Delivering Confidence, Consistency and Quality with BMS Progress

Background

Since 2021, BMS Progress and DSW have worked closely together to deliver fantastic apprentice journeys and outcomes with excellent training and robust independent End-Point Assessment, across multiple programmes including Team Leader Supervisor, Operations Manager and Coaching Professional. The aim is to create an environment where every apprentice feels supported, confident, and ready to upskill and bring those wins to their employer.

BMS Progress is a UK-based professional training and apprenticeship provider with over 25 years of experience. Their mission is simple: “Improve Performance, Progress Careers.” They specialise in helping organisations and individuals upskill through world-class training and levy-funded apprenticeships, ensuring continuous professional development across sales, leadership, and management roles.

The Challenge

Coaching Professional apprentices come from a variety of different sectors, employers and backgrounds, each with unique needs and specialisms. BMS Progress wanted an EPA process that respected individuality while maintaining high standards. The challenge was clear:

  • Celebrate achievements of apprentices and their employers.
  • Keep achievement rates strong and completions timely.
  • Ensure every apprentice feels prepared and reassured throughout the journey.
  • Deliver an exceptional customer service experience to the BMS Progress team.

Solution

DSW brought its pragmatic, learner centric approach to life through a partnership built on trust and flexibility. Together, BMS Progress and DSW designed a process that positions the apprentices with the best chance of first time success:

Clear, Accessible Guidance: DSW provides straightforward resources such as the Toolkits, and pre-EPA walkthroughs that educate apprentices and Development Coaches on the process.

Relationship Management: Close account management with monthly touch points ensuring that everything is running smoothly, new resources are shared and data is shared to improve performance.

Technology That Supports Efficiency: Using epaPRO, learners are registered for free, gateway is uploaded, their portfolio is uploaded and they are tracked through their EPA seamlessly, ensuring nothing is missed and a smooth experience.

Reasonable Adjustments: Pre gateway, DSW works closely with BMS Progress Development Coaches to understand any reasonable adjustment flexibilities that need to be put in place, ensuring all apprentices have the best chance in their EPA.

Planning Meetings to Schedule: DSW offers each apprentice the opportunity to meet their assessor ahead of the EPA. This provides the forum to plan important EPA dates, as well as putting a face to the name, answering questions, and easing any nerves of apprentices.

Outcomes

The partnership delivers measurable success and meaningful experiences:

Confidence and Success: Learners consistently describe feeling prepared, supported, and reassured throughout the process. This confidence translates into stronger performance in assessment.

Exceptional Results: Achievement rates remain high, with 49% distinction grades achieved across multiple programmes, which is proof that quality and partnership go hand in hand.

Streamlined Without Sacrifice: Structured workflows and proactive account management ensure competitive turnaround times while maintaining the highest standards of service.

“At BMS Progress, our partnership with DSW plays a key role in ensuring our apprentices have a positive and confident EPA experience. A real standout is the introductory call where apprentices meet their assessor, book assessment dates and ask final questions, helping to reduce nerves and remove uncertainty about the day itself.

Beyond this, the consistency and fairness of DSW’s approach builds real trust, ensuring apprentices feel the process is transparent and supportive from gateway through to results. Clear guidance and reliable communication allow learners to focus on demonstrating their knowledge and skills rather than worrying about the assessment process.

A fast turnaround of results and detailed, constructive feedback ensure apprentices feel recognised for their hard work and encouraged to continue learning beyond completion. This collaborative approach delivers meaningful value for apprentices and supports strong, sustainable achievement outcomes.”

Abi Stokes
Compliance and Assessment Coordinator

“My apprenticeship has been an incredibly rewarding experience that strengthened my skills and confidence.

The modules were well-structured, and the flexibility of the programme made balancing work and study manageable. Linda, my coach, provided fantastic support throughout—big thank you!

Working with a cohort of peers was great for sharing experiences and support. The DSW resources were excellent and really simplified complex tools. The mock tests were invaluable, especially towards the end, giving me real-life EPA practice and boosting my confidence.

Overall, the learnings from the course helped me manage time effectively, develop strategies, implement plans, and focus on priorities. It’s been an important step in my professional growth, and I’d highly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering it.”

Kevin Fenton-Clough
Apprentice