It is with great excitement that we can announce that the ISSP is now Ofqual regulated (RN6136) and are a registered End Point Assessment Organization (EPAO) for modern apprenticeships and one of only a handful of registered End Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs) that can offer the full improvement suite of apprenticeship standards – Improvement Technician, Improvement Practitioner, Improvement Specialist and Improvement Leader.
These apprenticeship programmes have a longer duration than most commercial programmes, being up to 24 months long; but enable organisations to use their apprenticeship levy funding to train individuals. The improvement apprenticeship levels 3-6 are approximately equivalent to Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt and Master Black Belt. Although the DMAIC problem solving approach is not mandatory, the content maps closely to the Six Sigma belts, as well as including additional business skills.
There are four improvement apprenticeships:
Level 3 – Improvement Technician, equivalent to Yellow Belt, duration = 14-18 months
Level 4 – Improvement Practitioner, equivalent to Green Belt, duration = 14-18 months
Level 5 – Improvement Specialist, equivalent to Black Belt, duration = 14-18 months
Level 6 – Improvement Leader, equivalent to Master Black Belt, duration = 18-24 months
All improvement apprenticeships consist of classroom learning from an approved apprenticeship training provider, project work and development of portfolios, with presentations and professional discussions as an assessment at the end of the apprenticeship. Some of the levels also include multiple choice examinations. All assessment is conducted at the end, following a Gateway Review, by your chosen registered End Point Assessment Organisation.
Before committing to an apprenticeship, it is essential to understand that there is a substantial workload, with expected time equivalent to 1 day a week spent working on activities related to the apprenticeship. However, this does not mean an apprentice is out of the workplace as this can include normal job activities if they demonstrate key knowledge, skills or behaviours required for the apprenticeship. For example, leading a meeting, or developing a business strategy.
Why choose the ISSP?
The ISSP specialises in Six Sigma, supporting and encouraging individuals and organisations in the UK and beyond, as well as accrediting Six Sigma portfolios and developing people in their careers. It was established over 10 years ago with the support of leading academics and brings this dedication and specialist knowledge to the improvement suite of apprenticeship programmes.
In addition to a deep knowledge and understanding of Six Sigma and other improvement methodologies, the ISSP has broad experience of a wide range of organisations and functions outside of traditional manufacturing.
This includes: NHS, charities, government organisations, financial institutions, higher education establishments, design functions, research departments and other back offices functions. Manufacturing experience includes: chemical processing, mills, food and drink, automotive, pharmaceutical, aerospace, medical devices, and many others.
Understanding the differences between industries enables us to appreciate the variety of ways tools and methodologies can be applied; enabling us to support apprentices through their End Point Assessment.
The ISSP can support employer organisations wishing to investigate apprenticeships further, and can direct them to training providers with the appropriate knowledge and experience.
Once employers have registered employees onto the apprenticeship programme, an EPAO must be chosen to complete the End Point Assessment, assess the delegates and make recommendations for the award of the apprenticeship.
It is highly recommended that the EPAO is selected as early as possible in the apprentice’s journey, so that they can have the full support of the ISSP right from the start; including full access to the ISSP’s online library of articles.
The ISSP works closely with the training providers, ensuring there is absolute clarity of the assessment requirements and answering any questions from both trainers and delegates well in advance of the Gateway.
Successful apprentices who use the DMAIC methodology will also be eligible for the equivalent Six Sigma certification from the Institute of Six Sigma Professionals.
During the training, apprentices are expected to complete work-based projects and collate a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours as listed in the relevant apprenticeship standard. Once the training provider and employer are confident that the apprentice is ready for assessment, a formal Gateway Review is held, which is the trigger for the End Point Assessment. For all levels, the apprentice must provide evidence of both English and Maths at level 3 or above.
ISSP supports the Gateway Reviews with clear checklists of requirements, and personalised support for the training provider and apprentices.
The End Point Assessments have either two or three elements, depending on the apprenticeship, and these must be scheduled within given timeframes after the Gateway or the apprentice will receive an automatic fail. The ISSP works closely with the employer and apprentices to ensure that not only the assessments are carried out within the timeframes but also at times that meet operational requirements. Some elements can be carried out virtually.
Once an apprentice has been registered on an apprenticeship with a training provider, the employer needs to choose an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). The training provider may make recommendations, but the choice must be made by the employer.
Fees must be clear and listed on an EPAO’s website. The ISSP’s fees are payable in stages, with the last payment at least two weeks in advance of the first End Point Assessment element. Below are the ISSPs EPAO terms of service, fees and supporting procedures:
