iPET Network Training Provider information
Leading the way:
iPET Network is an Awarding Organisation regulated by Ofqual, CCEA Regulation and Qualifications Wales specialising in qualifications in the Animal Care and Veterinary Science sector. iPET Network is unique in it’s approach, being a sector specific Awarding Organisation and are constantly developing NEW Animal Care and Veterinary Science qualifications in the industry.
iPET Network were the first End-Point Assessment Organisation approved to deliver the Dog Grooming Apprenticeship Standard in September 2021, we are building our catalogue of apprenticeship standards that we are approved to offer, the approved standards can be found on the End Point Organisation tab.
At iPET Network we understand new Apprenticeship Standards can be difficult to understand when launched. Following our experience of creating qualifications and strategies around the quality assurance we understand there need to provide guidance and support to Training Providers right from the start to ensure the Employer and Apprentices achieve their goals.
We have a dedicated EPA team to help you along the way and we will also actively work with your Employers and Apprentices to make sure your End-Point Assessment experience is problem-free.
How Does EPA Work?
End-Point Assessment is made up of a number of assessment components which the apprentice must pass in order to complete their apprenticeship. Depending on the apprenticeship standard, there are different components which they will need to pass which are designed to ensure apprentices meet and exceed all the required knowledge, behaviour and skill based criteria as set out in the standard.
We believe that Training Providers have a great and important part to play in an apprentice’s journey, nothing can happen without the Training Providers dedication to the learners ensuring that they are achieving realistic targets in the workplace, helping to manage their time and ensuring they are ready for the end-point assessment.
Price Flexibility
Before the apprenticeship begins, the Employer will negotiate fees with the Training Provider and find the best payment model to suit from an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). iPET Network fees for End-Point Assessment are fully transparent, they must be paid when the apprentice is registered on ACE360 and they enter the Gateway (refer to costing per standard). All fees must be paid prior to the end point assessment taking place.
In additional there are:
-No annual membership;
-No minimum apprenticeship registrations required
-No extra fees when adding additional standards
-No hidden fees for EQA
-Transparent component assessment re-sit fees
-Unlimited Qualifications
Support
Employers and Training Providers will have a dedicated EPA Manager and team which will provide ongoing support. The team will coordinate all End-Point Assessment activities and act as the main point of contact.
Some EPA assessments are required to be completed at a specific location, such as Practical Observations are to be undertaken at an Apprentice’s place of work. Others such as Professional Discussions and Knowledge tests can be undertaken in an approved location.
iPET Network has a number of approved test centres that you will be able to book through our EPA software system. iPET Network can also verify whether the Employer or Training Provider premises are suitable for testing.
Support packages tailored by iPET Network for each apprenticeship can be provided to the Apprentice, Employer and Training Provider. Every Apprentice will receive their own package that will guide them through the EPA process. They’ll include
Roadmaps of the planned apprenticeship journey;
-Checklists and sign-off sheets for required documentation;
-In-depth explanations of every stage of EPA and what is required of the apprentice;
-Self-assessment exercises;
-Employers receive their own support package mapping out the EPA journey, offering an overview of each assessment element and your role in supporting the apprentice.
-Training providers will also receive their own support packages
Certification
Upon completion of End-Point Assessment, iPET Network will submit relevant Apprentice information to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for certificates to be generated and dispatched. They will be sent to the Employer by recorded delivery from the ESFA.
For EPAO enquiries please contact us at epao@ipetnetwork.co.uk