Apprenticeship Standards
Apprenticeship Standards are designed by employers to reflect the real skills, knowledge and behaviours required for specific roles. They have replaced the old frameworks and focus on developing practical, job‑ready capability over the course of the apprenticeship. At the start of the programme, SIGTA works with you to agree the most appropriate standard and training plan, ensuring the apprenticeship is aligned to your business needs and the apprentice’s role.
Standards that meet the needs of Employers
Learning throughout the Apprenticeship
Learning takes place throughout the apprenticeship, with a final end point assessment confirming the apprentice can carry out their role to the required standard. This approach ensures apprentices not only gain recognised qualifications, but also develop transferable skills, confidence and real workplace competence.
How Apprenticeship Training is delivered
Depending on the role, training may include day release at SIGTA or a partner provider, alongside structured workplace learning and regular support from a SIGTA training officer. This combination ensures apprentices progress consistently while contributing effectively to your business.
Off the job training
Off‑the‑job training makes up 20% of an apprenticeship and must be planned, delivered and recorded. Employers and providers must work together to ensure compliance, even where there is no day release.
Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs)
These define the core requirements an apprentice must meet to be competent in their role.
They form the basis of the end point assessment and must be clearly mapped to workplace duties.
Employers and training providers work together to ensure apprentices develop and evidence each KSB throughout the programme before final assessment.
Assessment and Competence
To pass the apprenticeship, all KSBs must be achieved and evidenced.
Assessment is carried out by an independent end point assessor, who evaluates competence against the standard rather than job tasks alone.
Knowledge covers technical understanding, skills reflect practical application, and behaviours focus on mindset, professionalism and transferable qualities such as teamwork and problem solving.
End Point Assessment (EPA)
End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final stage of an apprenticeship, confirming that an apprentice can perform their role to the required standard.
- Apprentices must pass a ‘gateway’ stage, where the employer confirms they are ready for final assessment
- EPA is carried out by an independent assessor and organisation, separate from training delivery
- The assessment is usually graded, providing a clear measure of performance
- It tests practical competence, knowledge and skills in real‑world conditions
This ensures employers have clear evidence that the apprentice is fully capable in their role.
Engineering, Manufacturing and Business Apprenticeships
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- Technical Design
- Machining Technician
- Business Administration
- Healthcare Engineering Specialist Technician
- Mechatronics
- Facilities Maintenance
- Customer Service
- Technical Support
- Engineering Maintenance
- Engineering Fitter
