EPA AE1 - Project Report Presentation with Questions and Answers Overview
The video below provides guidance for the apprentice on the first assessment element, which is the Work‑based Project Report and Presentation followed by a questions‑and‑answers (AE1)
Introduction to the EPA Assessor Training Guides
The Solent DTS EPA Assessor Training guides provide a complete framework for assessing apprentices undertaking Assessment Element 1 (AE1), the work-based project and report. The guides are intended to ensure that all assessors understand the purpose of the EPA, the evidence requirements, the assessment process, and the standards expected when determining apprentice competence.
At its core, the training reinforces that the EPA is not an academic assessment of a university project. Instead, it is a professional judgement of whether the apprentice can demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) required by the apprenticeship standard through real workplace practice and project delivery.
What AE1 Assesses
AE1 focuses on the apprentice’s ability to:
- Plan and deliver a substantial work-based project.
- Apply technical knowledge within a real organisational context.
- Demonstrate occupational competence against the apprenticeship standard.
- Present evidence that shows both the achievement of project outcomes and the development of required KSBs.
- Reflect on decisions, approaches, challenges and impacts arising from the project.
The assessor’s role is to review evidence, validate claims made by the apprentice, and determine whether competency has been demonstrated at the required level.
Key Components Covered in the Training
1. Project Proposal Sign-Off
Before the project begins, assessors review and approve the project proposal to ensure that:
- The project has sufficient scope and complexity.
- The work is appropriate for EPA assessment.
- Opportunities exist to demonstrate a broad range of KSBs.
- The project can generate valid evidence for assessment.
This stage provides quality assurance and helps prevent projects that are either too limited or insufficiently aligned to the apprenticeship standard.
2. Assessor Pack
The assessor pack acts as the central reference guide and contains:
- Assessment guidance.
- Assessment criteria.
- KSB mapping information.
- Standardisation materials.
- Assessment documentation.
- Grading guidance.
The pack supports consistency and reliability across all assessors.
3. AE1 Assessor Overview
The overview explains:
- The purpose of AE1.
- How evidence should be reviewed.
- The relationship between the project report and the KSB requirements.
- How assessors should make professional judgements.
- Expectations for recording evidence and rationale.
A strong emphasis is placed on evaluating evidence rather than accepting statements at face value. Apprentices must demonstrate competence through documented examples, explanations, outputs and outcomes.
4. Question Bank
The question bank supports assessors during professional discussions and questioning activities.
Questions are designed to:
- Clarify evidence.
- Explore decision-making.
- Test depth of understanding.
- Confirm the apprentice’s ownership of the work.
- Validate KSB achievement.
Assessors are encouraged to use questions flexibly, selecting those most relevant to the apprentice’s project and evidence.
5. Feedback Sheet
The feedback documentation provides a structured method for recording:
- Assessment observations.
- Evidence reviewed.
- Strengths identified.
- Areas requiring clarification.
- Final assessment decisions.
The feedback sheet supports transparency, consistency and auditability.
6. Grading Sheet
The grading tools help assessors:
- Map evidence against criteria.
- Apply grading rules consistently.
- Record judgement decisions.
- Calculate and verify outcomes.
The grading process is designed to ensure all apprentices are assessed fairly against the same occupational standard.