The document outlines the objectives of the session regarding the reform of vocational qualifications and apprenticeships, emphasizing the importance of valid assessments and the new regulatory approach by Ofqual. It highlights the shift towards focusing on employer-defined standards rather than just qualifications, along with the need for independent quality assurance of assessments. The document also discusses ongoing improvements in understanding vocational qualifications and engaging with trailblazers to meet their needs for assessment and grading.

1. Raising standards for Apprenticeships and reforming
vocational qualifications
Jeremy Benson, Executive Director for Vocational Qualifications, Ofqual
6 November 2014

2. Objectives of this session
To explain…
How assessments and qualifications fit into apprenticeships
Ofqual’s new regulatory approach to vocational qualifications
Our work on the reformed apprenticeships

3. How assessments and qualifications fit into
apprenticeships
Existing frameworks defined mostly by reference to
qualifications
Ofqual regulates the component qualifications but not
apprenticeships overall
Reduced focus on qualifications in the reformed apprenticeships
is a strength – more on achievement of employer-defined
standards by the end of the apprenticeship
But assessments still need to be valid, including where they are
graded
Challenge of recognising achievement of important “soft” or
generic skills, such as teamwork

4. Ofqual’s new regulatory approach to
vocational qualifications
Focus on qualification validity – whether results can be used by
those that rely on them meaningfully and appropriately
Validity cannot be judged at a single point in time – all stages
need to be right
We are proposing to remove the QCF rules that most
apprenticeship qualifications were designed to meet
Risk-based validity audits of awarding organisations ongoing
We are improving information and data about qualifications
Need to understand wider pressures on qualifications, and
seeking to influence where we can

5. Our work on the reformed apprenticeships
in England
Advising Government on assessment and grading issues
Planning for the regulation of apprenticeship end-point
assessments
“Quality assurance, like the assessments themselves, needs to be independent of
those who lead on the design and delivery of assessment and have robust processes
to maintain quality of assessment over time. We are open to different approaches to
quality assurance of assessments in apprenticeships, and would welcome proposals
for employer, professional body and sector led approaches. Alternatively, if standard
setters would like their assessments to be regulated by Ofqual, then they are welcome
to do so.” – Apprenticeship Trailblazer Guidance, October 2014
Discussing with trailblazers their needs and aspirations around
assessments
Considering implications for the wider qualifications market of
the apprenticeship reforms

6. Any questions?
http://ofqual.gov.uk/news/ofqual-publishes-corporate-plan/
http://ofqual.gov.uk/news/glenys-staceys-speech-federation-awarding-
bodies-conference-14-october/
jeremy.benson@ofqual.gov.uk