What it means for trailblazers

Trailblazer groups will continue to provide the employer voice in the apprenticeship system.  Following the two year transition period, Ofqual or, for integrated degrees the Office for Students (OfS) will provide all external quality assurance (EQA). This will be in line with the Institute’s EQA framework.

The Institute, Ofqual and the OfS will work closely with EQA providers and trailblazers. This will help to ensure a smooth transition, and allow the system to benefit from your expertise.

Consultation responses showed that combining the expertise of educational regulators and employer representatives would add real value to the process. We are now developing a new directory of professional and employer-led bodies (the employer directory). Organisations on the employer directory will work with Ofqual and OfS to input an employer perspective into EQA. They will ensure relevant and up-to-date end-point assessments are being delivered.

Trailblazer groups will be asked to nominate an employer-led body to represent their industry and join the employer directory. Once nominated, an organisation can apply to us. They will need to meet our criteria, show that they represent the employer perspective and have sector expertise. We will assess the application and any conflicts of interest. We will then make a final decision on inclusion on the employer directory. We will publish further guidance on this, in winter 2020. In the meantime, to nominate an organisation or find out how to apply, please email [email protected].

More information on the employer directory is available in our consultation response on our website.