It’s National Apprenticeship Week! As a leading End-Point Assessment Organisation, specialising in the protective services, we know first-hand how crucial apprenticeships are for developing a workforce with future-ready skills, particularly in practical public sector roles such as Operational Firefighter or Custody and Detention Professional.
2024 was a busy year for our End-Point Assessment team. Now approved to deliver the End-Point Assessments (EPAs) for 14 different apprenticeship standards, we’re proud to have supported 1,955 apprentices through their EPAs in 2024.
826
Custody and Detention Officer EPAs completed
687
Operational Firefighter EPAs completed
210
Emergency Contact Handler EPAs completed
Leading the EPA team at SFJ Awards, Kit Salt, Head of Assessment, says:
“At SFJ Awards we understand the importance of early engagement with employers, training providers and apprentices. The EPA team at SFJ Awards all have a background in apprenticeships and education, which means we understand the pressures and challenges that can happen with any apprenticeship programme.
“We pride ourselves on working collaboratively throughout the process, making the End-Point Assessment a positive experience for all apprentices. After all, successful EPA is more than just a final hurdle—it’s the proof of skill, the mark of competence, and the bridge between learning and real-world excellence.”
New apprenticeship standards
We’re always looking for ways to help the sectors we serve to improve their services and better protect the public. We do this by working in partnership with employers and training providers, supporting them to support their apprentices through the End-Point Assessment process. We know that ensuring apprentices are well prepared for EPA equals better levels of engagement. In turn, this leads to the best possible achievement rates supporting employers with developing a highly trained, competent, and effective workforce for the futures.
This year, we were approved to deliver the EPAs for 3 new apprenticeship standards:
And watch this space for more new standard approvals over the next few months!
Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support Worker
Launched in 2024, the new domestic and sexual abuse support worker apprenticeship standard brings professional recognition to those supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Through this award, we’re hoping to reinforce critical support within the third sector where organisations are working tirelessly to serve on the front lines every day.
With an estimated 2.1 million people affected by domestic abuse annually, this standard aligns with ongoing government efforts to embed essential domestic abuse support across public services. And, as experts in providing nationally recognised assessment services for the protective services workforce, SFJ Awards is proud to be part of this important work.
Find out moreFire Safety Advisor
In early 2024, SFJ Awards were approved to deliver the revised EPA for the fire safety advisor apprenticeship standard. Fire Safety Advisors work with businesses to help them keep people, premises, and the environment safe from fire by offering advice and education to reduce risk. The role contributes to the aims of saving life, preventing injury, enhancing business continuity, and protecting premises.
Find out moreFire Safety Inspector
We are now approved to deliver the EPA for the Fire Safety Inspector apprenticeship standard and are taking registrations from March 2025. This apprenticeship equips fire safety professionals with the skills to conduct fire risk assessments, ensure safety regulations are met, and protect both life and property. As experts in high-quality assessment services, we’re proud to play a role in supporting the future of fire safety professionals.
This apprenticeship enables a clear route into this profession, which is an essential part of fire and rescue services.
Find out moreIf you’re looking for an End-Point Assessment Organisation with a supportive, collaborative, and innovative approach, get in touch with our team today.
