Banham Academy Launch 1st End Point Assessment Centre in UK

Banham Academy leads the way by officially launching the fire and security sector’s first End Point Assessment Centre in their South West London headquarters in April 2019.

South West London-based, Banham Academy ​continue to pave the way within the security skills and learning sector through their announcement of opening the first ever End Point Assessment Centre in the UK.

Through working with the National Electrotechnical Training (NET), the End Point Assessment Awarding Organisation for the Level 3 Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Apprenticeship Standard, this significant milestone has been achieved.

Having been involved from the very start in the creation of the apprenticeship standard, it was a natural progression for Banham Academy to put the final piece of the jigsaw in place by opening the first ever testing centre. Through being awarded this significant certification, an apprenticeship standard has been achieved that both Banham and the entire security industry can be proud of.

Banham Academy Director, Kevin Faulkner says:

“I am thrilled that Banham Academy has achieved the first ever End Point Assessment Centre in the UK, it is a huge accomplishment for us at the academy and we are extremely proud.  We have seen the quality of apprenticeships grow over the last 5 years since launching the Banham Academy, with now having over 50 apprentices from over 20 employers across the country sending their apprentices to the Banham Academy for the necessary skills and training required for our industry.

We are now finally able to see the apprentices complete their learning journey and go back into the workplace having had their knowledge, skills and behaviours thoroughly tested through this end point assessment, a pioneering moment for our industry.”

The assessment takes place over two days and involves a formal measurement via two practical skills tests; a theory test and a professional discussion. Once successfully completed, the apprentice will be able to apply for membership of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, as an Engineering Technician (EngTech). This demonstrates to employers and clients that the person has had their competence independently assessed and their credentials verified. Also, the apprentice will have accredited prior learning for a gold card under the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS).

Carolyn Mason, Chief Executive of National Electrotechnical Training, said:

“This has been a very challenging and complex End Point Assessment and Banham Academy have really stepped up on behalf of the industry, providing both a facility and an assessor to enable the assessment to be delivered. We’re delighted to see the first candidates successfully complete and look forward to many more.”

Banham Academy ran two pilots using technicians from EFT Systems in Southport, to fine tune the requirements for the end point assessment. The centre is now live and the first apprentices to receive certification have come from Kings Security Systems.

Pat Allen, Chair of Trailblazer Employer Group said:

“It has been a long but very worthwhile journey now that we have an apprenticeship written by employers to meet their requirements for the workforce of the future. This standard encompasses a high level of comprehensive training not seen before in the fire and security sector. It is great that Banham Academy have embraced the vision and fitting that they have opened the first end point assessment centre.”

About Banham Academy: The educational leg to security specialists Banham Security.  The Academy was formed to meet the training and development needs of the security systems sector and specialises in the delivery of the Level 3 Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Apprenticeship Standard.

The Academy is based in South West London and has been purpose-built for the delivery of apprenticeships and skills learning.

About National Electrotechnical Training (NET): An independent charity that develops and administers assessments of occupational competence, including the FESS End Point Assessment, on behalf of the electrotechnical and electrical engineering industries in the UK. NET works with an network of licensed centres to deliver its assessments, all of whom adhere to strict criteria and are subject to regular inspections by NET as part of its quality assurance process.