BDATS - EPA Work Based Project AE1

Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton, SO14 0YN End Point Assessor Organisation (EPAO) ID: EPA0325

Software Engineer The primary role of the Software Engineer is to undertake all requirements during the solution development life cycle from gathering requirements to analysis, design, code, build, test, implementation and support. They may also be required to supervise the work of junior software developers and others who may be working on elements of the solution and work with product managers and UX designers in implementing solutions. They will apply software engineering principles to all stages of the solution life cycle, from gathering requirements, undertaking analysis and design, development of code and data requirements whilst also ensuring security feature are addressed. As well as creating new code, they can support existing code by troubleshooting, reverse engineering and conducting root cause analysis. They typically work as part of a large collaborative team and will have responsibility for significant elements of software solutions. Software Engineer Apprenticeship (ST0119 v1.2) 2023

Overview

A project involves the apprentice completing a significant and defined piece of work that has a real business application and benefit.

A Digital and Technology Solutions Project may take years, and not all projects experience a full life cycle, sometimes being abandoned for cost reasons or change of business strategy. A Digital Technology Solutions Professional may be one of a multidisciplined team and therefore may not control the timescale of the project.

Therefore, a project (or part project) cannot be designed or delayed to-fit into the EPA timescale nor the specification of the EPAO as results can range from successful new recommendations on process, product or decommission. This cannot be predicted.

The project must give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)mapped to this assessment method.

The project must meet the needs of the employer’s business and be relevant to the apprentice’s occupation and apprenticeship. The EPAO must confirm that it provides the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade. The EPAO must refer to the grading descriptors to ensure that projects are pitched appropriately.

Download Project Report with Presentation, Q&A - EPA 1 - AE1 Overview Document

Project Proposal

You only need to complete & submit your Work-based Proposal in COM628. You will submit the 6,000-word report during the EPA period, in COM627 which takes place in the final three months of your apprenticeship.

The project may be undertaken pre-gateway, however, the Project Report must be completed after the apprentice has gone through the gateway and in the EPA period (3 months approx.)

The apprentice will scope out and provide a summary of what the project will cover and will submit this at the gateway. This should demonstrate that the work-based project report will provide sufficient opportunity for the apprentice to meet the KSBs mapped to this method. The summary is not formally assessed and will typically be no longer than 500 words. The project proposal needs to include a summary of the project plan, research requirements, an overview of how the project will be planned to include timeframes

How to fill-in and structure the Proposal Template This walk-though focuses on the Software Engineering pathway to illustrate what is required. If you are on a different pathway, simply download and follow the appropriate proposal template example for your route.

Downloads

Download, fill in & upload temple on the Assessment Page	Use this example to help complete your Proposal Template
Project Proposal AE1 Template (Software)	Project Proposal AE1 Example (Software)

DTS EPA AE1 - Overview

REMEMBER: You only need to complete & submit your Work-based Proposal in COM628. You will submit the 6,000-word report during the EPA period, in COM627 which takes place in the final three months of your apprenticeship.

This assessment method has 2 components:

Project with report
Presentation with questions and answers

The apprentice’s project can be based on any of the following:

a specific problem
a recurring issue
an idea or opportunity

Project Report Themes and KSBs

This table outlines the four EPA themes that must be applied in the EPA assessment for the Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship. These themes: Underlying Principles, Technical Solutions, Innovation and Response, and Legal, Ethics & Landscape are mapped to the Project Report and Presentation, and each includes a practical summary in the right column to applying relevant Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs). Theme A focuses on strategic decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and project planning. Theme B covers the delivery and technical execution of digital solutions. Theme C highlights innovation, problem-solving, and proposing suitable digital approaches. Theme D ensures that legal, ethical, and secure practices are considered throughout the project. Together, these themes provide a structured framework for demonstrating competence across the apprenticeship standard.
SE_Themes_DTS

KSBs Assessed via Project Report with Presentation, Questions & Answers

These are KSB learning outcomes that will need to be mapped to in this assessment for full details on KSB Professional Discussion assessment (Appendix A)

Note: The documentation within the standard also refers to pathway learning outcomes using different codes; however, these are equivalent to the ones listed below. The following is a consolidated list of the main knowledge and skills outcomes, along with their corresponding pathway learning outcome codes as presented in the standard documentation.

K25 (SEK5), K26 (SEK6), K27 (SEK7) S16 (SES1), S17 (SES2), S18 (SES3), S19 (SES4), S22 (SES7)

KSBs Assessed via Project Report with Presentation, Questions & Answers (AE1)

This is the first of two EPA assessment elements, and it has its own grading rubric (Appendix B). You’ll receive a grade of Distinction, Pass or Fail for each element, which will contribute to your overall result as shown in the column on the right. A numeric score will also be given for both assessments, and these will be used to calculate your overall degree average and classification in line with university guidelines.

Project Report Component 1

The practical side of the project may be carried out before the Gateway. However, the project report must be completed after the apprentice has passed through the Gateway within the End Point Assessment (EPA). The completed report must be submitted before the end of week 12 of the EPA period (see brief for deadlines)

The apprentice must complete the project and produce all its components independently. They may work as part of a team, which could include technical support from internal or external sources. However, the project report must be written by the apprentice and reflect their own role and contribution.

When the report is submitted, both the apprentice and their employer must confirm that it is the apprentice’s own work.

The project report should tell the story of the apprentice’s work from start to finish. It begins with an introduction and sets out the scope of the project, including key performance indicators and how stakeholders were involved. It explains how the outcomes were planned and achieved, supported by a clear project plan. The report should also include any research carried out, the findings, and the final outcomes. It ends with recommendations and a conclusion that reflect the apprentice’s own learning and contribution.

Assessment Components

There are two components to this assessment method:

Project Report

Objective: Demonstrate the apprentice’s knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs).
Scope: Can be based on a specific problem, recurring issue, or opportunity.

Report Requirements:

Must be 6000 words (±10% tolerance).
Must include a KSB mapping appendix.
Must be independent work, even if part of a team.
Submitted by week 12 of the EPA period together with your slide deck for the Professional Discussion Underpinned by portfolio EPA AE2

Report Structure

Your report will be supported by a template that includes guidance notes for all the required sections. You will also have access to supporting documents on SOL to help you complete this part of the assessment, along with tutor support through group sessions and individual meetups.

Cover
Acknowledgements
Summary
Table of Contents
List of Figures
Introduction
Research
Requirements
Methods, Tools & Technology
Professional, Legal and Ethical issues
Project Management
Implementation
Project Outcomes & Results
Conclusions and Recommendations
Reference list
Appendices
Appendix A: Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours (KSBs) Mapping
Appendix B: Employer Reference
Appendix C: Apprenticeship Statement of Authenticity
Appendix D: AI Declaration Statement

Overview of required appendices

Appendix A: Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours (KSBs) Mapping Use the KSB tables to claim the appropriate knowledge skills and behaviours (KSBs) to address EPA assessment criteria and KSB mapping

Appendix B: Employer Reference The employer must write a reference about the apprentice’s performance in the workplace and how they’ve applied their knowledge, competencies and behaviours in the projects they’ve been given.

The intent of the employer reference is for you to support your apprentice by validating the evidence that they have submitted for end point assessment (EPA). Project Feedback and Overall Impressions (500 words max.)

Appendix C: Apprenticeship Statement of Authenticity This statement confirms that the work submitted as part of the apprenticeship programme is the original work of the apprentice named below. It has been completed in accordance with the guidelines and expectations of the programme and reflects the apprentice’s own efforts and understanding.

Appendix D: AI Declaration Statement This statement confirms that AI tools were used appropriately in line with Southampton Solent University’s AI and AI and academic integrity policy

Strategies for Demonstrating Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours

The project must meet the needs of the employer’s business and be relevant to the apprentice’s occupation and apprenticeship.
Speak and Write in First Person- Always focus on your individual contributions use “I” not “we” to clearly show your personal contribution. Even in team projects, emphasise your role and decisions Examples: “I volunteered to…”, “I conducted research that informed the decision…”
Be Explicit for the Assessor - Don’t assume they know your workplace or role. Spell out exactly what you did to meet the KSBs. Anything left unsaid won’t be assessed.
Mirror the Assessment Plan Language - Adopt phrases directly from the guidance (e.g. “I demonstrated my ability to…”) to make it clear how you’ve met specific criteria.
Reflect on the What and the Why - For each example, clearly explain what you did and why you did it. Generic statements are insufficient.
Use Key Phrases to Show Depth - Clearly explain decisions, reasoning, and outcomes, not just the task done. Focus your language around “what” and “why”, such as “I analysed, I evaluated, I implemented… because…” to enhance clarity and impact.
Add Depth for Distinction - To achieve higher grades, go beyond what you did and reflect on outcomes, emphasise initiative, problem-solving, and measurable results, lessons learned, and how you would refine or improve further. Demonstrate insight into future application and organisational influence.
Evidence Best Practices

Use visual evidence (screenshots, dashboards, visuals) wherever possible
Ensure all images are captioned and relate clearly to your narrative.

Apply GDPR-compliant techniques:

Redact sensitive data.
Anonymise names, addresses, IDs.
Normalise data to show trends without revealing exact figures.

Demonstrating Competency

Justify your decisions: e.g., why a tool was chosen or why certain data was excluded.

What NOT to Include

Names of others — use initials or job titles.
Negative remarks or personal commentary.
Content not directly relevant to demonstrating your professional competency.

Summary

Strategy	What to do
First person	Emphasise your actions and contributions
Explicit detail	Explain exactly what you did and why
Mirror plan language	Use phrasing from the assessment plan
Legal & Professional	Address all relevant Legal & Professional issues
Reflect deeply	Show insight on decisions and outcomes

Presentation, Questions & Answers Component 2

In the presentation with questions the apprentice delivers a presentation of their project lifecycle based on the project report to an independent assessor. The apprentice must prepare and submit their presentation slides at the same time as the Project Report no later than week 12 of the EPA period.

The apprentice must deliver their presentation to the independent assessor on a one-to-one basis must cover:

an overview of the project
the project scope (including key performance indicators)
summary of actions undertaken by the apprentice
project outcomes and how these were achieved

Apprentices will be given at least 14 days’ notice of the Presentation with Questions Assessment.

Themes: Questions will explore:

Underlying Principles
Technical Solutions
Innovation & Response
Legal, Ethics & Landscape

Strategies for Demonstrating Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours

The independent assessor will ask questions following the presentation. This gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) mapped to this assessment method.

The purpose of the questions is to explore and verify the apprentice’s understanding of their project area in relation to the apprenticeship standard.

When answering questions and taking part in discussions with the Assessor, the Apprentice should use the same approach as they did when writing their report. This includes the style used in the Professional Discussion in EPA AE2 and is explained in the section above on Strategies for Demonstrating Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours.

Assessment Structure

The presentation and questions assessment will:

Take place online
Last 60 minutes*
Include a presentation of 30 minutes
Include questioning by the independent assessor (at least 4 questions)
Include 30 minutes of questioning
Include closure: opportunity for final reflections or clarifications

* The independent assessor can increase the total time of the presentation and questioning by up to 10%.
This allows the apprentice to complete their final point or respond fully to a question if necessary.

Delivery and Preparation

The assessment is conducted remotely via video call.

Apprentices should:

Book or be in a quiet, private room
Use a computer with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection
Have slides prepared and their report available for reference

Appendix A The following tables will appear in Appendix A of the Report Template. Use them to claim the assessment Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs), ensuring good coverage and alignment with the relevant themes. Remember, you will also be mapping (tagging) these within the main body of your report, for example:
[K5 S5 S6]

Software Engineering - KSB mapping to EPA Assessment Methods (Knowledge)

Appendix A

The following tables will appear in Appendix A of the Report Template. Use them to claim the assessment Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs), ensuring good coverage and alignment with the relevant themes.

Remember, you will also be mapping (tagging) these within the main body of your report, for example:
[K5 S5 S6]

Software Engineering – KSB Mapping to EPA Assessment Methods (Knowledge)

KSB #	Area	Theme	Knowledge
K1	Core	Theme A: Underlying Principles	How organisations adapt and exploit digital technology solutions to gain a competitive advantage.
K2	Core	Theme A: Underlying Principles	Principles of strategic decision making for acquiring or developing digital and technology solutions (e.g. capability models, target operating models).
K3	Core	Theme A: Underlying Principles	Principles of estimating risks and opportunities of digital and technology solutions.
K4	Core	Theme A: Underlying Principles	Techniques for creating a business case (e.g. journey mapping, product mapping, value chains).
K5	Core	Theme B: Technical Solutions	A range of digital technology solution development techniques and tools.
K15	Core	Theme A: Underlying Principles	Principles of estimating cost, time, and resource constraints.
K17	Core	Theme A: Underlying Principles	Reporting techniques, including synthesising and presenting information concisely.
K18	Core	Theme A: Underlying Principles	Justification of research and evaluation methods used to select solutions.
K25	Software Engineering	Theme B: Technical Solutions	Factors affecting product quality (e.g. security, code quality, standards).
K26	Software Engineering	Theme B: Technical Solutions	Selection and application of software engineering tools.
K27	Software Engineering	Theme B: Technical Solutions	Interpretation and use of artefacts (e.g. UML, unit tests, architecture).

Software Engineering – KSB Mapping to EPA Assessment Methods (Skills)

KSB #	Area	Theme	Skill
S1	Core	Theme C: Innovation and Response	Analyse a business problem to identify the role of digital and technology solutions.
S2	Core	Theme A: Underlying Principles	Identify risks, mitigation strategies, and improvement opportunities.
S3	Core	Theme D: Legal, Ethics & Landscape	Analyse a business problem to specify an appropriate solution.
S5	Core	Theme B: Technical Solutions	Apply standard processes, methods, and tools (e.g. Agile, Waterfall, ISO).
S6	Core	Theme B: Technical Solutions	Manage projects, resolve deviations, apply project management methodologies.
S13	Core	Theme A: Underlying Principles	Report effectively to stakeholders using appropriate language and style.
S14	Core	Theme A: Underlying Principles	Research and evaluate innovative technologies or approaches.
S16	Software Engineering	Theme C: Innovation and Response	Identify and define non-routine software engineering problems.
S17	Software Engineering	Theme C: Innovation and Response	Recommend appropriate software engineering solutions.
S18	Software Engineering	Theme C: Innovation and Response	Use appropriate analysis methods to meet requirements.
S19	Software Engineering	Theme C: Innovation and Response	Implement software engineering projects using suitable methods.
S22	Software Engineering	Theme C: Innovation and Response	Evaluate learning points and produce recommendations for future improvements.

Software Engineering – KSB Mapping to EPA Assessment Methods (Behaviours)

KSB #	Area	Theme	Behaviour
B3	Core	Theme D: Legal, Ethics & Landscape	Acts with integrity, ensuring ethical, legal, and regulatory compliance including data protection and security.
B5	Core	Theme A: Underlying Principles	interacts professionally with people from technical and non-technical backgrounds. Presents data and conclusions in an evidently truthful, concise and appropriate manner.

Appendix B

Grading - Project Report with Presentation, Questions & Answers This grading rubric applies to the Project Report with Presentation, Questions & Answers assessment

Your Project Report will be submitted at the end of the EPA period together with the slide deck to be use in Presentation, Questions & Answers assessment

It is essential that:

Your Reporting aligns directly with the specified KSBs.

You are prepared to expand on and clarify how your work demonstrates these KSBs during the discussion.
This ensures that assessors can confidently evaluate your competence against both Pass and Distinction criteria.

KSB Assessment Criteria Mapping

Theme	KSBs	Pass (All must be demonstrated)	Distinction (All pass + distinction required)
Core – The Organisational Context (Theme A: Underlying Principles)	K1 K2	Identifies the role digital technology solutions play in gaining a competitive advantage (K1). Explains principles of strategic decision making for acquiring/developing solutions (K2).	N/A
Core – Project Evaluation (Theme A: Underlying Principles)	K17 K18 S13 B5	Justifies methods of research and evaluation used to select solutions (K18). Presents project overview effectively to stakeholders (K17, S13, B5).	Compares and contrasts chosen solution with alternatives from research (K18, S13).
Core – Project Planning and Resources (Theme A: Underlying Principles)	K3 K4 K15 S2 S14	Produces a project plan with risk estimation and mitigation (K3, S2). Evaluates business case techniques (K4). Applies cost/time estimation (K15). Researches and evaluates innovative technologies (S14).	N/A
Core – Project Delivery (Theme B: Technical Solutions)	K5 S5 S6	Analyses the business problem underpinning the proposal (K5, S5). Manages project delivery (S6).	Justifies selection and use of standard processes and methods (K5, S5).
Software Engineer – Technical Solutions (Theme B: Technical Solutions)	K25 K26 K27	Analyses factors affecting product quality (K25). Selects and applies appropriate tools (K26). Outlines approach to artefacts (K27).	Evaluates impact of quality control approaches (K25).
Core – Solution Proposal (Theme C: Innovation and Response)	S1	Analyses business problem to identify role of digital solutions (S1).	Justifies choice of digital technology solutions (S1).
Software Engineer – Innovation and Response (Theme C: Innovation and Response)	S16 S17 S18 S19 S22	Defines non-routine problem (S16). Recommends appropriate solution (S17). Applies analysis methods (S18). Implements solution (S19). Evaluates outcomes and lessons learned (S22).	Evaluates solution choice (S17). Justifies analysis methods (S18). Compares implementation with alternatives (S22).
Core Project Requirements (Theme D Legal, Ethics & Landscape)	S3 B3	Analyses relevant evidence to produce a proposal for a digital and technology-based project in line with legal, ethical and regulatory requirements whilst ensuring the protection of personal data, safety and security (S3, B3)	N/A

Appendix C

Project Report with Presentation, Questions & Answers Mapping Blocks

KSB mapping blocks are tools to help you align your reporting with the specific Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) required by the assessment criteria. You don’t need to include them in your report, as you’ll ‘claim’ these in Appendix A – KSB Mapping to EPA Assessment. However, they will help you visualise the Themes, KSBs, and criteria, making sure your report clearly shows how it meets the relevant standards.