The Initial Assessment: Tailoring Your Apprentice's Training Plan

You’ve successfully recruited your new apprentice – congratulations! The next important step is the Initial Assessment. This is the first formal meeting between your apprentice, you (or their designated line manager/mentor), and us, your specialist training provider.

Think of the Initial Assessment as the crucial planning session that sets the foundation for a successful apprenticeship. Its primary purpose is to understand your apprentice’s starting point – their existing knowledge, skills, and experience – so we can tailor the training plan perfectly to their needs and ensure they get the most value from their programme.

This isn't just good practice; it's a mandatory requirement of apprenticeship funding rules.

Why is the Initial Assessment So Important?

The Initial Assessment is vital for several key reasons:

• Tailoring the Learning Journey: Every apprentice is different. The assessment allows us to personalise their training plan, focusing on the specific Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) they need to develop for their role, whether it's in conveyancing or probate.
• Recognising Prior Learning (RPL): Your apprentice might already have relevant qualifications or work experience. The assessment identifies this "prior learning." Recognising RPL is essential because apprenticeship funding can only be used to teach new skills. It might mean we adjust the content or duration of their programme, ensuring maximum efficiency and value.
• Setting Clear Expectations: It’s a chance for everyone – apprentice, employer, and provider – to understand their roles, responsibilities, and what the apprenticeship entails, including how the off-the-job training will work in practice.
• Identifying Support Needs: We can identify any additional support the apprentice might need, such as help with maths or English qualifications (if they don't already hold Level 2), or any other learning requirements.

What Happens During the Initial Assessment?

Led by one of our expert coaches, the Initial Assessment is a collaborative process. Here’s what typically happens:

• Reviewing Background: We review the apprentice's previous education, qualifications, work history (if any), and their current job role within your firm.
• Skills Scan: We work through the specific KSBs required by the apprenticeship standard. The apprentice reflects on their current confidence and competence levels against each KSB, helping us identify their starting point and learning needs.
• Maths & English Check: We verify their existing qualifications in English and maths. If they haven't achieved Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grade 4/C), we'll discuss the support needed to achieve this alongside their apprenticeship (this is funded separately).
• Drafting the Training Plan: Based on the discussion and skills scan, we outline the initial Training Plan. This details the learning modules, delivery methods (e.g., online workshops, coaching sessions), target milestones, review schedules, and confirms how the 20% off-the-job training time will be managed.

Your Role as the Employer

Your input during the Initial Assessment is invaluable. We typically ask the apprentice's line manager or mentor to attend. Your role is to:

• Provide Context: Explain the specifics of the apprentice's day-to-day job role, responsibilities, and the types of tasks they will be involved in.
• Discuss Workplace Learning: Share insights into the opportunities your apprentice will have to practice new skills within your firm.
• Agree on the Plan: Review the draft Training Plan to ensure it aligns with your business needs and the apprentice's job role. Confirm your commitment to supporting the 20% off-the-job training time.

Our Role as Your Training Provider

As your specialist provider, we take the lead in ensuring the Initial Assessment is thorough and compliant:

• Expert Assessment: We use structured tools (like the skills scan) and our deep knowledge of conveyancing and probate standards to accurately assess the apprentice's starting point and RPL.
• Developing the Plan: We translate the assessment findings into a clear, compliant, and personalised Training Plan.
• Ensuring Compliance: We make sure the entire process meets DfE funding rules.

What’s Next? Starting the Journey

The Initial Assessment concludes with a clear, agreed-upon Training Plan signed by all three parties. This roadmap guides the apprentice's learning throughout their programme.

With this crucial planning stage complete, your apprentice is ready to officially begin their training, attend their first workshops, and start developing the high-level skills needed to excel in your firm.

• Learn More: Explore the detailed curriculum for our Conveyancing Apprenticeships and Probate Apprenticeships.
• Got Questions? Contact Our Team if you have any questions about the Initial Assessment process for your new apprentice.