Can You Fail an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship combines on-the-job experience with off-the-job training and ends with an End-Point Assessment (EPA). If you don’t meet the required standard in that assessment, it’s considered a non-completion, but that doesn’t mean the journey is over.  

Most apprentices have the chance to re-sit parts of their assessment or extend their training to fill any gaps. In other words, support is built in to help you get back on track. 

Like any learning journey, an Apprenticeship requires effort, commitment and professionalism. Although it’s rare to “fail” an Apprenticeship in the traditional sense, there are behaviours and situations that can prevent you from completing it successfully. Understanding these will help you stay on track and achieve your goals. 

This is if the employee consistently underperforms at work or doesn’t meet the expectations of the employer. 

Most Apprenticeships include structured learning, often with tests, projects, or practical assessments. If the apprentice doesn’t pass these, they may not complete the programme. 

Missing work or classes without proper reasoning, repeated lateness, or misconduct can cause dismissal. 

Most Apprenticeships have a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Falling these can mean not qualifying. 

Apprenticeship providers & trainers, as well as the employer, usually give support and feedback along the way. If someone struggles, training providers can offer extra help before the employee gets to the point of “failing.” 

Apprenticeships are typically formatted in a way so there is little probability that the apprentice will not achieve a qualification out of this. This is because of the way Apprenticeships are designed. The employee will have time to make sure they have completed and covered all the requirements outlined in the Apprenticeship standard, known at the Gateway period. During this stage, the employer, line manager and trainer will go through all the work completed by the apprentice to make sure. 

At Fareport, we do our best to make sure that no apprentice will fail. Our trainers ensure that everything within the Apprenticeship standard has been covered. They will ensure the wellbeing of the apprentice comes first, so if there are any concerns on their behalf, we will ensure that any uncertainties are quashed or resolved before the employee gets to the stage of failing. 

However, we cannot make the employee attend work, this is something outlined in their employee contract, and must be handled internally with the employer, should any issues come up. 

There could be some situations where employees need to take a break in learning (BIL). Or, in serious circumstances, need to exit the course early. Although this can happen, we do everything in our power to support the apprentice before allowing them to drop out of their course. 

Apprenticeship achievements are up by 8% in 2024/2025, showing that more learners than ever are successfully completing their programmes. That means more people are gaining qualifications, experience, and pathways into higher-level roles or continued education. 

It’s proof that Apprenticeships remain one of the most effective and supported ways to develop your career. 

If you’re currently completing an Apprenticeship or thinking of starting one, here are a few ways to stay confident and motivated: 

• Ask for help early — your tutor or mentor is there to guide you.
• Stay organised — plan study time and track progress toward your assessment.
• Reflect on feedback — small improvements add up over time.
• Celebrate milestones — every skill learned is a step forward. 

While it is possible to fail an Apprenticeship, it’s far more likely that you’ll learn, adapt, and succeed with the support around you. Apprenticeships are designed to build your skills and confidence — giving you the tools to thrive in your chosen career and beyond. 

Call 01329 825 805 today and begin the journey to achieve the most out of your workforce.

You can also complete an enquiry form, and our team will help you begin the Apprenticeship journey.