Occupational Awards Limited (OAL) has established itself as a dynamic force in the UK’s vocational skills landscape by designing, developing and delivering a broad range of apprenticeship assessments and accredited qualifications that directly respond to industry needs. Since being regulated by Ofqual in 2015, OAL has partnered with employers, colleges and training providers to oversee End-Point Assessments (EPAs) across more than 50 apprenticeship standards spanning eight sectors—including Engineering & Manufacturing, Food and Drink Production, Process & Improvement, and Leadership & Management. In 2022, when the previous EPAO exited the marine sector, OAL swiftly collaborated with the Department for Education and Bournemouth & Poole College to assume responsibility for EPAs in Boatbuilding, Marina and Boatyard Operations, and Marine Engineering, ensuring no apprentice was left in limbo.

Throughout its ten-year journey, OAL has continuously invested in digital platforms and streamlined processes to enhance fairness and transparency in assessment, embedding online booking systems, e-portfolios and real-time reporting tools. This technological focus enables apprentices to receive timely feedback, and allows employers to track progression through interactive dashboards, while guaranteeing that assessments remain robust, reliable and aligned with ever-evolving occupational standards.

Beyond endpoint assessment, OAL delivers specialist training and upskilling opportunities that bolster both learner competence and sector confidence. Its suite of accredited qualifications ranges from the Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocational Achievement—equipping assessors with the skills to plan, conduct and evaluate workplace assessments—to bespoke health and safety programmes, such as the Level 3 Health and Safety in the Workplace, Level 3 Occupational Health and Safety, and Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice, tailored for professionals across construction, healthcare, engineering and hospitality sectors.

Demonstrating its not-for-profit ethos, OAL was the first EPAO to cover all fees for apprentices enrolling in the Post Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS), giving graduates a free pathway to professional post-nominal designations and ongoing career development. Complementing these offerings, the inaugural OAL Awards in 2023 celebrated outstanding achievements among apprentices, training providers and employers, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity and lifelong learning. As OAL expands its qualifications portfolio and forges new industry alliances, it remains dedicated to raising the bar in vocational education, championing accessible, high-quality training for all.