The University of Exeter has collaborated with CMI to deliver End-Point Assessments (EPAs) for over five years. Through CMI’s comprehensive EPA with Support offering, Exeter’s management apprentices benefit from rigorous assessments across Levels 4 to 7, tailored resources, and clear pathways to achieving Chartered Manager (CMgr) status.
Searching for industry expertise
As a Russell Group University, Exeter prides itself on delivering high-quality education, equipping students with the specific skills and knowledge to succeed in the workplace.
They needed an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) for their management degree apprenticeships that could equip learners with the skills to make a real-world impact in both current and future roles.
Nirosha explains that the University of Exeter wanted to understand the changing shape of management and leadership and ensure their curriculum remained relevant.
"We’re academic experts, but we didn’t fully know what’s needed in the industry. To make sure managers had the tools and methodologies they needed, we wanted an EPAO that would guide us in the right direction."
An EPA partnership built on credibility
CMI was the first choice when selecting an EPAO for their management apprenticeships. “CMI shares our values, they know the industry standards inside-out; their credibility as a professional body is so important for us”, says Rachael.
Being part of the Russell Group means we’re known for research excellence and academic rigor. CMI helps us to emphasise that we don’t just meet the standards, we elevate them. Employers recognise and respect CMI’s involvement, giving an additional level of quality assurance that their employees will receive a rigorous and industry-relevant End-Point Assessment.
“It’s a collaborative, two-way relationship, where Exeter and CMI bounce ideas off each other and seek feedback”, highlights Nirosha.
Preparing apprentices with the end in mind
Nirosha and Rachael emphasise how crucial it is that their apprentices know what to expect during the EPA. “Apprentices need to understand what good looks like as they approach EPA. What’s different about CMI is that the relationship they offer enables our apprentices to start with the end in mind from day one,” explains Rachael.
“CMI provides resources, 1-to-1 sessions and group workshops throughout the entire programme to ensure my students know what to expect from their EPA,” adds Nirosha. She highlights how her learners have found these opportunities immensely useful when putting apprenticeship content into context.
CMI’s study support resources bolster my teaching by providing apprentices with specific, practical materials. These resources are vital because they’re so readily available and easy to access. Apprentices can marry up the theory with practice and gain tangible advice from experts.
Kelly Coller, a Primary Care Manager with Somerset Integrated Care Board, agrees.
Having a focus on what was required of me at EPA throughout my apprenticeship, thanks to CMI, gave me that confidence to successfully prepare. Resources like an evidence collector allowed me to easily build a strong portfolio and virtual workshops kept my mind on the end project. All of the worry was taken away and I could just focus on demonstrating the very best of myself.
Going above and beyond EPA
Duncan Tarrell, another apprentice, works as a Catering Manager at the University of Exeter. He utilised exclusive resources available through CMI’s study support package to push his learning further.
I’ve always found CMI’s resources useful because they remain current and relevant. I have access to a live library of content that provides real industry insights and neatly summarises academic content. I’ve particularly benefitted from the factsheets, checklists and templates. These are really easy to digest, enabling me to take learnings directly into my day-to-day work.
Results that make a difference
With such a strong partnership in place, the University of Exeter has been able to create powerful outcomes for the Business School, their apprentices and the organisations they work for.
“It’s been a really great result, out of the latest cohort that went through EPA, we had two Merits, eight Distinctions and no fails,” points out Nirosha. “These professionals are not only getting Firsts and Distinctions, they’re also making real changes within their organisations.”
Kelly has seen a definite change in her management and leadership capabilities. “I’ve experienced such personal and professional growth in myself that I can only attribute to doing a CMI-assessed apprenticeship. I am so much more confident and able to contribute my value, better serving my organisation and the patients in my county.”
Leading a better future
“Upon successfully completing their End-Point Assessment, apprentices can assess their eligibility for Chartered Manager (CMgr) status. This helps to facilitate ongoing development as accomplished, professional managers,” says Rachael.
“Together with CMI, we are creating a generation of better leaders who are responsible and continually growing,” echoes Nirosha.
Rachael reflects that the CMI EPA partnership has allowed Exeter to really have an impact.
The relationship is valuable and mutually beneficial. It supports our mission to provide transformative education that prepares managers and leaders for success in a global world. We truly couldn’t have chosen any other EPAO than CMI to assess our apprenticeship programmes.