The EPA Uncovered Podcast

In this episode, Tom speaks with Isa Mutlib from the BAME Apprenticeship Alliance on how the BAME sector is revolutionising talent development and how traditional pathway and education options are been ripped apart by young people favouring the apprenticeship route.

In this episode, Tom talks with Jill Nichols from the IFATE, discussing the development of End Point Assessment plans, the move to Ofqual as a single External Quality Assurance body. And how the recent HGV driver crisis has been addressed by the Institute working with the government to support the sector.

 Exploring the construction, science and engineering sectors Jill discusses some of the best practices in the EPA space and where some of the best providers have embraced the development of curriculum based on EPA.

In this episode, Tom speaks with Simon Ashworth, regarded as the Funding Rule and compliance guru from ALEP. Tom and Simon explore the impact of End Point Assessment and how providers must constantly review and consider their compliance with the Apprenticeship Funding Rules.

Tom explores with Simon the "must do's" and where providers can strengthen their compliance and ensure success for their apprentices at EPA.

In this episode, Tom chats with Mark and Chris from Carlisle College on how they achieved their outstanding EPA result in their construction standards in 19/20.

Tom explores with Mark how they develop their curriculum to reflect advanced techniques and ensure that the apprentices were prepared in a robust and diligent manner. 

Chris discussed how the development and sharing of best practices across the NCG colleges have benefited their whole organisation.

Discussing how initial assessment is key to a successful EPA Tom and the guests explore skills tests and practical revisions.

In this episode, Tom speaks with Jeremy Barlow of the Education Skills Funding Agency, on what makes a great EPAO. Jeremy is the Senior Manager, Apprentice Assessment Delivery at Education and Skills Funding Agency and has worked for both an EPAO and Awarding Body.

Tom and Jeremy discuss the EFSA’s expectations of EPAOs and how the conditions for being on the register shape an organisation thinking. The episode also explores some of the best practices which the agency have seen from EPAOs and how providers can under better the role of the EPAO and provider to ensure apprentice success.

In this episode, Tom talks with Sharon Stainsby-Thompson, a Chartered Manager, FE and Skills Improvement Consultant, who provides Ofsted monitoring visit support.  Sharon has expertise in apprenticeship Policy, Curriculum and EPA writer, IEPA, experienced Board member and Trustee, BD and Safeguarding specialist

Accomplished English Teacher and literacy specialist. Proficient in strategic, performance and financial management including governance, bid writing, RoATP applications and all HR functions.

In the episode Tom, and Sharon explore what are the headline preparations a Provider can take in order to ensure their apprenticeship provision stands up to the rigour of Ofsted. 

How to Ofsted view End Point Assessment and what do HMI look for regarding EPA and what would be Sharon’s advice in the IAG process and onward progression 

In this episode, Tom chats with Jeanna Caldwell Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning Manager, Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning, Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development in Missouri.

Jeanna has been instrumental in leading the efforts to expand and modernise Missouri’s apprenticeship and work-based learning programs since November 2016. Jeanna has served as the connection point between Missouri’s apprenticeship stakeholders including the Missouri USDOL Office of Apprenticeship, Higher Education partners, Secondary Education partners, 

Local Workforce Development Boards, state agencies, and community partners. Jeanna has managed multiple projects including the State Apprenticeship Expansion grant (SAE2016 and SAE2020), and the Missouri Registered Apprenticeship Program (MORAP), and the Apprenticeship State Expansion (ASE). Apprenticeship Missouri, with the Office of Workforce Development, is committed to making post-secondary education accessible through inclusive work-based learning opportunities.

Tom and Jeanna, discusses the US system and what are the essential steps to develop programme and what the UK can learn from the US system, including where and how employers play a vital role in the development and delivery.

In this episode, Tom host a round table chat with Capita Learning and speaks with the on-programme tutor Lawrance, the IQA Fran and the Supplier Relationship Manager Jo, as they discuss how each of the guests operate in their role.

Tom digs down into the daily delivery of the apprenticeships with the tutor and IQA to find out the real “shop floor” story and gains first-hand insight into just how apprentices perform within apprenticeship standards and EPA.

Tom explores with the Supplier Relationship Manager, what it takes to ensure as a provider that your EPAOs are serving your needs and the needs of your employer including procurements, data and service level agreements.

In this episode, Tom talks with Lucy Barkas, Leadership Coach and author of “Leader X”

Exploring the various generations in the apprenticeship sector and how improved understanding can support the apprenticeship and EPA process.

Lucy discusses how, after a successful career in the energy industry understanding human behaviours, values and beliefs affects individual approaches and how to deal with the potential negative impact of EPA failure.

Lucy and Tom explore the mixture of generations, which make up inter-apprenticeship generations and how, for example, Baby Boomers and Gen Z may interact during an End Point Assessment.

Lucy discusses the “DISC” approach to building and understanding relationships, supporting individuals to diagnose the blocks and barriers, looking at some of the root cause of all in the workplace, which often boils down to behaviours and relationships.