Tutor resource pack — 6 pages. Print or save as PDF (Ctrl/Cmd + P); each section starts on a new page.
EPA Change Navigator — Tutor Resource Pack

Tutor Resource Pack

The 2025/26 Apprenticeship Assessment Changes — A Plain English Guide for Plumbing & BSE Tutors

What's changing, what isn't, and what to tell your students.

PublishedJuly 2026
ForTutors, assessors & training providers
CoversC&G Level 2 & 3 / 9289 · BSE T Level

Inside this pack

  • The big picture — five key changes
  • C&G 9289 Level 3 in depth
  • C&G Level 2 (8202-25) status
  • BSE T Level — why it's unaffected
  • A 10-minute session plan
  • Student misconceptions & scripts
EPA Change Navigator — Tutor Resource Pack

The big picture

What's Actually Changing — And What Isn't

Five key changes across all apprenticeships

  1. "End-Point Assessment" is renamed "Apprenticeship Assessment" from August 2026.
  2. Assessment can now happen at any point during the programme, not just at the end.
  3. Employers verify behaviours through normal workplace appraisals, not a separate formal assessment.
  4. Training providers can mark some assessments where the plan permits.
  5. A dual system runs through 2026-27 — existing EPA plans stay in place for current starters.

What this means for your students right now

Most plumbing apprentices are still on the existing EPA model. The reformed assessment plan has not yet been released for ST0303. Nothing has changed for students currently on programme — they should keep revising their KSBs and preparing for their EPA as normal.

EPA Change Navigator — Tutor Resource Pack

In depth

C&G 9289 Level 3 Plumbing — What Tutors Need to Know

Current status
EPA plan v1.2, updated January 2026.
What v1.2 changed
Added the 9289-13 and 9289-15 POS routes to the framework. Administrative update only.
What stayed the same
The knowledge test (9289-300), all practical assessments, all KSBs in the occupational standard, the overall EPA structure.

Five common student misconceptions — and what to tell them

"My EPA is moving to the middle of my apprenticeship"

Not yet. ST0303 hasn't been released under the new model. Your EPA still happens at the end for now.

"My college will be marking my assessments now"

Not for 9289. Independent assessment by the EPAO remains in place until the reformed plan launches.

"I need to revise different things now"

No. The KSBs in your occupational standard are unchanged. Revise the same content.

"The v1.2 update changed my assessment"

It added two POS routes. If you're not on the 9289-13 or 9289-15 route, it doesn't affect you at all.

"The EPA is being scrapped"

No. The mechanism is evolving, the name is changing. Your qualification remains valid and your assessment still counts.

What to tell your students — a script you can use

"The short version: your EPA hasn't changed. The government is reforming how apprenticeship assessment works, but the updated plan for your qualification hasn't been released yet. You're still on the existing EPA model. Keep revising your KSBs, keep building your portfolio, and prepare for your EPA as normal. When anything changes that affects you specifically, I'll tell you."

EPA Change Navigator — Tutor Resource Pack

Current status

C&G Level 2 Plumbing (8202-25) — Current Status

Current status
Not yet on the reformed model. Students are on the existing EPA structure.
Mandatory units
All mandatory units unchanged: 211 Health and Safety, 212 Plumbing Processes, 213 Electrical and Scientific Principles, 214 Cold Water Systems, 215 Hot Water Systems, 216 Central Heating Systems, 217 Sanitation and Drainage Systems.

Common Level 2 student questions

Q: "Is my exam changing?"

A: No. Your unit assessments and synoptic assessment are unchanged.

Q: "Do I need to do anything differently?"

A: No. Revise your mandatory units as normal.

Q: "When will it change for me?"

A: The reformed plan hasn't been released for Level 2 yet. Your training provider will tell you if and when anything changes.

Q: "Is my qualification still worth the same?"

A: Yes. Nothing about the value or recognition of the qualification has changed.

EPA Change Navigator — Tutor Resource Pack

Separate framework

BSE T Level — Why These Reforms Don't Apply

Key point

T Level is not part of the apprenticeship EPA system. The 2025/26 reforms do not affect T Level assessment in any way.

T Level assessment structure

Core component exams (written papers) plus the Employer-Set Project (occupational specialism). Managed by WJEC/Eduqas. Completely separate regulatory framework from apprenticeship standards.

The most common confusion

Students see news about "apprenticeship assessment reforms" and assume it applies to their T Level. It doesn't. T Level and apprenticeship are different qualifications with different assessment bodies and different regulatory frameworks.

What to tell students

"The EPA reforms are for apprenticeships. Your T Level has nothing to do with the EPA system — it never did. Your Core Papers and Employer-Set Project are unchanged. Check your assessment dates with the exams team as normal."

Where to find T Level information

EPA Change Navigator — Tutor Resource Pack

For the classroom

Your Practical Toolkit

A 10-minute session plan for explaining the changes to your group

0–2 min:
Ask students "Have you heard about the EPA changes?" — gauge awareness and misconceptions.
2–5 min:
Explain the big picture — the government is reforming how apprenticeship assessment works nationally, from end-point to ongoing assessment.
5–7 min:
Explain their specific situation — "For our qualification, nothing has changed yet. You're still on the existing EPA model."
7–9 min:
Reassure — "Your KSBs are unchanged, your assessment content is unchanged, your qualification is unchanged."
9–10 min:
Questions — use the misconceptions list on page 3 to address anything that comes up.

Five questions to check student understanding

  1. Has your EPA moved to a different point in your apprenticeship? (Answer: Not yet — still at the end for now)
  2. Has the content you need to revise changed? (Answer: No — same KSBs)
  3. Who still independently marks your assessments? (Answer: The EPAO — unchanged for now)
  4. What does the v1.2 update to 9289 actually change? (Answer: Added two POS routes — structure unchanged)
  5. When will you know if anything changes for you personally? (Answer: Your training provider will tell you)

Official sources

Questions or feedback?

If anything in this pack is unclear or you need something qualification-specific, get in touch. chris@thecopperconnectionpodcast.co.uk

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