Progress, not pressure.
Putting the apprentice journey first, every time
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 them with clear expectations, realistic timelines and genuine human support.
Progress, not pressure.
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 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 progress to completion with confidence.
Positivity
We focus on progress and possibility, helping apprentices feel confident and prepared for what comes next.
Empathy
We recognise assessment can feel daunting and take time to understand individual circumstances, responding with care and professionalism.
Adaptability
We adapt our approach to different sectors, roles and organisations while maintaining consistent assessment standards.
Transparency
Clear communication underpins everything we do, from pricing and processes to decisions, timelines and outcomes.
Our story - our history
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
Cherie Heaven
Managing Director
Owen Twidale
Head of Quality
Catherine Jones
Operations Manager
Laura Thurlow
Business Development Manager
Andy Hawkett
MECT Contract Manager
how the progress minded team works
Customer testimonials
Real feedback from apprentices, employers and training providers.
We work with great companies
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.
Summer Update from progress minded
We hope you’re managing to keep cool during the continued heatwave and finding a few moments to enjoy the summer, even if the weather has
Reform Update: Flexibility, Partnership and Progress
The apprenticeship reforms continue to evolve, and so does our approach. Since launching our assessment model, we’ve spoken with training providers, employers and sector partners
A Mid-Spring Update from progress minded
As we move through the early part of 2026, we wanted to share an update on where things are and what we’ve been seeing over
Working with progress minded
As an independent Assessment Organisation, we are not involved in on-programme training. Our role is to assess an apprentice’s competence, remaining impartial and fair.
We provide:
- Clear guidance and responsive support on assessment requirements
- Structured assessment planning
- Transparent communication throughout
- Fair, consistent grading
Our approach is built around clarity, collaboration, and confidence, ensuring apprentices complete their journey with assurance.
If you would like to discuss assessment, timelines, or how we support employers and training providers, our team is here to help.