Strengthening the Apprenticeship Journey Through a Trusted EPAO Partnership

Deliver a High-Quality End-Point Assessment Experience

At BMS Progress, we want to ensure that every apprentice experiences an end-point assessment (EPA) process that matches the quality of training delivered throughout their programme. EPA needs to feel like a natural and supportive conclusion to the learner journey, not a final hurdle.

Support Learners from Diverse Backgrounds

Across Level 3 Team Leader, Level 5 Operations Manager, and Level 5 Coaching Professional apprenticeships, learners come from a wide range of sectors, roles, and levels of experience. The objective is to maintain high standards while recognising individuality.

Maintain Strong Outcomes and Timely Completions

With employers relying on apprentices to progress and apply learning in the workplace, it is essential to achieve high pass rates, timely completions, and consistent assessment standards.

Build Employer Confidence

We want employers to feel confident that their apprentices are being independently assessed through a fair, robust, and credible process that genuinely reflects workplace competence.

A Collaborative EPA Partnership

Since 2021, we have partnered with DSW as our End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), working closely together to align assessment with the learner journey and delivery model. Regular communication and shared planning ensure a seamless experience for learners, employers, and our coaching team.

“As a provider, their communication is exceptional, their Curriculum Team regularly connect with the DSW Assessment Products team and linking their Compliance team with our Operations Executives daily, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.” – Chelsey Cottrill, Sales Team Leader, DSW

Clear, Accessible Preparation

DSW provides structured EPA toolkits and pre-assessment walkthroughs, giving learners clarity on what to expect and how to prepare. This removes uncertainty and allows learners to focus on demonstrating their knowledge, skills, and behaviours with confidence.

“The material provided by DSW to prepare for the end-point assessment was extremely helpful, particularly the mock tests and the guidance pack, so I arrived at the EPA exams without feeling too stressed, as I was confident about what I would face. The assessment went smoothly according to the mock and was very simple to manage.” – Level 5 Coaching Professional learner

Learner-Centred Support and Reasonable Adjustments

Ahead of gateway, DSW works closely with our Development Coaches to identify and implement reasonable adjustments where required. This ensures assessment is inclusive and every learner has the best possible opportunity to succeed.

“Regular account calls allow us to identify and address potential challenges early, so we can collaborate to create practical, learner-centred EPA solutions, whether that means developing new resources or expediting an EPA.” – Chelsey Cottrill, Sales Team Leader, DSW

Efficient Systems with a Human Touch

Using the epaPRO platform, learners are registered, evidence is uploaded, and progress through EPA is clearly tracked. Learners also have the opportunity to meet with their assessor ahead of assessment dates, helping to ease nerves and clarify any last questions.

“DSW’s assessors were approachable and put me at ease, so I could perform without pressure.” - Level 5 Coaching Professional learner

Confident, Well-Prepared Learners

Learners consistently report feeling reassured and prepared throughout the EPA process. Early engagement, clear guidance, and assessor planning meetings help reduce anxiety and allow learners to focus on performing at their best.

“Every BMS Progress learner is well prepared, knows exactly what to expect at assessment, and achieves successful outcomes. We look forward to continuing this partnership and watching these learners flourish, upskill, and make a real impact within their employer organisations.” – Chelsey Cottrill, Sales Team Leader, DSW

Strong Achievement Rates and High Standards

The strength of the apprenticeship journey is reflected in consistently high outcomes across programmes

• 50% distinction rate on the Level 3 Team Leader Supervisor apprenticeship
• 59% distinction rate on the Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship
• 63% distinction rate on the Level 5 Coaching Professional apprenticeship

These results demonstrate both the quality of delivery and the effectiveness of a well-aligned, supportive EPA process.

“BMS Progress delivered an extremely character-building, transformative Level 5 Professional Coaching Apprenticeship experience for me. I’m noticeably more resilient and I’ve gained leadership techniques and communication skills that help me inspire people to clarify their own goals and take action. I finished feeling energised, achieved an overall distinction, and I now apply what I learned as second nature - a real mindset shift.” - Level 5 Coaching Professional learner

Credibility for Employers

Employers gain confidence knowing apprentices are assessed through a robust, independent process and are achieving strong outcomes against nationally recognised standards. This reinforces trust in the apprenticeship and its impact in the workplace.

A Seamless End-to-End Apprenticeship Experience

The partnership with DSW supports timely completions, clear communication, and consistent quality, ensuring apprentices finish their programmes feeling proud of their achievement and ready to progress.