National EPA (NEPA) Named Finalist for EPA Organisation of the Year at FAB 2025 Awards

National EPA (NEPA) has been named a finalist in the End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) of the Year – SME category at the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) 2023 Qualifications and Assessment Excellence Awards.

This recognition highlights the organisation’s continued focus on delivering high-quality end-point assessment and supporting training providers, employers, and apprentices across the sector.

Recognising Excellence Across the Assessment Sector

The FAB Qualifications and Assessment Excellence Awards celebrate the contribution of awarding and assessment organisations across the UK, recognising excellence, innovation, and impact within education and skills.

Commenting on this year’s awards, Federation of Awarding Bodies Chief Executive, Tom Bewick, said:

“These annual industry awards recognise extraordinary excellence in the end-point assessment of apprentices. The EPA market has matured significantly since 2017. Thanks to reforms which FAB called for in external quality assurance (EQA), we are now at the end of a transition period where the majority of EPAOs operate in a statutory-led regulated environment. Changes that pave the way for greater public confidence in the apprenticeship system. These awards represent the sector’s commitment to training quality by ensuring every apprentice is assessed against workplace proficiency and competence, regardless of the occupation or where the apprentice or employer in England is based.”

The continued development of the EPA market reflects a growing emphasis on consistency, quality, and trust in apprenticeship assessment.

Finalist for EPA Organisation of the Year (SME)

National EPA (NEPA) has been shortlisted in the End-Point Assessment Organisation of the Year – SME category.

Reflecting on the announcement, Managing Director Ashley Robertson said:

“I am extremely proud of what National EPA has been able to achieve, since its launch and Ofqual approval in October 2021. The team strives to deliver an Effective, Proactive and Approachable End-Point Assessment Service. The announcement we are a finalist for Best Collaboration To Deliver EPA Services amongst larger established AOs is a recognition of the dedication of all our team”

Being named as a finalist is a significant achievement and reflects the collective effort across teams, partners, and stakeholders involved in delivering effective end-point assessment services.

What the EPA Organisation of the Year Award Represents

The EPA Organisation of the Year award recognises organisations that go beyond simply delivering assessment.

It highlights:

• a commitment to high-quality, compliant assessment delivery

• strong and effective relationships with training providers and employers

• the ability to adapt to a changing apprenticeship landscape

• a continued focus on learner outcomes and success

These are key considerations for training providers when selecting an EPAO, as they directly influence both the apprentice experience and the reliability of assessment delivery.

What This Means for Training Providers

Recognition at an industry level offers reassurance to training providers working with end-point assessment organisations.

Being shortlisted for a national award indicates:

• consistency and reliability in assessment delivery

• a strong understanding of apprenticeship standards

• a commitment to supporting both learners and providers throughout the EPA journey

For providers preparing apprentices for end-point assessment, working with an organisation that has demonstrated sector recognition can provide additional confidence when planning delivery and supporting learners through to completion.

Looking Ahead to the Awards

The winners will be announced at the FAB Awards ceremony later this year, bringing together organisations from across the sector to celebrate achievement in qualifications and assessment.

Being named as a finalist represents an important milestone and reflects the ongoing development and strengthening of apprenticeship assessment across the UK.