LEIA (The Lift & Escalator Industry Association) has been recognised by Ofqual as a regulated end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) for apprenticeships in the lift and escalator industry.
This means that LEIA is now approved by Ofqual to offer end-point assessments and will now be able to progress the delivery to offer EPA for the following standards:
> Lift and escalator electromechanic – Level 3
> Stairlift, platform lift, service lift electromechanic – Level 2
For most apprenticeships in England, only those EPAOs who are now recognised by Ofqual can continue to offer end-point assessment. Ofqual is the qualifications regulator in England and will be carrying out external quality assurance for the majority of Apprenticeship Standards in England.
LEIA Managing Director Nick Mellor commented: “Apprenticeships are essential for our industry to attract the next generation and build a workforce for the future. Over the past two years, we have contributed to development of the employer-led trailblazer apprenticeships and worked with members to create a lift careers website. Becoming an EPAO is the next piece of the jigsaw in our support for apprentices and employers in our sector.”
Karen Slade, Head of End-point Assessment at LEIA added, “We are delighted to have been recognised by Ofqual after a lengthy and rigorous process. I would now urge employers to look at taking on an apprentice, particularly whilst additional incentives are currently available. I am looking forward to working with employers and welcoming the first apprentices to end-point assessment.”
Potential apprentices can find out more about careers in the lift and escalator industry at www.liftcareers.com