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Welcome to your one-stop space for understanding and completing every part of your apprenticeship journey. This page brings together key information to help you manage your assignments, competencies, and Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) with confidence.
You’ll also find helpful guidance on using Blackboard, the mothership of all your apprenticeship information. From accessing your modules and deadlines to checking updates and submitting work, Blackboard is where everything comes together, and this page will help you make the most of it.
Whether you're getting started or preparing for gateway and your end-point assessment, this hub gives you the clarity and support you need at every stage.
Blackboard
Blackboard
Blackboard is the university’s virtual learning environment, the online platform you use throughout your studies to access modules, course content, resources, and assessments.
It is accessed via the student hub portal MyHallam, which describes it as “the mothership” of your online tools, including Blackboard
Google Drive
As part of your apprenticeship journey, you can easily access Google Drive through your Blackboard portal. Here’s how to get started:
Log in to Blackboard using your university credentials.
Once you’re on your Dashboard, go to the “Institution Page”
Look for the Google Workspace or Google Drive icon - click it to launch Google Drive in a new tab or window. You should be automatically signed in with your student account.
From here, you can store, manage and share your files:
Upload documents, spreadsheets and presentations.
Create new files from scratch or use templates.
Share files with your tutors and peers - ideal for collaborative projects and group assignments.
Here's your how-to guide to help you navigate the Blackboard site:
Assignments
Assignments
The modules on the apprenticeship programme are designed to help you grow as a confident, reflective, and skilled Health and Social Care professional. Each module gives you the opportunity to apply and develop your critical thinking, and strengthen the professional values that guide your work.
The assignments and modules are created to support your development, stretch your abilities, and help you succeed throughout your apprenticeship journey.
new Presentations.mp4.crdownloadHere’s a short video that gives a quick overview of the assignment. It’s only brief, so we recommend also checking your modules or course handbook for the full details.
Please check the link below for the grading criteria for each year, it should help you understand how your work will be assessed
Turnitin
Turnitin: What Apprentices Need to Know
Turnitin is the system your university uses to check the originality of your written work. When you upload an assignment through Blackboard, Turnitin compares your writing with a huge database of webpages, journals, books, and other students’ work to ensure you have not plagiarised.
What it does when you upload your work:
Generates a Similarity Report
This shows how much of your assignment matches other sources.
It highlights any sections that look similar to existing work, helping you make sure you’ve referenced correctly.
Checks your academic integrity
Turnitin helps protect you by ensuring your work is genuinely yours and not too similar to someone else’s.
Supports you before final submission
Many modules let you upload drafts first.
This means you can see your similarity score and make improvements before submitting the final version.
Gives your tutor a clear overview
Tutors use the report to check your referencing, identify any issues, and ensure you meet academic standards.
For more information, use these links to explore the SHU guidance
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Extensions
Extensions
Assignment Extensions
If you need some extra time to meet an assignment deadline, you can apply for an extension. An extension will allow you an additional 5 working days to complete your assignment (this could be up to 10 days if the request is related to a condition supported by your Learning Contract).
Everyone receives an allotted 4 extensions per academic year, which are automatically approved upon submission (this limit can be increased, but this is subject to conditions of a Learning Contract - for information on Learning Contracts, go to the 'Support' page on this website). Be warned, some assignment may have one or more tasks for one submission; in this case, each task is classed as 1 extension.
Extensions can be requested up to 10 working days before the deadline, including the day of the assignment deadline. You can request an extension up to 24 hours after the submission deadline. Work submitted late without an extension will be given a mark of zero.
An Extension cannot be deleted once the request has been accepted. You should only apply for an Extension if you really need the additional time.
Please see the guide below on how to request an extension:
Sheffield Hallam understands that life can sometimes be challenging and unexpected events may affect your journey. If this happens and you feel you may need extra support with your assignments or guidance on deferring a module, please reach out for help.
Use the link below to access one of our pages that will guide you through the available support.
Placements
Placements
Not all courses will have a placement requirement. However, they may have practice-based learning experiences.
We advise that you refer to you course guidance.
Please feel free to use this section as a guide and use the links to explore more information.
From March 2025 SHU are now advising that sourcing placements for apprentices will be the employer's responsibility, as required for the full duration of the apprenticeship programme.
Placement timelines and allocation processes will differ from every profession. Therefore for information on this please contact your course leader or placement team.
This is a link to the AHP placement tool kit, developed by students as useful guidance and advice
Competencies
Competencies
Competencies ensure you develop professionally by guiding your practice during placements and work experience. They involve applying skills safely, reflecting on experiences to learn and improve, gaining practical hands-on experience, focusing on personal growth, and collaborating effectively with others to meet professional standards.
During placement, you’ll complete a record of competencies to demonstrate that you’re meeting learning goals and professional expectations. This helps confirm that you’re developing the right skills, knowledge, and behaviours for your role.
Click on each of the pictures below to see examples of Occupational Therapy competencies. Please note that these may vary depending on your profession, these examples are provided to give you an idea of what you might be working towards.
Learner is completely aware of the policies and procedures of the workplace and is able to apply them to best effect. Understands the effects of legislation. Seeks to ensure quality is achieved at all times. Keeps up-to-date with new legislation. Ensures health and safety regulations are always applied.
Learner can accurately and honestly assesses personal strengths and weaknesses & development needs. Has excellent insight into own level of ability and performance.
Learner independently critically evaluates intervention. Uses information to develop complex planning for clients future and recognises implications for practice
Learner can independently gathers relevant information in order to write concise and accurate notes, reports and written communications of a consistently excellent standard.
For more information on competencies, please refer to your profession-specific placement booklet.
KSB's (Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours)
KSB's (Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours)
When you embark on your apprenticeship journey, the most important framework you’ll work with is the concept of KSBs. KSB stands for Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours, which together define what you must be able to do, know, and be in the role of a qualified practitioner.
This section will help you explore the KSBs in more detail and help you understand why these are important.
What do each of these mean?
Knowledge
This is the theoretical and technical “know-how” you need. It covers what you must understand to carry out your role safely and effectively. Some knowledge is specific to your field (for example, occupational therapy theory, human anatomy, clinical reasoning)
Skills
These are how you apply that knowledge in real workplace situations. Skills are practical, you learn them on the job, during placements, through supervision and mentoring. For example, carrying out assessments, working with clients, interpreting data, and collaborating with other professionals.
Why Are KSBs important?
KSBs outline what you need to learn and demonstrate to successfully complete your apprenticeship.
They guide your development throughout your studies and placements, helping you track progress and prepare for your End Point Assessment (EPA), where your competence is assessed.
Focusing on your KSBs ensures you’re not just doing the job but growing into the professional you aspire to be.
How do you keep track of the KSBs?
1) Start by familiarising yourself with the apprenticeship standards for your course and the KSBs you need to achieve.
2) Use them as a guide when reflecting on your work and placements, think about what knowledge, skills, and behaviours you’ve demonstrated.
3) Map your evidence, such as reflections or feedback, to specific KSBs and use them to set personal development goals.
4) As you near your final placement or EPA, review your KSBs, identify any gaps, and plan how to strengthen them.
If you’d like to use the template we created to track your own progress, please use the link below.
End Point Assessment (EPA) & Gateway
End Point Assessment (EPA) & Gateway
Gateway
The Gateway is the checkpoint between:
✅Finishing your apprenticeship training.
Then...
✅Starting the End Point Assessment (EPA).
It ensures the apprentice is genuinely ready to be assessed.
Understanding the Gateway Process.mp4Please watch this short video for a clearer overview of the Gateway and End-Point Assessment process.
The End Point Assessment (EPA) is a final assessment that every apprentice must complete at the end of their training.
It checks whether the apprentice has learned everything they need to do their job properly and qualify.
End Point Assessment
The EPA is the final check that an apprentice is:
✅Fully competent
✅Safe
✅Ready to work independently in their occupation
Sheffield Hallam University has an EPA Policy to ensure the EPA is high quality, well-managed, and consistent across all its apprenticeship programmes.
This information offers a broad overview, though we acknowledge that course leadership can differ across professions. For more specific guidance, please consult your coach or refer to your handbook.
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