Welcome to TESS Group
TESS Group has been supporting apprentices since 2009. We combine expert teaching, real-world experience, and genuine care for your success. This handbook is your guide to making the most of your apprenticeship with us.
Our Mission
We are committed to Transform. Empower. Skills. Success.
Every day, we work to help you develop the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to succeed in your apprenticeship and beyond. We believe in the power of apprenticeships to change lives and create real career opportunities.
The Apprentice Promise
We provide guidance to ensure your apprenticeship matches your goals, skills, and circumstances.
Our experienced trainers create engaging, practical learning that prepares you for success in work.
Whether you're progressing in your current role, moving to a new opportunity, or pursuing further study, we're here to help.
Your experience matters. We listen to feedback and continually improve our service.
Your views shape how we deliver training and support.
Support is available throughout your apprenticeship on learning, careers, and personal wellbeing.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with classroom learning. You'll gain real workplace experience while developing the knowledge and skills demanded by your industry.
Key facts about your apprenticeship:
- You are an employee with all employment rights and protections
- You'll work towards a nationally recognised qualification
- You'll spend time both in your workplace and learning with us
- You'll develop practical, job-ready skills
- Apprenticeships typically last between 12–48 months depending on your programme
Your Responsibilities as a Learner
Your success depends on your commitment. We ask that you:
Attendance and Punctuality
Attend all scheduled training sessions and arrive on time. If you cannot attend, notify us as soon as possible.
Participation
Engage actively in learning activities. Ask questions, contribute to discussions, and take responsibility for your learning.
Compliance
Follow TESS Group policies and procedures, including health and safety, conduct, and safeguarding requirements.
Off-the-Job Training
Ensure at least 50% of your apprenticeship training hours are completed in England as required by law.
Virtual Learning
For online sessions, ensure your camera is on and you're actively participating in learning activities.
Professional Behaviour
Treat peers, trainers, and colleagues with respect. Maintain professional standards in all interactions.
Employer Responsibilities
Your employer has responsibilities to support your apprenticeship:
- Employment status: You are employed under a proper apprenticeship agreement with clear terms and conditions
- Pay and conditions: You receive at least the apprentice minimum wage and all statutory employment protections
- Off-the-job training: Your employer provides time and support for training – at least 20% of your working hours per week (unless you're on a shorter programme)
- Location: At least 50% of your off-the-job training takes place in England
- Apprenticeship agreement: A signed agreement setting out roles, responsibilities, and expectations
- Support: Reasonable support to help you succeed in your apprenticeship
TESS Group's Responsibilities
We commit to providing you with:
- A personalised training plan based on your needs and goals
- Eligibility checks and initial assessment to identify any support you need
- Qualified, experienced trainers and support staff
- Regular progress reviews (minimum every 12 weeks)
- Additional support if you need it (e.g., for English, maths, or accessibility needs)
- Quality assurance to ensure high standards of teaching and learning
- Information, Advice and Guidance throughout your apprenticeship
- A safe, inclusive learning environment
Meet the Team
Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll work with different members of the TESS Group team. Here's who they are and what they do:
Your Trainer
Your Trainer delivers the core curriculum and develops your knowledge and skills in your apprenticeship subject. They assess your progress and provide feedback on your learning.
Your Skills Coach
Your Skills Coach provides one-to-one support, helping you with any barriers to learning. They support your English and maths development and provide pastoral support.
Internal Quality Assurer (IQA)
The IQA observes training sessions and reviews learner progress to ensure high-quality teaching and consistent assessment decisions.
External Quality Assurer (EQA)
The EQA works for your Awarding Organisation to check that quality assurance is happening correctly.
End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO)
At the end of your apprenticeship, an EPAO conducts your End Point Assessment – the final independent assessment of your competence.
National Apprenticeship Service
The NAS supports apprenticeships across England, providing funding and maintaining the apprentice register.
Off-the-Job Training (OJT)
What is off-the-job training? Off-the-job training is planned learning that's separate from your day-to-day work. It's where you develop knowledge and skills for your apprenticeship.
Examples of off-the-job training include:
- Classroom sessions with your Trainer
- Online learning via our e-learning platform
- Practical skills workshops
- Tutorial sessions with your Skills Coach
- Functional Skills lessons in English and maths
- Work-related simulations and role plays
- Study time for assignments or projects
Important: UK apprentices must spend at least 50% of their apprenticeship training hours in England. Off-the-job training is crucial to your success – it's where you learn the theory and skills that make you excellent at your job.
E-Portfolio System (OneFile)
Your e-portfolio is a digital record of your apprenticeship progress. It's stored securely using the OneFile system.
Your e-portfolio includes:
- Your learning plan and targets
- Evidence of your learning and skills development
- Trainer observations and feedback
- Progress review records
- Assignments and work samples
- Assessment evidence for your final End Point Assessment
How to use your e-portfolio:
- Log in regularly to view feedback and progress
- Upload evidence of your learning (photos, documents, videos)
- Contribute to reflections on your learning
- Review feedback from your Trainer and Skills Coach
Your Trainer and Quality Assurance team also use your e-portfolio to assess your progress and plan your learning.
Functional Skills in English and Maths
Most apprenticeships require you to achieve Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths (unless you've already achieved them or are exempt). These are often called Functional Skills.
Functional Skills cover practical abilities:
- English: Reading, writing, speaking and listening in real-world contexts
- Maths: Number, measurement, statistics, and algebra applied to practical situations
Your Functional Skills journey:
We assess your current level in English and Maths to identify any support you need.
Your Skills Coach provides targeted support to help you progress towards Level 2.
When you're ready, you'll take exams in English and Maths. These are typically scheduled during your apprenticeship.
If you don't pass first time, additional support is provided to help you resit and succeed.
BKSB System: We use BKSB online assessments to track your progress in English and Maths and identify areas where you need additional support.
Assessment Visits
Throughout your apprenticeship, your Trainer will conduct regular assessments to check your progress and gather evidence of your competence.
Assessment visits happen:
- Every 4–6 weeks during your apprenticeship
- At your workplace and/or during training sessions
- Using observation, questioning, and review of your work
What to expect during an assessment visit:
- Your Trainer will observe you working or practicing skills
- They may ask questions to check your understanding
- They'll review work you've completed and evidence in your e-portfolio
- They'll provide feedback on what you're doing well and where you can improve
- They'll update your progress record
Assessment is ongoing – it's not a one-off test. It's about continuous learning and improvement.
End Point Assessment (EPA)
At the end of your apprenticeship, you'll take an End Point Assessment (EPA). This is a final, independent check that you've achieved the standard for your apprenticeship.
Key facts about EPA:
- It's conducted by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO)
- It's not done by TESS Group – it's impartial and independent
- It assesses whether you meet the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for your standard
- Methods vary by apprenticeship – you might be observed, answer questions, discuss your learning, or do practical tasks
- If you don't pass, you can retake the EPA
Your Trainer will:
- Prepare you throughout your apprenticeship for the EPA
- Gather evidence of your readiness
- Advise you when you're ready to take the EPA
- Debrief with you after your EPA
Health and Safety
Your health, safety, and wellbeing are our top priorities. TESS Group is committed to providing a safe learning environment.
Your responsibilities:
- Follow all health and safety procedures and policies
- Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to your Trainer immediately
- Wear appropriate clothing and safety equipment as required
- Not use substances (drugs, alcohol) that could affect your safety or the safety of others
- Participate in health and safety inductions and training
TESS Group's commitment:
- Provide safe, clean learning environments
- Conduct risk assessments and manage hazards
- Provide necessary safety equipment and training
- Have procedures for accidents and emergencies
- Work with employers and external bodies to ensure workplace safety
If you have concerns about health and safety, please raise them with your Trainer or Skills Coach immediately.
Safeguarding and E-Safety
We are committed to safeguarding your welfare and keeping you safe. This applies to your learning environment and online spaces.
Safeguarding covers:
- Protection from abuse, exploitation, or harm
- Reporting concerns about yourself or others
- Confidential support and intervention where needed
E-Safety means using digital technology safely:
- Protecting your personal information online
- Respecting others in online spaces
- Understanding the risks of social media and online communication
- Reporting cyberbullying or concerning online behaviour
Our Safeguarding Leads are available to:
- Listen to concerns confidentially
- Provide advice and support
- Take action to keep you safe
- Work with external agencies if needed
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please speak to a Trainer, Skills Coach, or ask to speak to a Safeguarding Lead. You can also contact the Safeguarding helpline at our main office.
Prevent Duty
As part of our safeguarding responsibility, TESS Group has a legal duty under the Prevent programme to help protect people from radicalisation and extremism.
What this means:
- We create an environment where extremist views are not tolerated
- We provide support if we're concerned someone might be at risk of radicalisation
- We work with local authorities and other agencies to safeguard people
You can help by:
- Reporting concerns about extremist views or behaviour
- Creating an inclusive environment that respects different backgrounds and beliefs
- Seeking support if you have concerns
For more information on Prevent, contact your Safeguarding Lead or the main office.
Equality and Diversity
TESS Group is committed to equal treatment and diversity. We celebrate differences and ensure everyone is valued and respected.
Protected characteristics (treated equally regardless of):
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race, colour, nationality, or ethnic or national origin
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
British Values: We promote British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect for those with different faiths and beliefs.
Our commitment:
- Zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or victimisation
- Reasonable adjustments to ensure everyone can access their apprenticeship
- An inclusive curriculum reflecting diversity
- Fair treatment and equal opportunities for progression
If you experience discrimination or have concerns, please report it using the Complaints Procedure or speak to a member of staff you trust.
Appeals and Complaints
If you're unhappy with a decision affecting your apprenticeship or experience, you have the right to appeal or complain.
Appeals Policy: If you disagree with an assessment decision or quality assurance outcome, you can appeal. The Appeals Policy sets out a four-stage process for appealing fairly and impartially.
Complaints Procedure: If you have a complaint about service, conduct, or treatment, you can raise a formal complaint.
First step: Try discussing your concern informally with your Trainer or Skills Coach. Many issues can be resolved quickly and amicably.
If informal resolution doesn't work: You can then follow the formal procedures outlined in our Appeals Policy or Complaints Procedure.
Both processes are impartial and independent. You won't be disadvantaged for raising a concern or appeal.
Wider Support Services
Many issues can affect your learning. We signpost you to specialist organisations that can help:
Free careers guidance and information about education and training options.
Help with benefits, money, and rights including employment law.
Free, confidential debt advice and support with managing finances.
NHS health information and mental health support (call NHS 111 for non-emergency medical help).
Support and counselling for relationship and family issues.
Support following bereavement and grief.
Advice on employment rights, disputes, and workplace issues.
Free, confidential drugs information and support.
24/7 emotional support (call 116 123).
Support for men experiencing relationship abuse.
Support for survivors of sexual abuse and assault.
Support for crime victims and witnesses.
Support for young people at risk on the streets.
Help if you've been a victim of identity fraud.
Tools and guidance on managing money and planning finances.
Contact TESS Group
Address: 109 Innovation Centre, Green Street, Northampton, NN1 1SY
Telephone: 01604 210 500
Contact us: Email via our main office
We're here to support your success. Don't hesitate to get in touch with questions, concerns, or if you need additional support.