AAT’s new apprenticeship assessments, designed with you in mind

How we’ve changed up our assessments to benefit apprentices and employers.

We’ve updated how we deliver our apprenticeship assessments. The new approach makes for faster, flexible apprentice progression that meets changing employer needs. The reformed assessments give apprentices better opportunities to demonstrate their workplace experience, achievements and development.

How the new apprenticeship assessments work

Employers are now responsible for signing off behavioural competence, confirming that apprentices have demonstrated the required workplace behaviours. Meanwhile, trusted assessment organisations such as AAT remain responsible for developing assessment materials and maintaining assessment quality.

This clearer division of responsibilities and approach reduces duplication within the apprenticeship assessment journey and places greater emphasis on demonstrating occupational competence in the workplace. The result is a more relevant and streamlined assessment experience that better reflects real-world performance and the needs of employers.

Building on wider apprenticeship reforms

Skills England has made wider apprenticeship reforms. Our changes build on these, and include:

• faster results turnaround, including 24-hours at Level 4
• halved waiting times from four to two weeks for professional discussion results across Levels 2 and 3
• reduced reliance on ‘on the spot’ questioning and enhanced preparation materials to better reflect the work environment
• broader discussion themes to directly draw on real workplace experience
• flexible pathway options to match employer needs and build the right behaviours.

Guiding the government’s changes

We’re consulting with a wide range of stakeholders as we react to the government reforms changing apprenticeship delivery. We’ve consulted with colleges, independent training providers, employers and apprentices to design new apprenticeship assessment routes. Together, we’ve addressed key needs for employers, students and providers by balancing faster progression, real-world application and robust standards.

AAT’s also worked closely with Skills England on the detail underpinning apprenticeship reforms. Plus, we’re representing business needs, championing high-quality assessment standards as part of the Level 2 – 4 Group of Persons.

Addressing youth unemployment and the skills gap

AAT is determined to address high youth unemployment and challenges in the employment market. Our new approach develops work-ready finance talent and helps employers get qualified talent into their businesses.

We play a leading role in developing work-ready finance talent. Of students completing finance accounting apprenticeships in England (up to Advanced level), 81% did so through AAT.

Rachel Staples, Product Director at AAT, said “AAT’s new Apprenticeship Assessments deliver on the government’s ambition to make apprenticeships simpler and more flexible without lowering the quality. Our new approach means qualifications and assessments work seamlessly together, creating a smoother experience for students, employers and providers.

“We’ve drawn on AAT’s 45 years of experience in qualifications and our deep reach across the sector in developing this new approach to apprenticeship assessment. Through our approach, we’re able to open more opportunities for people to demonstrate real world ready skills and evolving workplace demands.”

Cat Hall is Content Specialist at AAT.