APPRENTICESHIPS
Employer Guide - Why Choose iPET Network
iPET Network is an Ofqual-regulated End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) specialising in apprenticeships across the Animal Care and Veterinary Science sector. Our organisation was approved to deliver End-Point Assessments in September 2021 and has since expanded to support apprenticeships in a range of industries connected to animal care and welfare.
Our mission is simple: to raise standards, improve welfare, and empower Learners and Employers through education. Every qualification and assessment we deliver is built upon our deep connection to the animal-care industry and our commitment to high-quality, fair assessment.
iPET Network
to be the leading Awarding Organisation for the Animal Care & Veterinary Science Sector.
Values
of inclusivity, diversity and understanding in every area of our operation and conduct.
Authentic
in our approach, being genuine, honest and transparent ensuring clear communication.
Leaders
in our field, facilitating connections across sectors to bring people and ideas together.
United
commitment to create qualifications that positively impact the lives of animals and people.
Excellence
in everything our small and mighty team do, striving to improve and grow.
End Point Assessment
With the introduction of Apprenticeship Standards, the apprenticeship system in England shifted towards a more robust and independent way of confirming competence — the End-Point Assessment (EPA). An EPA ensures that every Apprentice demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to perform their role confidently and professionally. It is an independent assessment, carried out by an external organisation separate from the Employer and Training Provider, confirming that the Apprentice has achieved full occupational competence. At iPET Network, we are approved to deliver End-Point Assessment for several apprenticeship standards, including Dog Groomer, Animal Care and Welfare Assistant, Equine Groom, Senior Equine Groom, Keeper and Aquarist, and Sporting Excellence Professional. Each assessment is designed to reflect real working conditions and measure genuine skill and professionalism.
BEING PART OF THE NETWORK
DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT! HERE ARE SOME TESTIMONALS
Our experience with Noah’s end-point assessment was nothing short of exceptional. The process was thorough, well-structured, and delivered with professionalism, ensuring that Noah had the opportunity to demonstrate his skills and knowledge with confidence. It was fantastic to see Noah showcase the expertise he has developed, and we truly appreciate the professional approach taken throughout the assessment. This process has been a positive and rewarding milestone, and we look forward to working with our Training Provider and iPET Network for future apprenticeships.
Employer
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Assessor was polite, on time and professional. She worked with Molly observing practical skills and asking underpinning knowledge questions. Molly received a distinction and we are all very proud of her.
Employer
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Thank you so much for last night! I have just been told that you invigilated the EPA multiple choice question late last night for an apprentice. That was so kind of you to organise the sitting of the test and for invigilating it last night, you have gone above and beyond again for our learners.
Training Provider
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The team were fantastic at support and preparing him for his assessment. Instructions were clear and allowance for him needing extra time.
Employer
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If you’re ready to become part of a trusted, regulated, and passionate Awarding Organisation that’s shaping the future of animal-care and Veterinary science education, contact Sarah Mackay (Director) on 0800 433 4700 or email epao@ipetnetwork.co.uk to find out more.
Who Chooses the End-Point Assessment Organisation
The Employer is responsible for selecting the End-Point Assessment Organisation for their Apprentices. This decision is made before the apprenticeship begins and forms part of the sign-up process between the Employer and Training Provider. Many Employers seek guidance from their Training Provider when choosing an EPAO, but the final decision always rests with the employer.
SKILLS
Functional Skills Requirements
Before progressing to End-Point Assessment, Apprentices must achieve the required Functional Skills qualifications in English and Mathematics, or hold equivalent GCSEs. For Level 2 apprenticeships, this means achieving Level 1 qualifications and attempting Level 2. For Level 3 apprenticeships, Apprentices must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths.
Training Providers are responsible for ensuring these requirements are met and for supporting Apprentices in completing them before reaching the Gateway stage.
GATEWAY
The Gateway Stage
The Gateway is the point where the Apprentice’s training is complete and all parties — the Employer, Training Provider, and Apprentice — agree that the Apprentice is ready to be assessed. This stage involves confirming that all on-programme qualifications, evidence portfolios, and projects are finalised, and that all requirements outlined in the apprenticeship standard have been met.
For some apprenticeships, a meeting between all parties is held to confirm readiness and agree on timelines for the End-Point Assessment. Passing through Gateway marks the formal transition into the final stage of the apprenticeship.
Conducting the End-Point Assessment
Most End-Point Assessments take place in the Apprentice’s normal workplace, allowing them to perform in a familiar environment using their usual tools and facilities. Employers must ensure the workplace is safe, suitable, and fully equipped for the assessments. Each apprenticeship standard contains different assessment components, such as practical demonstrations, written examinations, or professional discussions. These assessments are designed to confirm that the apprentice can apply the knowledge and skills they have learned throughout their training. The assessment is carried out by an Independent End-Point Assessor (IEPA), a qualified professional appointed by iPET Network. The IEPA is responsible for conducting and grading the assessment fairly and consistently. They will coordinate assessment dates with the Training Provider and communicate the assessment plan to the employer and Apprentice in advance. Depending on the apprenticeship, the IEPA may interact directly with the apprentice during practical assessments or remain a silent observer. In some cases, a representative from the employer may attend a professional discussion to provide context or support.
End-Point Assessment Costs
The overall cost of the End-Point Assessment is agreed upon between the employer and the EPAO before the apprenticeship begins. iPET Network operates with transparent pricing, ensuring that all costs are clear and in line with the funding band maximum. End-Point Assessment costs should not exceed twenty percent of the overall apprenticeship funding band, though margins can vary slightly between EPAOs. All iPET Network fees are transparent and published within our Training Provider and Employer Specification for each standard.
CERTIFICATION
Results, Grading, and Certification
After completing all components of the assessment, the Independent End-Point Assessor assigns the final grading for the Apprentice, based on the performance criteria set out in the standard. Apprenticeships may be graded as Pass, Merit, or Distinction, depending on the qualification.
The results are verified by iPET Network, and once finalised, we submit the Apprentice’s details to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to issue the official apprenticeship certificate. Certificates are sent directly to the Employer by recorded delivery.
RETAKES
Retakes
If an Apprentice does not achieve the required standard on their first attempt, they will be given the opportunity to retake the assessment. In most cases, the cost of a retake is covered by the Employer if sufficient funding is not available within the training provider’s allocation. iPET Network provides clear and transparent re-sit fees to ensure Employers can plan accordingly.
Partnering with iPET Network
Employers who choose iPET Network as their End-Point Assessment Organisation benefit from working with an experienced, animal-sector-led awarding body that combines educational expertise with real-world understanding. Our Assessors, quality team, and support staff are dedicated to making the process as simple, fair, and professional as possible.
We work closely with Employers to ensure every Apprentice achieves their full potential, helping to strengthen skills, confidence, and professional standards across the animal-care industry.
For all EPAO enquiries, please contact our team at epao@ipetnetwork.co.uk.
EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE, FOR PETS, FOR THE FUTURE
Education for People. For Pets. For the Future.
