Progress, not pressure.
Putting the apprentice journey first, every time
Tagline
Putting the apprentice journey first, every time
progress minded exists to make apprenticeship assessment fair, clear, and genuinely supportive. We believe assessment should feel like a natural next step, not a high-pressure hurdle. Our approach focuses on clarity, confidence, and collaboration, helping apprentices, employers, and training providers move through assessment with calm assurance and no surprises.
Everything we do is designed to remove unnecessary complexity and last-minute stress, replacing it with clear expectations, realistic timelines, and human conversations.
Progress, not pressure.
Progress Minded
About progress minded
progress minded is an Ofqual-recognised apprenticeship assessment organisation specialising in digital, data, marketing, and careers and business standards. Our approach is built on one simple belief: apprentices perform best when they feel understood, prepared, and supported.
Founded in 2018 and part of The JGA Group, we draw on over 30 years of combined national experience across apprenticeships, training delivery, and assessment. That experience shapes not only how we design assessment, but how we communicate with learners, providers, and employers throughout the journey.
Our assessments are structured, but never rigid. They reflect real job roles, real workplaces, and real people. Rather than prescribing specific tools, models, or theories, we take a vendor-neutral and theory-neutral approach that allows apprentices to demonstrate competence in ways that reflect their real role, workplace, and professional practice.
We work closely with training providers and employers while maintaining full independence and impartiality. The result is an assessment experience that feels calm, fair, and well-managed, helping apprentices complete with confidence.
Positivity
We focus on progress and possibility, helping apprentices feel confident about what comes next.
Empathy
We recognise assessment can feel daunting. We listen first, understand individual contexts, and respond with care and professionalism.
Adaptability
No two apprentices or organisations are the same. We flex our approach to suit different roles, sectors, and ways of working without compromising standards.
Transparency
Clear communication underpins everything we do, from pricing and processes to decisions and outcomes.
Our Story
Our story - our history
The beginning
Progress minded was founded by the JGA Group, a national training provider with more than 30 years of experience in education and assessment. Built on that legacy, we set out to do things differently. More human. More flexible. More focused on people, not process.
2018
We became an approved End-Point Assessment Organisation, beginning with the Live Event Rigger standard. From day one, our focus was on quality, clarity and care.
2019
Our first-ever assessment took place at the NEC in Birmingham for a Live Event Rigger apprentice. It marked the start of our journey as a trusted EPAO.
We quickly expanded into new standards including Employability Practitioner, Data Analyst and Papermaking, building a portfolio shaped by real industry need.
2019
Later that year, we were approved to assess the Military Engineering Construction Technician standard, partnering with the British Army and the Corps of the Royal Engineers. We began delivering EPAs across five specialist trades, supporting military construction roles nationwide.
2020
We broadened our reach into careers-focused standards, including Career Development Professional and Employability Practitioner, supporting the people who guide others into work and opportunity.
2021
Full delivery of Military Engineering Construction Technician assessments began at our bespoke assessment centre, welcoming military personnel from across the UK and demonstrating our ability to deliver high-quality assessment at scale.
2022
We strengthened our digital portfolio, adding standards such as IT Solutions Technician, Digital Support Technician and Data Technician. This positioned us as a trusted partner in the fast-growing digital sector.
2025
As we continue to grow in the digital apprenticeship space, we are expanding into marketing standards and new areas of demand.
Our focus remains the same: to make assessment simpler, fairer and more human for everyone involved.
Supporting the very best apprentices and employers
We are proud of the progress we have made alongside our partners.
The people who make it happen
Our approach
At progress minded, assessment is built around people, clarity, and flexibility. We deliver apprenticeship assessment in a way that feels structured but supportive, ensuring apprentices know what to expect and have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and behaviours with confidence.
Fair assessment
Clear expectations and consistent decisions mean apprentices, providers, and employers know exactly what to expect. No surprises, no ambiguity, just fair and well explained assessment outcomes.
Booking portal
Our straightforward online booking portal reduces admin and email back and forth, keeping assessments on track and making scheduling simple for delivery teams and apprentices.
Ongoing support
Real people are on hand throughout the journey to support providers, employers, and apprentices. From early conversations through to results, our team is approachable, responsive, and easy to work with.
No hidden fees
We offer clear, upfront pricing with no unexpected charges. The price you are quoted is the price you pay, with no registration fees and no extras added later.
Some of the great companies we work with
Progress minded is proud to work with a wide range of UK training providers and employers, including national organisations and public sector bodies.
Customer testimonials
News and insights from progress minded
Stay up to date with insights from our team on apprenticeship assessment, sector developments, and policy updates through our blog.

Then, now and next – EPA – 3
When we started progress minded we didn’t even have a name, but we did have a vision – to provide high quality, niche end point assessment with a human touch, at competitive prices.

The rebirth of IT Solutions Technician 2
The IT Solutions Technician standard is necessary but has traditionally been underused. Version 1.0 was complex for employers, apprentices, training providers, and end-point assessment organisations alike.

The rebirth of IT Solutions Technician
The IT Solutions Technician standard is necessary but has traditionally been underused. Version 1.0 was complex for employers, apprentices, training providers, and end-point assessment organisations alike.