How should providers assess prior learning in apprenticeships? Advice from DfE

Training providers must take steps to recognise apprentices' prior learning, to avoid duplication and comply with DfE funding rules. 

But an 80-page report from the Department for Education (DfE) showed there's huge variation in how providers are responding. Some providers had conducted in-depth skills assessments, some had applied a 'light-touch' approach - and a minority hadn't carry out any assessment of prior learning. 

The Department interviewed 30 levy-paying employers, 25 apprenticeship providers and 25 apprentices to identify the main challenges associated with prior learning assessments and recommend best practice solutions. 

CHALLENGES

Assessing vocational knowledge, skills and behaviour

Most providers reported that prior learning assessments are expensive. Each one requires an up-front investment of time and money - and the candidate might not go on to enrol in an apprenticeship. Some providers said that it's common for assessments to take several hours, with multiple visits per candidate - which is a huge financial loss if the candidate is then found to be ineligible for the apprenticeship. 

'The skills scan takes about four, four and a half hours, and we get around 25-30% of applicants not being eligible. That's a lot of investment for us.' - Training Provider 

Cost and time

Most providers reported that prior learning assessments are expensive. They require an up-front investment of time and money in a candidate who then may not go on to enrol in an apprenticeship. Some providers stated that assessments commonly take several hours and multiple visits per candidate, which is a huge financial loss if the candidate is then found to be ineligible for the apprenticeship.

'The skills scan takes about four, four and a half hours, and we get around 25-30% of applicants not being eligiable. That's a lot of investment for us.' - Provider

Adapting apprenticeship cost and content

There were signs that providers aren't always tailoring course content in line with each apprentice's prior learning: 

'Although most providers confirmed that they had made adaptations to account for prior learning, the majority of apprentices and employers were not aware of any adaptations made to their apprenticeship.' - DfE 

This is concerning because providers must negotiate the price of training with the employer to comply with funding rules. In addition, Ofsted guidance says that the content and duration of programmes must be tailored according to each learner's prior learning. 

Most providers said that different teams deliver programme adjustments and negotiations on price, so adaptations aren't always reflected in the cost. 

RECOMMENDATIONS AND BEST PRACTICE

Specialist assessors

Providers and employers believe that specialist assessors are more likely to understand whether an apprentice has prior learning in the subject area. These specialists are able to ask the right questions, understand the job role, and tailor the content of the apprenticeship accordingly. 

Correct and consistent approach

Providers should use the same approach to assess prior learning for all learners on each apprenticeship standard. Assessments should focus on competencies and behaviours (not just qualifications and certifications) and be checked by the employer. 

'A detailed and robust assessment that focuses on knowledge, skills and behaviours, including a skills scan, will produce a more in-depth account of an apprentice's prior learning.' - DfE 

Effective and efficient skills scans

It's important to plan prior learning assessments to minimise the chance of investing time and effort in unsuitable candidates.  

One way to do this is to use a remote skills scan, which will reduce the number of visits needed to complete the assessment. This increases efficiency and reduces wasted time and cost if a candidate is unsuccessful. 

'There is software available that would enable providers to streamline the skills scan processes and reduce the amount of time taken to complete a robust assessment.' - DfE 

Aligning apprenticeship cost and content

It makes sense to complete prior learning assessments and negotiate costs in a joined-up way. Then, providers can assign a cost of delivery to each module or unit in the standard, and understand the cost impact of reducing content, so they're best-placed to negotiate a fair price with the employer. 

Or for an easier life, you could just use Onefile's RPL Funding Calculator to streamline your entire pre-enrolment process. This is your way to create a robust skills scan that focuses on the knowledge, skills and behaviours in each standard - and account for previous qualifications. Candidates can complete their assessment and upload RPL evidence remotely, reducing the financial implications if they're not eligible for the programme. 

You can also set up a funding calculator to include the delivery cost and duration of each module in the apprenticeship standard. When each candidate completes their skills scan, the programme cost and duration is automatically adjusted according their prior learning. 

Our all-in-one process is consistent, cost-effective and compliant. 

To find out more about the RPL Funding Calculator, click here and book a discovery call to speak to an expert.