Key information

  1. Status: Approved for delivery
  2. Reference: ST0925
  3. Version: 1.1
  4. Level: 3
  5. Typical duration to gateway: 18 months
  6. Typical EPA period: 4 months
  7. Maximum funding: £11000
  8. Route: Creative and design
  9. Date updated: 23/01/2024
  10. Approved for delivery: 10 July 2020
  11. Lars code: 574
  12. EQA provider: Ofqual
  13. Review:

    This apprenticeship standard will be reviewed after three years.

Print apprenticeship summary

Apprenticeship summary

Overview of the role

Advertising Creatives are responsible for coming up with original, exciting and memorable ideas that meet client's briefs and which can then be used in a range of mediums (e.g Radio, TV).

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in the advertising industry. In the increasingly competitive global markets, it is the brands with creative, original, engaging advertising that really stand out from the crowd. Advertising helps turn products into brands by establishing a relationship between the consumer and the brand, thus securing long term, loyal custom. This is a specialist occupation which is found principally within advertising agencies, but Junior Advertising Creatives have skills that can be applied across a wide range of sectors, wherever there is a creative need for advertising, for example in the creative department of a broadcaster. In the United Kingdom there are thousands of people employed in this busy, fast paced and vibrant industry.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to come up with creative ideas which help bring forward fresh thinking and transform businesses and behaviour. This is achieved by creating standout advertising. The Junior Advertising Creative occupation is about origination. They start with a blank piece of paper and come up with a big idea that can be executed across multiple Media touchpoints.

 

Junior Advertising Creatives work on campaigns that provide people with information most effective to the target audience to help them make better informed decisions. A campaign is a series of adverts running in a short period in different mediums but with the same idea. They create adverts to encourage people to buy products, change their behaviour (for example to wear seatbelts or stop smoking), give to charitable causes or even effect social change (for example, reducing the use of single use plastic). They aim to delight, move and solidify the consumer’s understanding of that product or brand, service, issue or cause. They dramatise the product or services' benefit. Junior Advertising Creatives think up, develop and produce inspiring and effective advertising campaigns for clients, which can be delivered through appropriate and exciting media channels and platforms. This includes television, radio, newspapers, cinema and social media, and other digital platforms, but the world is changing, so Junior Advertising Creatives are also always on the lookout for new ways to present their ideas. 


In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of people. They report into and are supported by more Senior Advertising Creatives. They work alongside the broader advertising team in conceiving and developing ideas. The Junior Advertising Creative originates the idea, and may work with Advertising Executives who act as the link between them and the client. They also work with others in the industry who are involved in delivery of the idea, such as Junior Content Producers.

 

Once an idea is formed, they work with the people who bring the idea to life. Typically this includes film directors, photographers, artists, illustrators, musicians and designers. They might occasionally be asked to present their ideas to the client, but this varies from company to company. Whilst this is an office-based occupation, good ideas can happen anywhere so Junior Advertising Creatives are not exclusively office based. As part of delivering a campaign, they may visit locations such as recording studios, film sets, sound stages, colour grading studios and even overseas locations, so they need to work flexibly, particularly if on a TV commercial shoot or helping towards a big presentation.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for originating surprising, brilliant, exciting, ingenious concepts and ideas. This can be a matter of opinion, so they need the tenacity and resilience to bounce back from setbacks, constructive feedback and also embrace criticism of their ideas. They are conscious of deadlines, budget restrictions and brief requirements. (There are two types of brief - the marketing business brief and a focused creative brief used to inform creatives of the task.) They usually have a number of creative projects running at the same time but at different stages and are responsible for making sure they all meet their deadlines. This is an occupation where you can be yourself, introvert or extrovert, because it is the ideas which matter.

Typical job titles include:

Creative technologist Junior art director Junior brand creator Junior copywriter Junior creative Junior creative writer

Duties

  • Duty 1 Understand client marketing problems and develop creative ideas and concepts to solve the problem.
  • Duty 2 Take the creative brief from the account planner, the person in the advertising team with best understanding of how the advertising communication will help solve the client requirement, and ask intelligent questions to better understand the client’s need for example, about the target’s motivations or journey to purchase.
  • Duty 3 Articulate their creative ideas to creative directors and/or senior creatives using appropriate presentation materials such as story or mood boards, to obtain their feedback on their ideas.
  • Duty 4 Present creative ideas to the advertising team and occasionally their clients to obtain feedback on their ideas and ensure they meet the client's brief, using presentation materials such as video and music clips, photomontage storyboards.
  • Duty 5 Develop creative presentations using appropriate materials such as story boards, music, film, illustration montages, being aware of advanced materials such as an animatic and mood boards, collection of images and text, to help bring the idea to life.
  • Duty 6 Assist senior creatives to prepare for new business pitches, for example, by working on a "shadow brief" to come up with additional and or alternative ideas, which can then be presented in a competitive setting i.e. where a number of companies are pitching for business, to a potential new client.
  • Duty 7 Amend or redevelop ideas in response to feedback, this can include feedback from a range of sources such as colleagues, clients and research organisations, ensuring any actions taken are in line with the agreed brief.
  • Duty 8 Work with specialist producers to help find the right directors, casting, photographers or music, for example prior to a TV commercial pre-production meeting.
  • Duty 9 Collaborate successfully with the wider company advertising team and suppliers to help their ideas come to fruition, within budget and time scales, including basic understanding of what channels the Media Executives are recommending.
  • Duty 10 Attend external locations, for example TV & print shoots, in order to assist with the creative aspects of the production, ensuring the location enhances, rather than detracts from the creative idea. For example, if filming in the countryside, choosing a lush green field, over a muddy field, if the advert is depicting the benefits of visiting a rural location.
  • Duty 11 Attend edits and post-production sessions in order to answer any questions from the producer regarding the advertising concept and the customer's brief.
  • Duty 12 Maintain awareness of creative work done by competitors, both in the UK and internationally; market and or technology developments and cultural trends in relation to the accounts being worked on to ensure campaigns are unique and the final product meets the concept and brief.
  • Duty 13 Write text and stories, create designs and layouts: all of which bring an idea to life within different mediums, for example, TV, radio, cinema, newspaper, magazines, direct mail, promotions.
  • Duty 14 Manage the pressure of tight deadlines and busy schedules, working on multiple projects simultaneously as required.

Apprenticeship summary

ST0925, junior advertising creative level 3

This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.

What is an end-point assessment and why it happens

An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.

Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.

The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 18 months. The EPA period is typically 4 months.

The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:

  • fail
  • pass
  • merit
  • distinction

When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.

EPA gateway

The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.

The gateway requirements for your EPA are:

  • achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules
  • for the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio, you must submit a portfolio of evidence

Assessment methods


A project with a slide deck

You will be asked to complete a slide deck. The title and scope will be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. As part of the project, you need to write a slide deck and submit this to the EPAO. The slide deck should be a maximum of 500 (with a 10% tolerance).

You will have 6 weeks to complete the project and submit the slide deck to the EPAO.

You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 60 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 6 questions about the project and presentation.


Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.

The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.

Who to contact for help or more information

You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.

You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.

You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.


Reasonable adjustments

If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.

Print occupational standard

Details of the occupational standard

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in the advertising industry. In the increasingly competitive global markets, it is the brands with creative, original, engaging advertising that really stand out from the crowd. Advertising helps turn products into brands by establishing a relationship between the consumer and the brand, thus securing long term, loyal custom. This is a specialist occupation which is found principally within advertising agencies, but Junior Advertising Creatives have skills that can be applied across a wide range of sectors, wherever there is a creative need for advertising, for example in the creative department of a broadcaster. In the United Kingdom there are thousands of people employed in this busy, fast paced and vibrant industry.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to come up with creative ideas which help bring forward fresh thinking and transform businesses and behaviour. This is achieved by creating standout advertising. The Junior Advertising Creative occupation is about origination. They start with a blank piece of paper and come up with a big idea that can be executed across multiple Media touchpoints.

 

Junior Advertising Creatives work on campaigns that provide people with information most effective to the target audience to help them make better informed decisions. A campaign is a series of adverts running in a short period in different mediums but with the same idea. They create adverts to encourage people to buy products, change their behaviour (for example to wear seatbelts or stop smoking), give to charitable causes or even effect social change (for example, reducing the use of single use plastic). They aim to delight, move and solidify the consumer’s understanding of that product or brand, service, issue or cause. They dramatise the product or services' benefit. Junior Advertising Creatives think up, develop and produce inspiring and effective advertising campaigns for clients, which can be delivered through appropriate and exciting media channels and platforms. This includes television, radio, newspapers, cinema and social media, and other digital platforms, but the world is changing, so Junior Advertising Creatives are also always on the lookout for new ways to present their ideas. 


In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of people. They report into and are supported by more Senior Advertising Creatives. They work alongside the broader advertising team in conceiving and developing ideas. The Junior Advertising Creative originates the idea, and may work with Advertising Executives who act as the link between them and the client. They also work with others in the industry who are involved in delivery of the idea, such as Junior Content Producers.

 

Once an idea is formed, they work with the people who bring the idea to life. Typically this includes film directors, photographers, artists, illustrators, musicians and designers. They might occasionally be asked to present their ideas to the client, but this varies from company to company. Whilst this is an office-based occupation, good ideas can happen anywhere so Junior Advertising Creatives are not exclusively office based. As part of delivering a campaign, they may visit locations such as recording studios, film sets, sound stages, colour grading studios and even overseas locations, so they need to work flexibly, particularly if on a TV commercial shoot or helping towards a big presentation.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for originating surprising, brilliant, exciting, ingenious concepts and ideas. This can be a matter of opinion, so they need the tenacity and resilience to bounce back from setbacks, constructive feedback and also embrace criticism of their ideas. They are conscious of deadlines, budget restrictions and brief requirements. (There are two types of brief - the marketing business brief and a focused creative brief used to inform creatives of the task.) They usually have a number of creative projects running at the same time but at different stages and are responsible for making sure they all meet their deadlines. This is an occupation where you can be yourself, introvert or extrovert, because it is the ideas which matter.

Typical job titles include:

Creative technologist Junior art director Junior brand creator Junior copywriter Junior creative Junior creative writer

Occupation duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Understand client marketing problems and develop creative ideas and concepts to solve the problem.

K2 K6 K7 K8

S1 S2 S3

B1 B2

Duty 2 Take the creative brief from the account planner, the person in the advertising team with best understanding of how the advertising communication will help solve the client requirement, and ask intelligent questions to better understand the client’s need for example, about the target’s motivations or journey to purchase.

K2 K6 K7 K15

S1 S5 S12

B1 B2

Duty 3 Articulate their creative ideas to creative directors and/or senior creatives using appropriate presentation materials such as story or mood boards, to obtain their feedback on their ideas.

K5 K6 K10 K20

S4

B1 B3 B5 B8

Duty 4 Present creative ideas to the advertising team and occasionally their clients to obtain feedback on their ideas and ensure they meet the client's brief, using presentation materials such as video and music clips, photomontage storyboards.

K1 K2 K5 K8 K15 K20

S4 S7

B2 B3 B5

Duty 5 Develop creative presentations using appropriate materials such as story boards, music, film, illustration montages, being aware of advanced materials such as an animatic and mood boards, collection of images and text, to help bring the idea to life.

K3 K5 K12 K13

S4 S9 S10

B1

Duty 6 Assist senior creatives to prepare for new business pitches, for example, by working on a "shadow brief" to come up with additional and or alternative ideas, which can then be presented in a competitive setting i.e. where a number of companies are pitching for business, to a potential new client.

K1 K4 K5 K14

S7 S12 S13 S14 S19

B4 B6 B7 B8

Duty 7 Amend or redevelop ideas in response to feedback, this can include feedback from a range of sources such as colleagues, clients and research organisations, ensuring any actions taken are in line with the agreed brief.

K4 K11 K14

S11

B3 B5 B8

Duty 8 Work with specialist producers to help find the right directors, casting, photographers or music, for example prior to a TV commercial pre-production meeting.

K1 K2 K3 K9

S8 S13 S19

B2 B7 B8

Duty 9 Collaborate successfully with the wider company advertising team and suppliers to help their ideas come to fruition, within budget and time scales, including basic understanding of what channels the Media Executives are recommending.

K1 K2 K6 K12 K13 K19 K20 K21

S6 S8 S13 S14 S18 S19

B2 B4 B6 B7 B8 B9

Duty 10 Attend external locations, for example TV & print shoots, in order to assist with the creative aspects of the production, ensuring the location enhances, rather than detracts from the creative idea. For example, if filming in the countryside, choosing a lush green field, over a muddy field, if the advert is depicting the benefits of visiting a rural location.

K3 K11 K12 K13

S2 S11

B2 B4 B8

Duty 11 Attend edits and post-production sessions in order to answer any questions from the producer regarding the advertising concept and the customer's brief.

K1 K2 K3 K11 K18

S8 S14

B2 B3 B4 B8

Duty 12 Maintain awareness of creative work done by competitors, both in the UK and internationally; market and or technology developments and cultural trends in relation to the accounts being worked on to ensure campaigns are unique and the final product meets the concept and brief.

K8 K10 K14

S5 S7 S12

B1 B5

Duty 13 Write text and stories, create designs and layouts: all of which bring an idea to life within different mediums, for example, TV, radio, cinema, newspaper, magazines, direct mail, promotions.

K3 K12 K13 K16 K17 K18

S9 S10 S15 S16 S17

B1 B4

Duty 14 Manage the pressure of tight deadlines and busy schedules, working on multiple projects simultaneously as required.

K1 K2 K9

S6 S14

B4 B6 B8

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: The roles and departments and functions within an advertising team and how they interact with their own role. For example account planning, Account Executives, production specialists. Back to Duty

K2: The way in which a creative idea is developed from brief to production for example, the key stages such as the client brief, creative briefing, presentation of ideas, research, pre-production, production, post production, delivery to the media channels, including basic understanding of what channels the Media Executives are recommending. Back to Duty

K3: The multiple ways an idea can be communicated and distributed and their benefits e.g. TV, cinema, You Tube, social media, radio, posters, and influencers. Back to Duty

K4: The basics of advertising ethics and the importance of work being legal, decent, honest and truthful. Back to Duty

K5: How to put together and present an idea. Typically this might include slides, mood boards, storyboards, music, illustration and film references. Back to Duty

K6: How to understand a client’s brief and the timing and budgetary restrictions therein. Back to Duty

K7: How to interrogate and challenge a brief in a constructive way. Back to Duty

K8: Trends and opportunities that can enhance an idea or add value to a client’s business, such as the role of influencers, new advertising delivery platforms like Virtual Reality, short form mobile videos. Back to Duty

K9: How to identify and source the most appropriate internal and external craftsmen that can help produce the idea e.g. voice talent, directors, designers, photographers. Back to Duty

K10: The typical characteristics of a “brand” for example, tone of voice, values. Back to Duty

K11: How to give and receive constructive feedback. Back to Duty

K12: How text and stories bring the idea to life including for publications, leaflets, web pages and social media.  Back to Duty

K13: How design and layout bring the idea to life including for publications, leaflets and web pages and social media. Back to Duty

K14: Importance of approaching ideas from different perspectives for example how to combine ideas, or how to use an interesting fact. Back to Duty

K15: How advertising can persuade people to do something e.g. change behaviour, or buy a different product Back to Duty

K16: Typical terminology used for example, UX, Motion Graphics, Editor, Project Manager, Coder. Back to Duty

K17: Understand the relationship between stories and the time limits of the selected media option and how to create short stories that fit the duration of the advert for example, scripts for radio. Back to Duty

K18: That there is a legal and regulatory code (The Code) and have knowledge of how it is applied such as the basics of what can and can’t be shown in advertising for example, Portman rules on alcohol, gender stereotyping. Back to Duty

K19: Principles and policies of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Back to Duty

K20: Digital tools and software to communicate and interact with a range of key stakeholders. Back to Duty

K21: Policies and procedures relating to environmental impact and sustainability.  Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Interrogate a creative brief and find advertising potential within it, asking questions to clarify understanding. Back to Duty

S2: Solve client communication problems for example, using mind maps. Back to Duty

S3: Originate brand, products or service communications/ideas which answer a client’s brief. Back to Duty

S4: Present their idea, using visual aids for example, slides, mood boards, storyboards and make use of music, photo, illustration and film references. Back to Duty

S5: Research cultural trends and opportunities that can enhance an idea or add value to a client’s business for example, an awareness of the importance of environmental issues, or of an upcoming event and or film, could build references to this into the advert. Back to Duty

S6: Identify and source the most appropriate internal and external experts and suppliers that can help produce the idea. Back to Duty

S7: Research and interpret characteristics of a brand to establish most appropriate media option(s). Back to Duty

S8: Deliver their work to brief and on time. Back to Duty

S9: Write text and stories that bring the idea to life for publications, leaflets, web pages and social media. Back to Duty

S10: Create design and layout that bring the idea to life for publications, leaflets, web pages and social media. Back to Duty

S11: Apply feedback to amend or redevelop their ideas. Back to Duty

S12: Undertake research into latest trends in advertising and new delivery platforms for example, keep abreast of new poster variants such as interactive superlite films at bus shelters and consider and recommend ways to use them. Back to Duty

S13: Collaborate with the wider team and encourage them to share ideas to help bring the project to life. Back to Duty

S14: Prioritise competing demands. Back to Duty

S15: Write in any tone and or style, being aware of the need to communicate to different audiences taking into account cultural differences and social representation. Back to Duty

S16: Influence others for example, buy a different product or change their behaviour. Back to Duty

S17: Write scripts of different lengths to suit different media platforms and of different durations. Back to Duty

S18: Communicate information through appropriate channels when seeking support to undertake tasks. Back to Duty

S19: Use digital collaboration tools to work with colleagues and key stakeholders. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Creative curiosity – researches the brief and shares their ideas. Back to Duty

B2: Empathy – takes into account a range of viewpoints when carrying out tasks, shows emotional intelligence when managing other people. Back to Duty

B3: Resilience – considers feedback objectively, bounces back from criticism of their idea, and continues working on the brief with enthusiasm by continuing to achieve deadlines and maintain rapport. Back to Duty

B4: Working under pressure – manages multiple projects and deadlines. Back to Duty

B5: Courageous – puts forward ideas to more senior colleagues and is prepared to challenge others. Back to Duty

B6: Accountable for tasks, actions and work proactively seeks support. Back to Duty

B7: Support an inclusive culture treating colleagues and external stakeholders fairly and with respect. Back to Duty

B8: Acts professionally when representing the business virtually, in person and when communicating. Back to Duty

B9: Prioritises sustainable practices for example reducing paper waste, turning off unused lights, car sharing or using public transport to travel for business meetings. Back to Duty

Qualifications

English and Maths

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Print EPA plan

End-point assessment plan

V1.1

Introduction and overview

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the junior advertising creative apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Junior advertising creative apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

A full-time junior advertising creative apprentice typically spends 18 months on-programme. The apprentice must spend at least 12 months on-programme and complete the required amount of off-the-job training in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.

The EPA should be completed within an EPA period lasting typically 4 months.

The apprentice must complete their training and meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA. The EPA will assess occupational competence.

An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the the apprenticeship providers and assessment register (APAR).

This EPA has 2 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are below.

Assessment method 1 - project slide deck presentation and questions :

  • fail
  • pass
  • distinction

Assessment method 2 - professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio:

  • fail
  • pass
  • distinction

The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:

  • fail
  • pass
  • merit
  • distinction

EPA summary table

On-programme - typically 18 months

The apprentice must:

  • complete training to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) outlined in this apprenticeship’s standard
  • complete training towards English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

  • compile a portfolio of evidence

End-point assessment gateway

The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice is occupationally competent.

The apprentice must:

  • confirm they are ready to take the EPA
  • have achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

For the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio, the apprentice must submit a portfolio of evidence.

Gateway evidence must be submitted to the EPAO along with any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO.

End-point assessment - typically 4 months

The grades available for each assessment method are below

Project slide deck presentation and questions :

  • fail

  • pass

  • distinction

Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio:

  • fail

  • pass

  • distinction

Overall EPA and apprenticeship can be graded:

    • fail
    • pass
    • merit
    • distinction

Re-sits and re-takes
  • re-take and re-sit grade cap: pass
  • re-sit timeframe: typically 3 months
  • re-take timeframe: typically 4 months

Duration of end-point assessment period

The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 4 months.

The EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and start the EPA as quickly as possible.

EPA gateway

The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice is occupationally competent. That is, they are deemed to be working at or above the level set out in the apprenticeship standard and ready to undertake the EPA. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider, but the employer must make the decision. The apprentice will then enter the gateway.

The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.

They must:

  • confirm they are ready to take the EPA
  • have achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

  • submit a portfolio of evidence for the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio

Portfolio of evidence requirements:

The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by the professional discussion. It will typically contain 18 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.

Evidence sources may include:

  • workplace documentation and records, for example:
  • workplace policies and procedures
  • witness statements
  • annotated photographs
  • video clips with a maximum total duration 5 minutes; the apprentice must be in view and identifiable

This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.

The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance, for example, witness statements, rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.

The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the discussion. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the discussion. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.

Gateway evidence must be submitted to the EPAO, along with any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO.

Order of assessment methods

The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.

The result of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.

Project slide deck presentation and questions

Overview

A project involves the apprentice completing a significant and defined piece of work that has a real business application and benefit. The project must meet the needs of the employer’s business and be relevant to the apprentice’s occupation and apprenticeship.

This assessment method has 2 components:

  • project with a project output

  • presentation with questions and answers

Together, these components give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. They are assessed by an independent assessor.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because: it allows for the assessment of KSBs that take place over a long period of time it allows for a broad set of KSBs to be evidence during the post-gateway period it assesses knowledge, skills and behaviour holistically it can produce something that is of genuine business benefit to the apprentice’s employer it allows the apprentice to directly demonstrate KSBs relating to communication and presentation it allows for the presentation of evidence and testing of responses where there are a range of potential answers it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost.

Delivery

The apprentice must complete a project based on any of the following:

A real client brief and a creative brief with the need for creative ideas.

The Junior Advertising Creative will be given a project that has real business benefit to the

employer. This could be a significant brief for an existing client or a pitch brief for a new client.

The apprentice will be supplied with the original client brief which outlines the business

problem and the creative brief which sums up the role for communications and what

proposition the creative should communicate to the target audience via what mediums and

outlining any guidelines such as budget.

It must provide opportunity to:

• Work for clients

• Work on a client creative brief.

The apprentice must include the following in their slide deck and presentation.

That they interrogated the creative brief

That they had investigated and understood the timing, budgetary and brand guidelines restrictions

That they understood why the media options had been chosen

How they had come up with an idea and execution to meet the creative brief

How they had prepared the most appropriate materials to present the idea and bring it to life or demonstrating how it could be executed in the chosen mediums for example a rough TV commercial storyboard

How they had taken on feedback to amend or redevelop the idea

To ensure the project allows the apprentice to meet the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade, the EPAO must sign-off the project’s title and scope at the gateway to confirm it is suitable. The EPAO must refer to the grading descriptors to ensure that projects are pitched appropriately.

The project output must be in the form of slide deck.

The apprentice must start the project after the gateway. The employer should ensure the apprentice has the time and resources, within the project period, to plan and complete their project.

The apprentice may work as part of a team to complete the project, which could include internal colleagues or technical experts. The apprentice must however, complete their slide deck and presentation unaided and they must be reflective of their own role and contribution. The apprentice and their employer must confirm this when the slide deck and any presentation materials are submitted.

Component 1: A project with slide deck

The slide deck must include at least:

12 slide deck presentation

The slide deck must have a word count of 500 words. A tolerance of 10% above or below the word count is allowed at the apprentice's discretion. Appendices, references and diagrams are not included in this total. The apprentice must produce and include a mapping in an appendix, showing how the output evidences the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The apprentice must complete and submit the slide deck and any presentation materials to the EPAO by the end of week of the EPA period.

Component 2: Presentation with questions

The presentation with questions must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

The apprentice must prepare and deliver a presentation to an independent assessor. After the presentation, the independent assessor must ask the apprentice questions about their project, slide deck and presentation.

The presentation should cover:

  • an overview of the project
  • the project scope (including key performance indicators)
  • summary of actions undertaken by the apprentice
  • project outcomes and how these were achieved

The presentation with questions must last 60 minutes. This will typically include a presentation of 30 minutes and questioning lasting 30 minutes. The independent assessor must use the full time available for questioning. The independent assessor can increase the time of the presentation and questioning by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete their last point or respond to a question if necessary.

The independent assessor must ask at least 6 questions. They must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow up questions are allowed where clarification is required.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions is:

  • to verify that the activity was completed by the apprentice
  • to seek clarification where required
  • to assess those KSBs that the apprentice did not have the opportunity to demonstrate with the slide deck, although these should be kept to a minimum
  • to assess level of competence against the grading descriptors

The apprentice must submit their presentation materials to the EPAO at the same time as the slide deck - by the end of week 6 of the EPA period. The apprentice must notify the EPAO, at that point, of any technical requirements for the presentation.

During the presentation, the apprentice must have access to:

  • their slide deck
  • the client and creative brief
  • any projection equipment required for delivery of the presentation – this must have been previously notified to the EPAO

In their presentation to the assessor, the apprentice would be expected to show:

  • that they interrogated the creative brief to see how it had evolved from the client's business need and challenged any aspects of the brief in a constructive way. For example, asking questions about the target audience and their current relationship with the brand, showing curiosity about the brand's benefits or where the product category was evolving, querying the proposition's strengths etc.
  • that they had investigated and understood the timing, budgetary and brand guidelines restrictions
  • that they understood why the media options had been chosen, and/or had questioned these
  • how they had come up with an idea and execution to meet the creative brief, for example using an interesting insight or combining two ideas
  • how they had prepared the most appropriate materials to present the idea and bring it to life, such as a mood board or video montage to represent the tone of voice, or demonstrating how it could be executed in the chosen mediums for example a rough TV commercial storyboard
  • how they had taken on feedback to amend or redevelop the idea.

The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the slide deck and any presentation materials, to allow them to prepare questions.

The apprentice must be given at least 2 weeks’ notice of the presentation with questions.

Assessment decision

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. They must assess the project components holistically when deciding the grade.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

  • the KSBs demonstrated in the slide deck and presentation with questions
  • the apprentice’s answers to questions
  • the grade achieved

Assessment location

The presentation with questions must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises. It should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

The presentation with questions can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

EPAO must produce the following materials to support the project:

  • independent assessor EPA materials which include:
    • training materials
    • administration materials
    • moderation and standardisation materials
    • guidance materials
    • grading guidance
    • question bank
  • EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio

Overview

In the professional discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because: it assesses KSBs holistically and objectively it allows for the assessment of KSBs that do not occur on a predictable or regular basis it allows for assessment of responses where there are a range of potential answers it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost.

The rationale for this assessment method is:

• In this occupation it is essential that individuals maintain a “book” which showcases their work. The portfolio replicates this. • They then discuss the content of their book with stakeholders in order to gain credibility and demonstrate their competence. This is replicated in the professional discussion.

This assessment will take the form of a professional discussion which must be appropriately structured to draw out the best of the apprentice’s competence and excellence and cover the KSBs assigned to this assessment method.

It will involve questions that will focus on:

  • roles within advertising
  • the creative process
  • advertising ethics
  • trends and behaviours
  • bringing ideas to life
  • team working
  • challenging others
  • working under pressure

Delivery

The professional discussion must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the professional discussion.

• To enable the apprentice to demonstrate the mapped KSBs and illustrate them with examples.

• To allow the assessor the opportunity to question the depth of their knowledge and understanding, which will allow apprentices the opportunity to meet the distinction criteria.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the professional discussion.

The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the supporting documentation.

The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the professional discussion.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however, the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.

The professional discussion must last for 60 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the professional discussion by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.

The independent assessor must ask at least 10 questions. he independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

  • the apprentice’s answers to questions
  • the KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
  • the grade achieved 

Assessment location

The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.

The professional discussion can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.

The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio:

  • independent assessor assessment materials which include:
    • training materials
    • administration materials
    • moderation and standardisation materials
    • guidance materials
    • grading guidance
    • question bank
  • EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Grading

Project slide deck presentation and questions

Fail - does not meet pass criteria

Theme
KSBs
Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors
Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
Understanding the brief
K6 K7 K10 S1

Describes the steps they took to understand the client’s and creative briefs for example, how they have understood the consumer and the brand, including how they handled challenges, time and budgetary constraints. (K6) (K10)

Explains how they selected the questions to ask the client in order to fully understand the brief and how they did so constructively. (K7, S1)

Goes above and beyond the immediate requirements of the brief to suggest ways to enhance the brief. For example, identifying valuable insights into the target audience not apparent from the brief. (K6, K7, K10, S1) 

Idea development
K3 K14 S3 S7 S11 B1

Demonstrates how their idea for the project, including multiple media options, meets the client’s brief and brand and explains how the idea evolved. (K3, S3, S7)

Explains how they researched the brief from different perspectives, presented their idea and then used feedback to build on or amend their approach. (K14, S11, B1) 

 

 

Tests the boundaries of the brief, suggesting alternative and complementary approaches, undertaking research and suggesting new ideas. (B1)

Explains how media options must interface with a client’s brand and what would lead to a media option being dismissed as unacceptable for this reason. (S7)

Presentation of ideas
K5 K12 K13 S4 S9 S10 S15 S17

Applies writing skills to bring an idea to life demonstrating how the convey messages to the target audience. (S9, S15, S17)

Demonstrates use of visual aids, e.g. mood boards, storyboard, illustration or film references. (K5, S4)

Uses creative skills to bring an idea to life demonstrating use of text, story, design and layout. (K12, K13, S10)

 

Presents their idea with background material that directly links to the presentation and creates mood and context that links all aspects of the presentation together. (K5, S4) 

Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio

Fail - does not meet pass criteria

Theme
KSBs
Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors
Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
Roles within advertising
K1 K9 K16 S6

Explains the typical roles within an advertising team and how they interact with their own role, using appropriate terminology. (K1, K16)

Describes how they source expertise such as craftsmen and internal and external experts, to help produce the idea. (K9, S6)

None

Creative process
K2 S2

Explains the key stages in which a creative idea is evolved from brief to production. (K2)

Describes a technique they have used to generate ideas to solve a problem. (S2)

None

Advertising ethics
K4 K18

Explains the importance of work being legal, decent, honest and truthful. (K4)

Describes the purpose of the legal and regulatory code and the basics of what can and can’t be shown in adverts. (K18) 

Explains the short term and long term implications of failing to work to ethical guidelines. (K4) 

Trends and behaviours
K8 K15 S5 S12 S16

Explains the steps they have taken to research current cultural trends and new delivery platforms in advertising, supported with evidence. Provides one example of how a new trend could add value to a client’s business. (K8, S5, S12)

Describes how advertising can persuade people to do something different and explains when they have influenced others to change their behaviour or buy a product. (K15, S16)

Provides an example of use of a new delivery platform and explains the advantage this has over the previous more traditional method. (S12)

Bringing ideas to life
K17

Applies writing skills to bring an idea to life and convey messages to the target audience. How the varying lengths fitted the selected media space. (K17) 

 

 

Explains how they have come up with innovative approaches to bring their ideas to life and convey messages to the target audience. (K17) 

Team working
K19 K20 S13 S19 B2 B7 B8

Describes how they shared their own ideas, made contributions at team meetings, encouraged others to contribute and took into account a wide range of viewpoints. (S13, B2) 

Explains how they support equity, diversity and inclusion in their workplace. (K19, B7)

Explains how they use digital tools to collaborate and communicate in line with policies and procedures. Highlighting how they are professional when communicating using these tools and in person. (K20, S19, B8)

 

 

 

Explains the benefits of gathering the views of others and of liaising with other teams and how this can be of benefit to the employer and their client For example, across departments, design, tv producers, strategists (S13)

Challenging others
K11 B5

Explains how they have changed creative ideas based on colleague's feedback. Explains how they have challenged others constructively with examples. (K11, B5)

None

Working under pressure
S8 S14 S18 B3 B4 B6

Explains how they prioritise the multiple demands on their time, to ensure that deadlines and requirements from briefs are met, illustrated with an example. (S8, S14, B4)

Describes the channels of communication available and when to seek support. (S18, B6)

Describes how they took account of feedback which changed and or rejected their idea and amended their approach accordingly, with enthusiasm and within an agreed deadline. (B3) 

Explains how they have taken positive steps to build and maintain resilience and shared those ideas with others (B3)

Sustainable practices
K21 B9

Explains how they prioritises sustainable practices complying with policies and procedures. (K21, B9)

 

None

Overall EPA grading

Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:

  • fail

  • pass

  • merit

  • distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the project slide deck presentation and questions and professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio in line with this EPA plan.

The EPAO must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they will be awarded an overall fail.

To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. All assessment methods are weighted equally in their contribution to the overall EPA grade.Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of fail, pass, merit or distinction. Independent assessors must individually grade each assessment method, according to the requirements set out in this plan. EPAOs must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.In order to achieve an overall EPA merit, apprentices must achieve a distinction in at least one of the assessment methods. In order to achieve an overall distinction, apprentices must achieve a distinction in both assessment methods.

Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.

Project slide deck presentation and questions Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio Overall Grading
Fail Any grade Fail
Any grade Fail Fail
Pass Pass Pass
Pass Distinction Merit
Distinction Pass Merit
Distinction Distinction Distinction

Re-sits and re-takes

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does. The apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.

The employer and the EPAO should agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 3 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 4 months of the EPA outcome notification.


If the apprentice fails the project assessment method, they must amend the project output in line with the independent assessor’s feedback. The apprentice will be given 2 weeks to rework and submit the amended slide deck.

Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.

Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.

The apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of if pass they need to re-sit or re-take one or more assessment methods, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.

Roles and responsibilities

Roles Responsibilities

Apprentice

As a minimum, the apprentice should:

  • complete on-programme training to meet the KSBs as outlined in the apprenticeship standard for a minimum of 12 months
  • complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules and as arranged by the employer and training provider
  • understand the purpose and importance of EPA
  • prepare for and undertake the EPA including meeting all gateway requirements

Employer

As a minimum, the apprentice's employer must:

  • select the EPAO and training provider
  • work with the training provider, where applicable, to support the apprentice in the workplace and to provide the opportunities for the apprentice to develop the KSBs
  • arrange and support off-the-job training to be undertaken by the apprentice 
  • decide when the apprentice is working at or above the apprenticeship standard and is ready for EPA
  • ensure the apprentice is prepared for the EPA
  • ensure that all supporting evidence required at the gateway is submitted in line with this EPA plan
  • confirm arrangements with the EPAO for the EPA in a timely manner, including who, when, where
  • provide the EPAO with access to any employer-specific documentation as required for example, company policies
  • ensure that the EPA is scheduled with the EPAO for a date and time which allows appropriate opportunity for the apprentice to meet the KSBs
  • ensure the apprentice is given sufficient time away from regular duties to prepare for, and complete the EPA
  • ensure that any required supervision during the EPA period, as stated within this EPA plan, is in place
  • ensure the apprentice has access to the resources used to fulfil their role and carry out the EPA for workplace based assessments
  • remain independent from the delivery of the EPA
  • pass the certificate to the apprentice upon receipt

EPAO

As a minimum, the EPAO must:

  • conform to the requirements of this EPA plan and deliver its requirements in a timely manner
  • conform to the requirements of the RoEPAO
  • conform to the requirements of the external quality assurance provider (EQAP)
  • understand the apprenticeship including the occupational standard and EPA plan 
  • make all necessary contractual arrangements including agreeing the price of the EPA
  • develop and produce assessment materials including specifications and marking materials, for example mark schemes, practice materials, training material
  • maintain and apply a policy for the declaration and management of conflict of interests and independence. This must ensure, as a minimum, there is no personal benefit or detriment for those delivering the EPA or from the result of an assessment. It must cover:
    • apprentices
    • employers
    • independent assessors
    • any other roles involved in delivery or grading of the EPA
  • have quality assurance systems and procedures that ensure fair, reliable and consistent assessment and maintain records of internal quality assurance (IQA) activity for external quality assurance (EQA) purposes
  • appoint independent, competent, and suitably qualified assessors in line with the requirements of this EPA plan
  • appoint administrators, invigilators and any other roles where required to facilitate the EPA
  • deliver induction, initial and on-going training for all their independent assessors and any other roles involved in the delivery or grading of the EPA as specified within this EPA plan. This should include how to record the rationale and evidence for grading decisions where required 
  • conduct standardisation with all their independent assessors before allowing them to deliver an EPA, when the EPA is updated, and at least once a year 
  • conduct moderation across all of their independent assessors decisions once EPAs have started according to a sampling plan, with associated risk rating of independent assessors 
  • monitor the performance of all their independent assessors and provide additional training where necessary 
  • develop and provide assessment recording documentation to ensure a clear and auditable process is in place for providing assessment decisions and feedback to all relevant stakeholders 
  • use language in the development and delivery of the EPA that is appropriate to the level of the apprenticeship
  • arrange for the EPA to take place in a timely manner, in consultation with the employer
  • provide information, advice, and guidance documentation to enable apprentices, employers and training providers to prepare for the EPA
  • confirm the gateway requirements have been met before they start the EPA for an apprentice
  • arrange a suitable venue for the EPA
  • maintain the security of the EPA including, but not limited to, verifying the identity of the apprentice, invigilation and security of materials
  • where the EPA plan permits assessment away from the workplace, ensure that the apprentice has access to the required resources and liaise with the employer to agree this if necessary
  • confirm overall grade awarded
  • maintain and apply a policy for conducting appeals

Independent assessor

As a minimum, an independent assessor must: 

  • be independent, with no conflict of interest with the apprentice, their employer or training provider, specifically, they must not receive a personal benefit or detriment from the result of the assessment
  • have, maintain and be able to evidence up-to-date knowledge and expertise of the occupation
  • have the competence to assess the EPA and meet the requirements of the IQA section of this EPA plan
  • understand the apprenticeship’s occupational standard and EPA plan
  • attend induction and standardisation events before they conduct an EPA for the first time, when the EPA is updated, and at least once a year
  • use language in the delivery of the EPA that is appropriate to the level of the apprenticeship
  • work with other personnel, where used, in the preparation and delivery of assessment methods
  • conduct the EPA to assess the apprentice against the KSBs and in line with the EPA plan
  • make final grading decisions in line with this EPA plan
  • record and report assessment outcome decisions
  • comply with the IQA requirements of the EPAO
  • comply with external quality assurance (EQA) requirements

Training provider

As a minimum, the training provider must: 

  • conform to the requirements of the register of apprenticeship training providers (RoATP)
  • ensure procedures are in place to mitigate against any conflict of interest
  • work with the employer and support the apprentice during the off-the-job training to provide the opportunities to develop the KSBs as outlined in the occupational standard
  • deliver training to the apprentice as outlined in their apprenticeship agreement
  • monitor the apprentice’s progress during any training provider led on-programme learning
  • ensure the apprentice is prepared for the EPA
  • advise the employer, upon request, on the apprentice’s readiness for EPA
  • ensure that all supporting evidence required at the gateway is submitted in line with this EPA plan
  • remain independent from the delivery of the EPA

Reasonable adjustments

The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

  • how an apprentice qualifies for a reasonable adjustment
  • what reasonable adjustments may be made

Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Special considerations

The EPAO must have special consideration arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

  • how an apprentice qualifies for a special consideration
  • what special considerations will be given

Special considerations must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Internal quality assurance

Internal quality assurance refers to the strategies, policies and procedures that an EPAO must have in place to ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions.

EPAOs for this EPA must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities table.

They must also appoint independent assessors who:

  • have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 4 gained in the last 5 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector

Value for money

Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:

  • utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods
  • conducting assessment methods on the same day

Professional recognition

This apprenticeship is not aligned to professional recognition.

KSB mapping table

Knowledge Assessment methods
K1

The roles and departments and functions within an advertising team and how they interact with their own role. For example account planning, Account Executives, production specialists.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
K2

The way in which a creative idea is developed from brief to production for example, the key stages such as the client brief, creative briefing, presentation of ideas, research, pre-production, production, post production, delivery to the media channels, including basic understanding of what channels the Media Executives are recommending.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
K3

The multiple ways an idea can be communicated and distributed and their benefits e.g. TV, cinema, You Tube, social media, radio, posters, and influencers.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
K4

The basics of advertising ethics and the importance of work being legal, decent, honest and truthful.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
K5

How to put together and present an idea. Typically this might include slides, mood boards, storyboards, music, illustration and film references.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
K6

How to understand a client’s brief and the timing and budgetary restrictions therein.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
K7

How to interrogate and challenge a brief in a constructive way.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
K8

Trends and opportunities that can enhance an idea or add value to a client’s business, such as the role of influencers, new advertising delivery platforms like Virtual Reality, short form mobile videos.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
K9

How to identify and source the most appropriate internal and external craftsmen that can help produce the idea e.g. voice talent, directors, designers, photographers.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
K10

The typical characteristics of a “brand” for example, tone of voice, values.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
K11

How to give and receive constructive feedback.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
K12

How text and stories bring the idea to life including for publications, leaflets, web pages and social media. 

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
K13

How design and layout bring the idea to life including for publications, leaflets and web pages and social media.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
K14

Importance of approaching ideas from different perspectives for example how to combine ideas, or how to use an interesting fact.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
K15

How advertising can persuade people to do something e.g. change behaviour, or buy a different product

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
K16

Typical terminology used for example, UX, Motion Graphics, Editor, Project Manager, Coder.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
K17

Understand the relationship between stories and the time limits of the selected media option and how to create short stories that fit the duration of the advert for example, scripts for radio.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
K18

That there is a legal and regulatory code (The Code) and have knowledge of how it is applied such as the basics of what can and can’t be shown in advertising for example, Portman rules on alcohol, gender stereotyping.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
K19

Principles and policies of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
K20

Digital tools and software to communicate and interact with a range of key stakeholders.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
K21

Policies and procedures relating to environmental impact and sustainability. 

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
Skill Assessment methods
S1

Interrogate a creative brief and find advertising potential within it, asking questions to clarify understanding.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
S2

Solve client communication problems for example, using mind maps.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
S3

Originate brand, products or service communications/ideas which answer a client’s brief.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
S4

Present their idea, using visual aids for example, slides, mood boards, storyboards and make use of music, photo, illustration and film references.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
S5

Research cultural trends and opportunities that can enhance an idea or add value to a client’s business for example, an awareness of the importance of environmental issues, or of an upcoming event and or film, could build references to this into the advert.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
S6

Identify and source the most appropriate internal and external experts and suppliers that can help produce the idea.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
S7

Research and interpret characteristics of a brand to establish most appropriate media option(s).

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
S8

Deliver their work to brief and on time.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
S9

Write text and stories that bring the idea to life for publications, leaflets, web pages and social media.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
S10

Create design and layout that bring the idea to life for publications, leaflets, web pages and social media.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
S11

Apply feedback to amend or redevelop their ideas.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
S12

Undertake research into latest trends in advertising and new delivery platforms for example, keep abreast of new poster variants such as interactive superlite films at bus shelters and consider and recommend ways to use them.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
S13

Collaborate with the wider team and encourage them to share ideas to help bring the project to life.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
S14

Prioritise competing demands.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
S15

Write in any tone and or style, being aware of the need to communicate to different audiences taking into account cultural differences and social representation.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
S16

Influence others for example, buy a different product or change their behaviour.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
S17

Write scripts of different lengths to suit different media platforms and of different durations.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
S18

Communicate information through appropriate channels when seeking support to undertake tasks.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
S19

Use digital collaboration tools to work with colleagues and key stakeholders.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
Behaviour Assessment methods
B1

Creative curiosity – researches the brief and shares their ideas.

Back to Grading
Project slide deck presentation and questions
B2

Empathy – takes into account a range of viewpoints when carrying out tasks, shows emotional intelligence when managing other people.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
B3

Resilience – considers feedback objectively, bounces back from criticism of their idea, and continues working on the brief with enthusiasm by continuing to achieve deadlines and maintain rapport.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
B4

Working under pressure – manages multiple projects and deadlines.

Back to Grading
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
B5

Courageous – puts forward ideas to more senior colleagues and is prepared to challenge others.

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Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
B6

Accountable for tasks, actions and work proactively seeks support.

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Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
B7

Support an inclusive culture treating colleagues and external stakeholders fairly and with respect.

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Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
B8

Acts professionally when representing the business virtually, in person and when communicating.

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Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio
B9

Prioritises sustainable practices for example reducing paper waste, turning off unused lights, car sharing or using public transport to travel for business meetings.

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Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio

Mapping of KSBs to grade themes

Project slide deck presentation and questions

KSBS GROUPED BY THEME Knowledge Skills Behaviour
Understanding the brief
K6 K7 K10
S1

How to understand a client’s brief and the timing and budgetary restrictions therein. (K6)

How to interrogate and challenge a brief in a constructive way. (K7)

The typical characteristics of a “brand” for example, tone of voice, values. (K10)

Interrogate a creative brief and find advertising potential within it, asking questions to clarify understanding. (S1)

None

Idea development
K3 K14
S3 S7 S11
B1

The multiple ways an idea can be communicated and distributed and their benefits e.g. TV, cinema, You Tube, social media, radio, posters, and influencers. (K3)

Importance of approaching ideas from different perspectives for example how to combine ideas, or how to use an interesting fact. (K14)

Originate brand, products or service communications/ideas which answer a client’s brief. (S3)

Research and interpret characteristics of a brand to establish most appropriate media option(s). (S7)

Apply feedback to amend or redevelop their ideas. (S11)

Creative curiosity – researches the brief and shares their ideas. (B1)

Presentation of ideas
K5 K12 K13
S4 S9 S10 S15 S17

How to put together and present an idea. Typically this might include slides, mood boards, storyboards, music, illustration and film references. (K5)

How text and stories bring the idea to life including for publications, leaflets, web pages and social media.  (K12)

How design and layout bring the idea to life including for publications, leaflets and web pages and social media. (K13)

Present their idea, using visual aids for example, slides, mood boards, storyboards and make use of music, photo, illustration and film references. (S4)

Write text and stories that bring the idea to life for publications, leaflets, web pages and social media. (S9)

Create design and layout that bring the idea to life for publications, leaflets, web pages and social media. (S10)

Write in any tone and or style, being aware of the need to communicate to different audiences taking into account cultural differences and social representation. (S15)

Write scripts of different lengths to suit different media platforms and of different durations. (S17)

None

Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio

KSBS GROUPED BY THEME Knowledge Skills Behaviour
Roles within advertising
K1 K9 K16
S6

The roles and departments and functions within an advertising team and how they interact with their own role. For example account planning, Account Executives, production specialists. (K1)

How to identify and source the most appropriate internal and external craftsmen that can help produce the idea e.g. voice talent, directors, designers, photographers. (K9)

Typical terminology used for example, UX, Motion Graphics, Editor, Project Manager, Coder. (K16)

Identify and source the most appropriate internal and external experts and suppliers that can help produce the idea. (S6)

None

Creative process
K2
S2

The way in which a creative idea is developed from brief to production for example, the key stages such as the client brief, creative briefing, presentation of ideas, research, pre-production, production, post production, delivery to the media channels, including basic understanding of what channels the Media Executives are recommending. (K2)

Solve client communication problems for example, using mind maps. (S2)

None

Advertising ethics
K4 K18

The basics of advertising ethics and the importance of work being legal, decent, honest and truthful. (K4)

That there is a legal and regulatory code (The Code) and have knowledge of how it is applied such as the basics of what can and can’t be shown in advertising for example, Portman rules on alcohol, gender stereotyping. (K18)

None

None

Trends and behaviours
K8 K15
S5 S12 S16

Trends and opportunities that can enhance an idea or add value to a client’s business, such as the role of influencers, new advertising delivery platforms like Virtual Reality, short form mobile videos. (K8)

How advertising can persuade people to do something e.g. change behaviour, or buy a different product (K15)

Research cultural trends and opportunities that can enhance an idea or add value to a client’s business for example, an awareness of the importance of environmental issues, or of an upcoming event and or film, could build references to this into the advert. (S5)

Undertake research into latest trends in advertising and new delivery platforms for example, keep abreast of new poster variants such as interactive superlite films at bus shelters and consider and recommend ways to use them. (S12)

Influence others for example, buy a different product or change their behaviour. (S16)

None

Bringing ideas to life
K17

Understand the relationship between stories and the time limits of the selected media option and how to create short stories that fit the duration of the advert for example, scripts for radio. (K17)

None

None

Team working
K19 K20
S13 S19
B2 B7 B8

Principles and policies of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. (K19)

Digital tools and software to communicate and interact with a range of key stakeholders. (K20)

Collaborate with the wider team and encourage them to share ideas to help bring the project to life. (S13)

Use digital collaboration tools to work with colleagues and key stakeholders. (S19)

Empathy – takes into account a range of viewpoints when carrying out tasks, shows emotional intelligence when managing other people. (B2)

Support an inclusive culture treating colleagues and external stakeholders fairly and with respect. (B7)

Acts professionally when representing the business virtually, in person and when communicating. (B8)

Challenging others
K11

B5

How to give and receive constructive feedback. (K11)

None

Courageous – puts forward ideas to more senior colleagues and is prepared to challenge others. (B5)

Working under pressure

S8 S14 S18
B3 B4 B6

None

Deliver their work to brief and on time. (S8)

Prioritise competing demands. (S14)

Communicate information through appropriate channels when seeking support to undertake tasks. (S18)

Resilience – considers feedback objectively, bounces back from criticism of their idea, and continues working on the brief with enthusiasm by continuing to achieve deadlines and maintain rapport. (B3)

Working under pressure – manages multiple projects and deadlines. (B4)

Accountable for tasks, actions and work proactively seeks support. (B6)

Sustainable practices
K21

B9

Policies and procedures relating to environmental impact and sustainability.  (K21)

None

Prioritises sustainable practices for example reducing paper waste, turning off unused lights, car sharing or using public transport to travel for business meetings. (B9)

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Contact us about this apprenticeship

Employers involved in creating the standard: Across the Pond, AIM Awards, AMV BDDO, Arch Apprentices/Avado Learning, Creature, Crowd, Drummond Central, Essence, Institute for Practitioners in Advertising (IPA), Labcorp, M&C Saatchi, McCann Central (Milton Keynes), Mother, NOW, RAPP, The&Partnership, VCCP, Wieden +Kennedy, wpg

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date Latest end date
1.1 Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised. 23/01/2024 Not set Not set
1.0 Approved for delivery 10/07/2020 22/01/2024 Not set

Crown copyright © 2024. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. Visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence

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