The Portfolio should include a range of evidence documents which are connected to the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours competencies set out in the Apprenticeship Standard.

An individual piece of evidence can be uploaded and linked to a number of relevant competencies. Explanations should be provided to demonstrate how each piece of evidence meets the competencies set out in the Apprenticeship. Without explanations outlining how and why the evidence meets each competency, Personal Tutors and Line Managers will not be able to sign off competencies as complete.

The assessment plan within the Apprenticeship Standard will provide written guidance/criteria outlining the types of evidence expected, and additional guidance is normally provided by the End Point Assessment Organisation.

Evidence should always be marked up so that it is clear which specific elements of the document demonstrate competence in each area. It is not sufficient to simply upload an academic assignment without explanation or marking up why the evidence demonstrates competence. If video evidence is selected it should be signposted and timestamped and makes the process easier for the apprentice and the assessor.

Examples of the type of evidence could include:

Teaching of theory, e.g. lectures;
Manufacturer training, e.g. new equipment or technologies;
Shadowing or being mentored;
Simulated exercises and role play;
Learning support provided by the employer or University;
Practical training;
Attendance at competitions;
Some online learning e.g. webinars or blended learning;
Visiting other departments within your place of work; and
Industry visits or visiting other companies or suppliers.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive.

How much evidence should be uploaded?

There is no set quantity for the amount of evidence that should be collated for each apprenticeship. Emphasis is normally placed on the quality of evidence, rather than quantity. The Portfolio should aim to showcase the apprentices’ achievements and should be very clear to ensure that an Independent Quality Assessor will be able to understand the evidence and how it meets each competency without the need to seek further clarification.

It is often better to include one piece of evidence that covers a number of learning outcomes, than many pieces of evidence that cover one learning outcome. Thought should be given to the file names for evidence used to ensure that they align with the Apprenticeship Standard for ease of reference for the Independent Quality Assessor.

The End Point Assessment Organisation may have more detailed set guidance on what they would expect to see in an Apprenticeship Evidence Portfolio.

What is the apprenticeship Gateway?

Once the apprentice has completed all of the academic learning (as well as any additional Level 2 Maths and English training) and successfully completed their e-portfolio; they are ready to pass through the apprenticeship Gateway to take the EPA.

The Gateway is a final tripartite meeting where a review of the apprentices’ academic learning and e-portfolio takes place. Once the academic tutor, apprentice and line manager, or workplace mentor, have agreed that all learning has taken place and the e-portfolio is complete, the apprentice can progress to complete their EPA.

Apprentices cannot graduate until they have undertaken their EPA.

How are evidence packs linked to this?

The apprentice’s evidence pack will also be used to determine whether they are ready for the EPA. This includes all evidence relating to initial eligibility, funding details, evidence of Level 2 Maths and English qualifications and their learning journey through a commitment statement. This will be collected and maintained by the College Apprenticeships Partner (or College DA point of contact).

What happens if an apprentice does not complete their Apprenticeship Evidence Portfolio?

If apprentices do not complete their Apprenticeship Evidence Portfolio and upload relevant work to PebblePad, they will not be able to complete their apprenticeship or be awarded their degree qualification.