Delivery Models

TQUK will develop options for non-mandatory assessments that allow centres to select the best fit for the assessments for each standard.

The aim is to ensure assessment methods best meet the needs of learners while maintaining a valid, reliable, and consistent assessment experience. Although the assessment method may differ, each option assesses the same knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) and is designed to the same standard.

Centres can choose the option that best suits each apprentice. There is no requirement for all learners in the same programme or cohort to complete the same option. For example, one apprentice may complete Option A while another completes Option B, even though they are working towards the same apprenticeship standard. Centres will have the choice to change learner options during their programme, wich will require a centre to withdraw a learner and register them onto their preferred option.

TQUK Together

The TQUK Together model is our shared delivery approach.

Under this model, assessment responsibilities are shared between the training provider and TQUK. One assessment component is delivered and assessed by the training provider, while the remaining assessment component is delivered and assessed independently by TQUK.

This approach combines the provider knowledge of the apprentice, developed during on-programme learning, with TQUK's independent assessment expertise. It creates a streamlined assessment journey while maintaining independence where required by the assessment plan. In the TQUK Together approach, learners will sit both centre-assessed and TQUK-assessed components.

Training providers can therefore support learners through the component they assess, while learners still benefit from choosing the most appropriate assessment option for the independently assessed component.

Where centres conduct assessments, TQUK will act as the external quality assurers (EQA) and follow the normal EQA process for sampling centres. This includes reviewing documentation, decisions, meetings, policies and other items identified in the EQA policy.

TQUK Managed

The TQUK Managed model offers a fully managed end-to-end assessment service.

Under this model, TQUK delivers and assesses both assessment components, taking full responsibility for planning, scheduling, assessment delivery, quality assurance and results processing.

This option is ideal for organisations that want TQUK to manage the complete assessment journey, allowing training providers to focus entirely on supporting learners throughout their learning programme.

The following table lays out the responsibilities and the quality assurance checks for each of the approaches mentioned above (TQUK Together and TQUK Managed).

*Dependent on the option selected by the centre for each learner.

Assessment choice

Whether an apprentice is following the TQUK Together or TQUK Managed model, the principle of assessment choice remains the same.

For each non-mandatory assessment component:

• TQUK will aim to provide at least two assessment options (Option A and Option B)
• centres and learners can select the option that best demonstrates their competence
• centres can choose different options within the same cohort
• all options assess the same occupational competence and use the same grading principles.

Benefits of the model

This approach provides several benefits for learners, employers, and training providers, including:

• greater flexibility in how learners demonstrate occupational competence
• assessment methods that better reflect different strengths, communication styles and workplace experiences
• a choice of delivery model through TQUK Together or TQUK Managed
• consistent, robust assessment regardless of which option a centre chooses
• increased confidence that the assessment is both flexible and fair.

By combining assessment choice with flexible delivery models, TQUK is redefining apprenticeship assessment, giving centres the support to choose how assessment is delivered and learners the opportunity to demonstrate competence in the way that best reflects their abilities.