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.
As a result, there have been fewer apprentices than originally anticipated. Across the country, only 532 apprentices have been assessed and according to the government, another 203 are currently on programme. This number is artificially low, as the job role is in high demand.
What to do?
The solution has been to revise the standard. Version 1.1 addresses the main issues and removes much of the complexity.
The start of January saw the go-live of version 1.1. Out went all the aspects employers, apprentices, trainers and EPAs didn’t like, and in came a fresh new specification.
The new version:
- Simplifies knowledge testing – removing all four of them entirely.
- Replaces the EPA simulated project with a more flexible workplace project.
- Allows the course to be tailored between hardware and software.
- Reduces the 90-minute interview to a 60-minute professional discussion.
- Introduces new, clearly defined grading criteria.
- Presents an improved set of clear and logical KSBs.
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Check out the official version 1.1: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st0505-v1-1
We may be one of the smaller EPAOs, but we played an active role in the IT Solutions Technician trailblazer and are a market leader in ITST assessment. So, if you don’t use us yet, get in touch and find out what you are missing – the personal touch.