Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what alternative arrangements he plans to put in place for the assessment of Level 2 apprentices on practical-based courses.

We are committed to supporting apprentices and employers to safely continue with, and complete, their programmes during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Following the announcement of a new national lockdown on 4 January 2021, training and assessment for apprentices at all levels should now take place remotely wherever possible.

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education has introduced alternative arrangements for end-point assessments, including remote assessment where practical, 12-week extensions to the time limit for completion, and relaxation of the order in which elements can be taken. All assessment flexibilities and discretions put in place due to COVID-19 will be extended until at least 31 August 2021.

To enable apprentices nearing completion to prepare for and undertake their end-point assessments, which were due in January 2021 or are planned for February or March 2021, face-to-face and practical-based training can continue where remote training is not possible.

End-point assessment and Functional Skills assessments can continue in colleges, training providers’ premises, assessment venues and workplaces where it cannot be conducted remotely and where providers and end-point assessment organisations judge it right to do so. End-point assessment is a key element of our reforms to enhance the quality of apprenticeships, ensuring apprentices are occupationally competent.

Where it is not possible for the apprentice to undertake their assessment, a break in learning can be agreed. Further guidance can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957704/Providing_apprenticeships_during_the_coronavirus__COVID-19__outbreak.pdf.