Occupational standards are developed by employers for occupations that meet IfATE's current occupation criteria.
Along with an end point assessment plan (EPA) and funding band, the occupational standard is a component part of an apprenticeship.
Occupational standards are also used in the development of T Levels, and underpin other IfATE approved technical qualifications. This means that occupational standards can form the basis of an apprenticeship, or a technical qualification (or both) and they should be developed with that in mind.
If you think an occupation is suitable for the development of an occupational standard, and if your Product Manager (PM) agrees, we will collaborate with you to develop a standard.
Please contact Enquiries.IFA@education.gov.uk to discuss new occupations.
Occupational standards are based on occupations.
If you think an occupation is suitable for the development of an occupational standard, and if your Product Manager (PM) agrees, the first stage of the process is to complete an occupation proposal.
The occupation proposal will go through our approvals process. We will then advise whether the occupation meets the requirements for us to agree to its development as an occupational standard.
An occupational standard is a short and concise document. It describes the ‘knowledge, skills and behaviours’ (KSBs) needed for someone to be competent in the occupation’s duties.
If we agree that an occupation meets our occupation criteria and so is suitable for an occupational standard, we will support you in its development.
You need to make your submissions using the apprenticeship builder. The builder helps you generate the occupation proposal and the occupational standard. You may need to upload supporting evidence.
You need to book two approval cycle submission slots with your PM. One for your occupational proposal submission; and the second for your occupational standard submission.
Your PM must confirm that your draft documents are ready for consideration before you submit them.
Our 15 route panels represent the employer voice within IfATE. Panel members are employers with relevant occupational experience and are experts in their industry. Route panels are responsible for making sure apprenticeships and technical qualifications are high-quality and meet the needs of employers, learners, apprentices, and the economy.
They will consider submissions from employers. They then make a recommendation to the compliance board who make the final decision.
We aim to let you know of the decision within eight weeks of the submission deadline date.
Last updated 28 April 2023
(AR, NS)