Being an Independent End Point Assessor (IEPA) for iPET Network
End Point Assessment, what is it all about?
End Point Assessors (EPA’s) are essentially a bunch of professional assessors who roam the country, independently assessing students who are completing their apprenticeships. They are sometimes referred to as IEPA’s too (Independent End Point Assessors).
They have “served their time” in a role, within the sector they assess, and they have the experience, the mileage (no offense meant!) and the skills to assess.
Since 2022 I have been an EPA and I have to say, I love it! I get to travel the length and breadth of the country meeting some very cool young people who are starting out in their careers. I assess Equine Grooms, Dog Grooming and Animal Care Students across Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships, and never are two days the same. The sense of job satisfaction is huge too. I really feel like I am putting something back into the pet industry and helping to make it a better place for the animals in it. Being a carer of animals historically has not been considered a job worthy of qualification. Thankfully we now know and understand how crucial it is to have qualifications and standards. I see a direct correlation between qualifications and a positive effect on the welfare of animals.
Can you do an apprenticeship in Animal Care?
There is a lack of awareness around the range of apprenticeships that are available, I think my personal favourite is the Apprenticeship in Animal Care. It is attainable and applicable to “real world” working, it gets my vote! The rise in the use of doggy day care, dog walkers and dog sitters has increased the need for staff who can fulfill the role of Animal Carer, and the apprenticeships are accessible and relevant, and it gives the student a solid foundation to build on.
What qualifications do you need to be an Animal Carer?
It depends, is the short answer! The wide expanse of roles within the sector means a variety of working routes can be chosen, the apprenticeships are flexible enough to cater for that. The pathways include interaction and handling, movement and transport, operational and reception duties, rehoming, breeding, working dog handler, wildlife rehabilitation and veterinary care. The different roles require a slightly different skill set and the Animal Care Apprenticeship is a great place to start!
How to become an EPA
I was already a training provider for iPET Network when I began my EPA journey, and it seemed like a natural progression. I was already teaching and marking the work of my students, independent assessment was the next step for me. However, the onboarding process must be completed with due diligence and the process involved applications and interviews to ensure I met the criteria.
iPET Network are a professional and efficient team to work with, they make the “admin” side of the processes as seamless as possible and are always on hand to assist with any questions or queries I had in the early days. They provided me with all the information, templated documents, and online support I could possibly have needed, and they do their utmost to answer my enquiries. If you are considering developing into the role, then reach out to iPET Network!
My EPA adventures over the next few weeks will take me to Canterbury, Cheshire, Knightsbridge, Hull and Nottingham and I know I will be meeting with inspiring young people who are as passionate about animals and their care as me. I will also get to meet lots of lovely dogs and horses along the way… I love my job!
Written by Rebecca Walters of Pupstarts, a proud iPET Network Training Provider and End Point Assessor. Find out more about Rebecca at Pupstarts Breeders | Dog Breeding Courses | About
To find out more about becoming an iPET Network IEPA visit iPET Network: International Pet Education and Training Network | End-Point Assessment Organisation