Apprenticeships are a proven route for developing skilled, committed team members, yet many employers find themselves unsure of what to do when that journey ends.
Research shows, 78% of employers said apprentices helped them improve productivity, and 74% reported improved product or service quality. So what happens once the apprenticeship programme is over?
Here’s everything you need to know about the end-of-apprenticeship process.
The apprenticeship end-point assessment
What is the Gateway?
Before the EPA can start, the ‘Gateway’ needs to take place. This is when the employer and training provider will review their apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours to see if they have met the minimum requirements of the apprenticeship set out in the apprenticeship standard and are ready to take the assessment.
What is the EPA and who conducts it?
The End-Point Assessment (EPA) is the final hurdle in an apprenticeship. It’s a formal evaluation that measures whether the apprentice has truly mastered the knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in their standard.
An independent End-Point Assessment Organisation (not the training provider or employer) conducts the assessment. This ensures fairness, objectivity, and consistency across industries.
What’s assessed in the EPA?
The EPA covers the full scope of the apprenticeship standard. While every standard is different depending on the apprenticeship course/industry, typical components include:
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Knowledge tests: multiple choice or written exams
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Practical observations: live demonstrations of core tasks
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Professional discussions or interviews
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Portfolio reviews: evidence of on-the-job learning and achievement.
Preparation is key, and employers play a vital role. Support your apprentice by helping them review their portfolio, encouraging mock assessments, and ensuring they’re confident going in.
Apprenticeship certification and official completion
When does the apprentice receive their grade and certificate?
Once the EPA is complete, the EPAO issues a grade, this could be a Pass, Merit, or Distinction, along with feedback. This is submitted to the Education and Skills Funding Agency, which then awards the official apprenticeship certificate. Certificates typically arrive a few weeks after grading.
What should employers do once results are in?
Review the EPA outcome thoroughly
Once the EPA results come in, sit down with the apprentice and their line manager to go through the outcome. Don’t just focus on the final grade, look closely at the feedback provided by the EPAO.
This can highlight both strengths and areas where further development is needed. Use the opportunity to reflect on the apprentice’s growth and encourage them to share their own experience of the process.
Celebrate the milestone
Apprenticeship completion is a major achievement and deserves recognition. A personal congratulations, a team announcement, or even a certificate presentation can go a long way. Celebrating success boosts morale and reinforces a culture of learning and development across your team.
Conduct an apprenticeship performance review
Use this moment to assess the apprentice’s overall performance, not just their EPA result.
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Have they consistently delivered on expectations?
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Have they shown initiative and growth?
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How do they work within the team?
Feedback from colleagues and line managers will help you build a clear picture.
Consider their long-term fit
If the apprentice has shown promise, consider whether there’s a suitable long-term role for them. Think about current business needs, potential areas for progression, and any further training that might support their development. Even if they didn’t achieve top marks, their work ethic and growth mindset could make them a valuable asset.
Update contracts and internal systems
If you plan to retain the apprentice, you’ll need to formalise the transition. That means issuing a new employment contract, adjusting salary to meet or exceed minimum wage requirements, and updating job titles or responsibilities where necessary. Ensure all changes are reflected in your HR systems, payroll, and organisational charts.
Should I keep my apprentice on after the apprenticeship is over?
Yes, if they’ve proven to be a good fit. Apprenticeships are a long-term investment. If the apprentice has developed into a productive, reliable part of your team, it makes sense to retain them and continue developing their potential. Retention sends a message across your workforce, that you grow your own talent and reward commitment.
What changes are involved if I keep them on?
Keeping an apprentice post-completion does involve a few key changes:
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New contract of employment: You’ll need to update their status from apprentice to permanent (or fixed-term) employee.
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Updated salary: Apprenticeship wages no longer apply. You must meet or exceed the national minimum wage for their age group, or preferably more to reflect their contribution.
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Job title and responsibilities: Consider whether their new role reflects increased skills, autonomy, or scope.
This is also a great time to align their role with longer-term progression goals.
What are the advantages of retaining apprentice employees?
Benefits of keeping apprentices on post-completion include:
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They already understand your business, systems, and culture
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Higher loyalty and lower turnover compared to external hires
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Lower recruitment costs and onboarding time
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You get to shape their skills from the start
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They’re more likely to stay longer and grow with your business
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Positive impact on company morale and employer brand.
Apprentices who feel valued are often your most dedicated team members.
What if I want to terminate employment after the apprenticeship?
Sometimes, retention isn’t possible. Perhaps there’s no suitable role available, or the apprentice didn’t meet the standards required for continued employment. That’s a business reality, and it’s okay, as long as the process is handled fairly and professionally.
If you choose not to continue employment:
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Ensure you give proper notice in line with the apprenticeship agreement and any employment contract terms.
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Treat the departure as a respectful transition, not just a dismissal. A positive experience, even at the end, supports your employer brand and the apprentice’s future prospects.
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Issue an end apprenticeship P45 as part of the offboarding process. This is a legal requirement and confirms the formal end of employment for tax and payroll purposes. Make sure this is processed promptly so the apprentice can move smoothly into their next role.
Even if employment doesn’t continue, your investment in their growth still contributes to the broader talent ecosystem, and may even lead them back to your organisation in the future.
Support your apprentice's progression
Your apprentice’s next step is vital, and to help them become a more skilled member of your team, apprenticeship development shouldn’t stop at completion.
Progression options include:
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Higher-level apprenticeships: For example, moving from Level 3 to Level 4 or 5 in the same field.
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Professional qualifications: Such as CMI, AAT, CIPD, or other industry-recognised certifications.
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New roles or responsibilities: Take on a supervisory role, mentor new apprentices, or shift into a specialist area.
This benefits the individual and enhances your team’s capability long-term.
Learn more: Apprenticeship Equivalents: From Level 2 to Level 7
Total People can help support with apprentice retention completion strategies
At Total People, we work closely with apprentice employers to build long-term, sustainable talent strategies. That includes helping you plan what happens after an apprenticeship ends.
We provide support with next-level training, from advanced apprenticeships to funded professional qualifications and short CPD options that keep skills sharp and relevant.
If you’re focused on retaining talent, we can help you create internal pathways that encourage long-term career growth and improve apprentice retention. Whether you need guidance on paperwork, planning, or progression, Total People is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today for apprenticeship support.
