Have your apprenticeship End Point Assessment (EPA) coming up soon? You’re almost at the finish line!
Feeling some stress can be good because it keeps you focused and motivated, but it’s a problem when you can’t cope with it.
It’s a big moment in your apprenticeship journey. If you’re feeling stressed about anything to do with your EPA, read through these top stress tips to deal with those feelings.
Know the requirements
One of the most important parts of your EPA and any apprenticeship work is knowing what is expected of you. Different apprenticeships may have different EPA processes. You may have a project, an interview, exams, presentations, or all of the above.
It’s essential that you understand what activities you have to do to pass your EPA, when they are, and how to best prepare. Your apprenticeship provider mentor should talk through the process with you and make sure you understand, but don’t be afraid to send an email if you have a question.
Ask for help
Make use of your one to one sessions with your line manager or mentor to go through the EPA process, what you do and don’t understand, and any worries or challenges you may have.
While there is sometimes only so much your apprenticeship provider or employer can help you with based on your EPA process, they can still help you prepare. This means they might not be able to answer all your questions because they aren’t allowed to (they can’t tell you all the answers), but they can help you plan and prepare for what is to come. You only need to ask.
Talk to other apprentices
Do you know other apprentices? Do you have an apprentice network at your workplace or through your apprenticeship provider?
If you’re worried about your EPA and it’s causing some stress, talk to other apprentices who are also starting their EPA or who have already completed an apprenticeship.
Some of the best people to talk to about things that are causing you stress are the people who have been through exactly the same thing.
Practice, practice, practice
Preparing as much as you can for different aspects of your EPA will help you feel more confident when the time comes.
Run through your presentation so you know the content and practice speaking in front of someone so you aren’t as nervous.
Get someone to be your interviewer and practise your answers to common questions you’re likely to be asked (your apprenticeship provider should do this with you!).
Go through your notes and do as many practice exams as you need to feel comfortable with the course content, and use exams conditions.
Remind yourself about the positives
The end of your apprenticeship doesn’t just give you a pass or fail. You’re leaving with most likely a year or more worth of skills, knowledge and work experience that will help you succeed in your career.
Try not to worry too much about whether you pass or fail. Your mentor should be on hand to make sure you produce the best work throughout your apprenticeship and are prepared for any exams.
So if you don’t pass your EPA, remember that you can try again by resitting the assessment and believe in yourself. You’ll have people behind you making sure you have a support plan to help you move forward.
Know when to get help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, whether it’s directly caused by your EPA or something else that is affecting how you feel about your EPA, try to recognise whether you need more professional support.
While your apprenticeship provider and employer will have resources, support and procedures in place to help you when you need it, they aren’t mental health professionals. If you think you need more support, contact your GP or a mental health service to see how they can help you best.
Click the button below and scroll to the bottom of the page to find UK mental health support and helplines.
Mental Health Advice
