Major changes in apprenticeship assessment are on the way – with a greater role for apprenticeship training providers and employers.
This page directs you to our support and resources that cover the changes to apprenticeship assessment:
Apprenticeship Providers
Apprenticeship assessment reform is raising new questions for providers around curriculum design, staff capability, assessment preparation, employer involvement and quality assurance.
Some providers are reviewing whether they want to take on greater responsibility for aspects of assessment delivery. Others simply want clarity on what the changes mean in practice and how to strengthen existing approaches.
We support providers to explore what different assessment models could mean for their organisation and identify approaches that are realistic, proportionate and manageable.
At SDN Mesma, we support providers to respond to reform with confidence — strengthening assessment practice, staff capability and curriculum delivery.
Our support includes:
- Readiness reviews and strategic planning
- Curriculum redesign and assessment integration
- Professional development and assessment CPD
- Quality assurance, standardisation and compliance support
- Ongoing sector updates and practical support
Alongside consultancy and CPD support, we also provide:
- webinars and briefing sessions on assessment reform
- practical guidance and sector updates
- insights and resources focused on implementation and delivery
- workshops and events exploring emerging practice across the sector
Our focus is always on helping providers interpret change in practical, manageable ways — with clear links to curriculum, assessment and quality improvement.
Download the full support offer here
Professional Development: CPD to support your organisation through change
SDN Mesma Group events and online seminars don’t simply take you through the details and help you understand a topic – we help you to move from theory to practice. If you have a group of individuals interested, we can host a bespoke version for your organisation and tailor the content to suit your needs.
You will receive a CPD attendance certificate after completing one of our courses, as evidence of your personal development.
Visit our events page for our full professional development offer.
Free webinar series: Apprenticeship Assessment Reform
Against a backdrop of wider sector change, we know that having easy-to-access support and professional development is critical. That’s why we hosted a free webinar series on the changes to apprenticeship assessment – to help you prepare to implement the changes effectively across your organisation.
Session 1: Preparing for your Organisation’s Future Role
Webinar recording
Session 2: From Risk to Reward – Embracing New Approaches to Assessment
Webinar recording
Session 3: Making it Real – What Action Should You Take Now?
Webinar recording
EP/AO Conference 2025
Preparing for the future of apprenticeship assessment
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the EP/AO Conference 2025, chaired by SDN Mesma Group’s Lou Doyle. This conference, organised by the Apprenticeship & Skills Group, was for leaders and professionals looking to be well prepared for the changes in apprenticeship assessment.
The day offered a timely space for open discussion, sharing ideas, and practical thinking with an agenda packed with panels and workshops focused on the questions that matter.
Conference summary: Paul Johnstone – Senior Associate at SDN Mesma Group, Specialist in education and skills policy – delivered the closing session at the conference and summarised the key points made.
Download his summary of the conference here.
If you missed the conference or forgot to grab your special issue of ‘The Assessor’, you can download the primer below.