Education authorities to investigate high failure rate in revised electrical apprentice exams 

The new assessments had been 'developed and quality assured through established academic processes and are designed to assess the required learning outcomes.' File picture

Education authorities are investigating a high exam failure rate amongst electrical apprentices, following new assessments introduced after concerns around potential cheating and exam breaches.

Training board Solas has launched an independent review of the new papers and related marking schemes for Phase 4 and Phase 6 electrical theory assessments. 

These assessments were updated recently after a separate independent review found "numerous and serious deficiencies" in Solas' quality assurance procedures around these exams.  

The increased scrutiny came following a series of protected disclosures raising concerns about the predictability of assessments, and the repeated use of the same version of assessments. Solas had also received reports that two exam papers had allegedly been leaked before exams.

It went on to refer the matter to gardaí. Published late last year, one lecturer told the review panel investigating the claims: "I can’t believe how easily students are getting their hands on assessments in advance. Students have it on their phones. Students tell me there’s a leak." 

They added: "Results are unrealistically high and I have seen this for years. Students who are not at the level are getting 90+ %."  

Solas confirmed it is aware of concerns around the recent high failure rate following the updated papers. It is examining if changes to question style and format without samples of the new papers may have had an impact. 

The new assessments had been "developed and quality assured through established academic processes and are designed to assess the required learning outcomes." 

Repeat exams are to be held in September, and no exam fees will be incurred by affected apprentices.

Further and higher education minister James Lawless said he recognises the "concern and disappointment" felt by apprentices following the recent results. 

"It is important they have confidence that assessments are fair, robust, and reflect the knowledge and competencies required to qualify." 

There has been a record investment in apprenticeships, which are central to meeting Ireland's future skills needs, Mr Lawless said. 

"With that investment comes a responsibility to ensure that every apprentice is trained and assessed to the highest standards.

I have made it clear to the leadership of Solas that the high failure rate requires a full and urgent examination. 

"I expect a comprehensive account of what happened, why it happened, and what actions are required to ensure confidence in the assessment process.

"There can be no compromise on the integrity of our apprenticeship system, but neither can there be any compromise on fairness."

Apprentices, employers and training providers deserve clear answers, he said.

"I expect Solas to engage openly with all stakeholders and provide certainty well in advance of the September examinations.

"My priority is to ensure that apprentices receive the support they need and that confidence in the system is maintained," he said.

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) said it is aware of the reported failure rates and the concerns regarding assessment raised by craft electrical apprentices.

It is in close engagement with Solas, and "is being kept updated on the situation as a review of the impacted assessments is undertaken", a spokesman said.

• Jess Casey is Education Correspondent.