Welcome to the October edition of Innovate's updates. Here you will find everything you need to know this month across our Qualifications and Apprenticeship services.
Reminder: Apprenticeship Reform FAQs
This month, we have updated the document 'Apprenticeship Reform FAQs' to Version 4. You can find this document in the support materials section on Proficient, and contains lots of helpful information about reform. If there is anything you would like to speak to us about in more detail please get in touch at hello@innovateawarding.org or talk to your usual point of contact.
Apprenticeship Certificates – now available as digital downloads
On 8th October, The Apprenticeship Service announced that Apprentices can now access and download their apprenticeship certificate through a new digital certificate service, which can be accessed here.
The new digital certificate service will initially run alongside the existing certificate print process as part of a transition to a digital-first approach. During this period, Assessment Organisations will continue to provide apprentice postal addresses as part of the certification process. Apprentices will also be able to access their certificates directly through the digital service once they become available.
For further information please contact The Apprenticeship Service support team or visit their portal here
New and Updated Standards
Level 2 Commis Chef v2.0
Published and for first implementation on 22nd March 2027
Level 2 Production Chef v2.0
Published and for first implementation on 22nd March 2027
Level 3 Chef de Partie v2.0
Published and for first implementation on 16th March 2027
Level 4 Senior Culinary Chef v2.0
Published and for first implementation on 22nd March 2027
Level 3 Senior Production Chef v2.0
Published, pending funding and implementation date
New and Updated Support Materials
Level 3 Early Years Educator v2.0
Pre-published versions of support materials available on Proficient
Level 3 Improvement Technician v2.0
All materials on Proficient
Level 3 Production Assistant v2.0
Approved by Ofqual, on our website and now all materials on Proficient
Level 3 Content Creator v2.0
Approved by Ofqual, on our website and now all materials on Proficient
Level 4 Junior Production Assistant v2.0
Approved by Ofqual, on our website and now all materials on Proficient
Level 6 Production Manager v2.0
Approved by Ofqual, on our website and now all materials on Proficient
Previous Standard Versions
The standard versions currently approaching the gateway deadline within the next 6 months are:
Senior Healthcare Support Worker 1.4
Healthcare Assistant Practitioner 1.0
Level 3 Customer Service Specialist v1.1
Proficient
Released
Reasonable adjustment communications– Informs the user who created the RA of the outcome e.g accepted, rejected. Released 22/09/26
Testing
Provider Files – File management area for EPAO to upload provider specific files onto Proficient.
Your thoughts?
We work closely with Skilltech, the company behind Proficient, so if you have any feedback please do let us know so that we can help to shape future improvements to the platform.
New Qualification
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care 610/6982/6 (2026)
A new optional unit Implement Therapeutic Activities (Y/652/3669) is available in V2 of the specification.
Accolade Webinar
As you will have hopefully seen from our previous comms, the team at Skilltech have been hosting some webinars to showcase the new Accolade system that will eventually be replacing QuartzWeb. The next one of these available is on Thursday 22nd October 2026 14:00-15:00
Please use the below link to register your interest. If you are unable to attend on the day then please still register and a recording will be sent out to you following. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6057432116758751583
As previously communicated, if you would like to be involved with piloting this new system ahead of launch, please contact Sam.Willmott@innovateawarding.org
If you have any questions about anything included in this update, please get in touch with your usual point of contact or contact epa@innovateawarding.org for anything Apprenticeship Assessment related, or coordinators@innovateawarding.org for anything Qualification related.
