people start one in England each year. Applies to: England
EHC plan
An education, health and care plan, for young people in England with special educational needs. Some age limits are relaxed if you have one: foundation apprenticeships, for example, are open to 22 to 24 year olds with an EHC plan.
Apprentice
Someone doing an apprenticeship: an employee who is paid to work and train towards a recognised qualification at the same time.
End-point assessment (EPA)
In England, the independent assessment at the end of an apprenticeship that checks you can do the job. It uses at least two methods, such as a practical test, a project or an interview.
Skills England
The body in England that looks after apprenticeship standards and assessment plans, and runs a searchable list of apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships NI
Northern Ireland's programme for Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships, open to anyone 16 or over who has a job or an employer willing to take them on.
Apprenticeships.scot
Scotland's official apprenticeships website, run by Skills Development Scotland, with information on Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships.

Definitions are our own plain-English summaries. Where we give figures, they come from the official sources listed on the linked guide or profile. Rules can change, so check the official source before you make decisions.