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Supporting the Food Industry Qualification Group Qualifications FDQ Level 2 Award in Workplace Manual Handling FDQ Level 2 Certificate in Cleaning and Support Service Skills FDQ Level 2 Certificate in Delicatessen Counter Sales and Services FDQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Chef (Northern Ireland) FDQ Level 3 Advanced Award in PUWER Inspection FDQ Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment FDQ Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement FDQ Level 3 Award in Health, Safety and Cellar Survey FDQ Level 3 Award in Workplace Training Provision FDQ Level 3 Diploma in Cleaning Supervision Skills FDQ Level 3 Diploma in Drinks Dispense FDQ Level 3 Diploma in Professional Chef (Northern Ireland) FDQ Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice FDQ Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice Still want some clarification? Why not check out our useful guides and resources Guides & Resources

Urgent: Apprenticeship Funding Changes in Northern Ireland You may already be aware of the announcement from the Department for the Economy (DfE) that, from 27 July 2026, existing employees will no longer be eligible to start an apprenticeship through the ApprenticeshipsNI programme. FDQ has already raised its concerns directly with senior DfE officials. We are deeply disappointed by a decision that significantly restricts opportunities to upskill the current workforce across Northern Ireland's food and drink sector. Given the scale and importance of our industry, these changes are likely to have a disproportionate impact, particularly on larger levy-paying employers. The short notice provided, during the peak holiday period, makes the situation even more challenging. Our understanding is that these cuts are linked to wider funding pressures and ongoing budget discussions between Stormont and Westminster. Once again, skills investment appears to be viewed as a cost to be reduced rather than an investment in productivity, growth and future competitiveness. Key information from the Department • Apprentices already enrolled on programme before 27 July 2026, including those progressing from Level 2 to Level 3, will continue to receive support for the duration of their apprenticeship, subject to meeting eligibility requirements. • An existing employee is defined as someone employed by the same employer for six months or more before starting an apprenticeship • Following the funding cut-off on 27 July 2026, training providers will have until 28 August 2026 to finalise and submit all Delivery Agreements The Department states that the decision has been taken in response to significant budget pressures and the need to sustain apprenticeship provision within available resources. FDQ will be making formal representations to the Minister for the Economy and the Offices of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. While we recognise that this may not lead to an immediate change, it is important that the voice of the food and drink sector is heard clearly. Should funding be restored, even in part, we want to ensure that our industry's needs and commitment to workforce development are fully recognised. We will continue to keep you updated on any developments over the coming weeks. If you have any questions, please contact Geoff Lamb, Engagement Manager (NI) at Geoff.Lamb@fdq.org.uk or let me know your thoughts at terry.fennell@fdq.org.uk Kind regards, Terry Fennell - Chief Executive Officer

Explore our comprehensive Policies & Guides. Understand our mission and ensure compliance with our detailed policies and guides. Policies & Guides Policies & Guides to support centres, customers and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements These Policies & Guides are reviewed regularly, so centres should ensure they are working to the latest versions as shown below Reasonable Adjustments FDQ Reasonable Adjustments Policy FDQ Special Considerations Policy Fees Guides FDQ Centre & Qualification Fees Guide FDQ End-point Assessment Fees Guide FDQ Fees and Invoicing Policy Website & Data Policies FDQ Cookies Policy FDQ Fair Processing Notice Policy FDQ Privacy Policy EPA Policies FDQ End-point Assessment - How we make our Assessments and Results FDQ End-point Assessment Gateway Evidence Enquiries Policies FDQ Appeals Policy FDQ Complaints Policy FDQ Conflict of Interest Policy FDQ Equality and Diversity Policy FDQ Investigations Policy FDQ Malpractice and Maladministration Policy FDQ Modern Slavery Policy FDQ Safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk & Prevent Policy FDQ Sanctions Policy FDQ Whistleblowing Guidance to Centres FDQ Whistleblowing Policy Assessment Policies FDQ Endorsement of Resources Policy FDQ Guide to Invigilation FDQ Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) FDQ Recognition of Prior Achievement (RPA) FDQ Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) FDQ User Guide to FDQAssess FDQ Welsh and Irish Language of Assessment Policy / Polisi asesu Cymraeg a Gwyddeleg Follow our Socials LinkedIn Want to know more? Our experienced team is here to help! 0113 859 1266 fdq@fdq.org.uk

Butchery Qualification Group Qualifications FDQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Butchery FDQ Level 2 Certificate in Professional Butchery Still want some clarification? Why not check out our useful guides and resources Guides & Resources

Level 5 Dairy Technologist - ST0393 End-point Assessment The Level 5 Dairy Technologist End-point Assessment (EPA) consists of three elements: Project Report and presentation with questions The End-point Assessment must be completed within 12 weeks of the EPA Gateway. Professional Discussion underpinned by portfolio of evidence Written knowledge test The standard charge for EPA is 15-20% of the Skills England maximum funding rate. To view FDQ's Fee's Policy, click the button below. EPA Fees FDQ Guide to EPA The Guide to EPA was created to give all parties guidance, support and a full understanding of the Level 5 Dairy Technologist Apprenticeship Standard EPA requirements. Level 5 Dairy Technologist Qualification Specification Level 5 Dairy Technologist Qualification Specification Useful Links Portfolio of Evidence Submission Template Food Technology Food Safety, HACCP & Allergen Awareness Switch to FDQ Guides & Resources Still unsure or confused? Our amazing team is here to help! 0113 859 1266 fdq@fdq.org.uk Follow our Socials LinkedIn

Level 3 Metal Fabricator - ST0607 End-point Assessment The Level 3 Metal Fabricator End-point Assessment (EPA) consists of two elements: Practical Observation Professional Discussion The End-point Assessment must be completed within 12 weeks of the EPA Gateway. The standard charge for EPA is 15-20% of the IfATE maximum funding rate. To view FDQ's Fee's Policy, click the button below. EPA Fees FDQ Guide to EPA The Guide to EPA was created to give all parties guidance, support and a full understanding of the Level 3 Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship Standard EPA requirements. Level 3 Metal Fabricator Qualification Specification Level 3 Metal Fabricator Qualification Specification Useful Links Supporting the Food Industry Endorsed Programmes Switch to FDQ Guides & Resources Want to know more? Our experienced team is here to help! 0113 859 1266 fdq@fdq.org.uk Follow our Socials LinkedIn

Switch to FDQ Policies & Guides Resources What we offer We're the only Food & Drink specialist EPAO We think the food industry deserves to have their EPA services delivered by people who really understand it and have the necessary experience. We're proud to have the industries best EPA Managers and Examiners as part of the FDQ team. Top satisfactory ratings Apprentices have ranked FDQ's Independent Examiners with a satisfactory rating of 9.5. Your apprentices also receive a personalised one to one service, overall the support staff scored 9.2. FDQ conduct pre-site visits on all EPA's to fully prepare each apprentice to give them the best opportunity on the day. Not for profit organisation Part of the FTC group, we pride ourselves in being a not-for-profit organisation which enables us to focus on doing the right thing and not just driving the bottom line. We’ve been developing accredited qualifications throughout the UK for almost 20 years. However, our roots trace back to 1946, with the establishment of the Institute of Meat (IoM). The IoM remains a sister organisation and a valuable source of meat industry expertise to this day. No hidden or upfront fees Our priority is to ensure there are no surprises before, on or after the big day, for you or your apprentices. After booking an EPA with us, you can expect a pre-EPA visit free of charge. Support Material FDQ strive to provide unrivalled support to all our apprentices and learning providers, from providing the best possible customer care and support to sharing support materials. These include Guides to EPA, Handbooks, Sample exams and more! Recognised Awarding Organisation FDQ is a recognised Awarding Organisation with CCEA Regulation, Ofqual and Qualification Wales. We are approved to deliver over 100 Food and Drink Qualifications, from short food safety courses, to professional and workplace proficiency programmes. Follow our Socials LinkedIn

Discover the Level 2 Abattoir Worker-ST0194 End-point Assessment. Learn essential skills for a rewarding career in the meat processing industry. Level 2 Abattoir Worker - ST0418 End-point Assessment The Level 2 Abattoir Worker End-point Assessment (EPA) consists of three elements: Multiple Choice The End-point Assessment must be completed within 12 weeks of the EPA Gateway. Observation with Questioning The standard charge for EPA is 15-20% of the IfATE maximum funding rate. To view FDQ's Fee's Policy, click the button below. EPA Fees FDQ Guide to EPA The Guide to EPA was created to give all parties guidance, support and a full understanding of the Level 2 Abattoir Worker Apprenticeship Standard EPA requirements. Level 2 Abattoir Worker Qualification Specification Level 2 Abattoir Qualification Specification Useful Links Animal Welfare and Meat Inspection Butchery Switch to FDQ Guides & Resources Want to know more? Our experienced team is here to help! 0113 859 1266 fdq@fdq.org.uk Follow our Socials LinkedIn

Complaints and Support Ofqual Contact Information If you have any questions, concerns or complaints about an FDQ qualification or service, we encourage you to contact FDQ in the first instance so that we can work with you to resolve the matter. If you wish to contact the regulator directly, or if your enquiry relates specifically to Ofqual, you can use the following services: Ofqual Enquiries For general enquiries, please contact Ofqual's Enquiries Service: Telephone: 0300 303 3344 Contact: Enquiries - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/contact-ofqual Making a Complaint to Ofqual If you wish to make a complaint to Ofqual, you must first complete FDQ's complaints process. When submitting your complaint to Ofqual, you will need to provide a copy of FDQ's final response. Make a complaint - https://submit.forms.service.gov.uk/form/6208/make-a-complaint/MbaJgQQx Reporting Malpractice, Qualification Fraud or Wrongdoing If you have concerns about malpractice, qualification fraud or wrongdoing, you can report these directly to Ofqual using their whistleblowing service. Report a concern of malpractice, qualification fraud or wrongdoing (whistleblowing)

Level 4 Brewer - ST0580 End-point Assessment The Level 4 Brewer End-point Assessment (EPA) consists of three elements: Knowledge Test Practical Brewing Assessment Professional Discussion The End-point Assessment must be completed within 12 weeks of the EPA Gateway. The standard charge for EPA is 15-20% of the IfATE maximum funding rate. To view FDQ's Fee's Policy, click the button below. EPA Fees FDQ Guide to EPA The Guide to EPA was created to give all parties guidance, support and a full understanding of the Level 4 Brewer Apprenticeship Standard EPA requirements. Level 4 Brewer Qualification Specification Level 4 Brewer Qualification Specification Useful Links Food Safety, HACCP & Allergen Awareness FDQ Hub Switch to FDQ Guides & Resources Want to know more? Our experienced team is here to help! 0113 859 1266 fdq@fdq.org.uk Follow our Socials LinkedIn