What is a Review?
Reviews are regular check-ins between you, your employer, and your college assessor to talk about how your apprenticeship is going. They’re a chance to set targets, make sure you’re on track with your learning, and check that everything in your Training Plan is being covered. Reviews also give you the opportunity to highlight any milestones or achievements, and to discuss any concerns or challenges you might be facing. These reviews are booked and monitored in Smart Assessor, and you’ll need to complete a review form as part of the process. It’s a supportive conversation that helps keep everyone on the same page and ensures you're getting the right help to succeed in your apprenticeship.
There are different types of reviews throughout your apprenticeship:
Initial review
An initial review takes place at the very start of your apprenticeship. It’s a chance for you, your employer, and your assessor to work together to ensure they are on the same page and make sure everything is set up for your success. It’s all about building a strong foundation so that you’re clear, confident, and ready to begin your journey.
Progress reviews
A progress review is there to check how you're doing in your apprenticeship. They usually happen every 8–12 weeks, and they’re really important for making sure you stay on track and get the most out of your apprenticeship. It’s a chance for you, your employer, and your training provider to sit down together and:
Look at what you’ve achieved so far, including previous targets and your off-the-job log.
Set new targets to keep you moving forward and help you stay on track for your End Point Assessment.
Talk about what’s going well and what you’re proud of.
Spot any challenges and find ways to support you if you’re struggling or have any concerns.
Make sure everything you're getting the right experience and support.
Gateway review
A gateway review happens near the end of your apprenticeship when you're ready to move on to your End Point Assessment (EPA). It’s called "gateway" because it’s the final checkpoint before entering the last stage of your apprenticeship. The review is there to make sure you’ve completed everything you need before going forward. During the gateway review, you will:
Check that all required training and qualifications are complete – including off-the-job training, any exams, and functional skills (if needed).
Confirm you’re ready for the End Point Assessment – this could include interviews, tests, or practical tasks depending on your apprenticeship.
Agree together (you, your employer, and your training provider) that you're confident and prepared to pass.
Exit review
An exit review takes place at the very end of your apprenticeship, usually after you’ve completed your End Point Assessment. It’s all about closing one chapter and preparing for the next—making sure you leave your apprenticeship feeling confident and ready for what’s ahead. It’s a chance for you, your employer, and your assessor to:
Reflect on your journey, what you’ve achieved, how far you’ve come, and what you’re most proud of.
Talk about your End Point Assessment results – and celebrate your success!
Review your overall progress, including skills gained, qualifications achieved, and personal development.
Plan your next steps, whether that’s staying in your current job, moving into a new role, further training, or higher education.
Give feedback, on your apprenticeship experience, so providers and employers can improve things for future apprentices.
