Complete an initial assessment

About the initial assessment

At the start of an apprenticeship or apprenticeship unit, you'll need to take part in an initial assessment. This involves a discussion between you, the learner, and the training provider.

The assessment looks at the apprentice’s existing knowledge, skills and experience. This helps make sure the training meets their needs.

Recognise prior learning

A thorough initial assessment helps recognise prior learning and agree what training the apprentice needs. based on what they already know and can do. This means they don’t need to repeat training unnecessarily. Find out more about how to recognise prior learning.

Your role as an employer

During the initial assessment, your role includes:

• identifying areas of the job role that the learner can already do
• identifying areas where additional training is needed
• providing evidence of competence, if applicable

By recognising prior learning, you can help:

• reduce the time spent on training
• the learner get an earlier qualification

The training provider will decide whether the learner’s training can be reduced based on their delivery method.

Create a tailored training plan

The training plan ensures that the training meets the needs of the learner, without repeating what they already know.

Reductions in apprenticeship training

Existing employees

Existing employees may qualify for reductions in training if they have relevant knowledge, skills or experience. If this applies to your employee, raise it with the training provider before the apprenticeship starts.

Deciding on reductions

Reductions in training will be decided during the initial assessment. If everyone agrees, the apprentice won't need training in those areas. However, the apprenticeship must still be at least 8 months long to be eligible for government funding.

Negotiate the price based on reductions

If training is reduced because prior learning has been recognised, the total apprenticeship price should also be reduced. You can negotiate this with your training provider. Find out more about how you can negotiate price.