Network cable installer

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the network cable installer apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Network cable installer apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

A full-time network cable installer apprentice typically spends 15 months on-programme. The apprentice must spend at least 12 months on-programme and complete the required amount of off-the-job training in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.

The EPA should be completed within an EPA period lasting typically 3 months.

The apprentice must complete their training and meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA. The EPA will assess occupational competence.

An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the apprenticeship provider and assessment register (APAR).

This EPA has 2 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are below.

Assessment method 1 - practical demonstration and questions:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 2 - professional discussion underpinned by portfolio :

• fail

• pass

• distinction

The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 3 months.

The EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and start the EPA as quickly as possible.

The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice is occupationally competent. That is, they are deemed to be working at or above the level set out in the apprenticeship standard and ready to undertake the EPA. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider, but the employer must make the decision. The apprentice will then enter the gateway.

The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.

They must:

• confirm they are ready to take the EPA
• have achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

• submit a portfolio of evidence for the professional discussion underpinned by portfolio

Portfolio of evidence requirements:

The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by the professional discussion. It will typically contain 8 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.

Evidence sources may include:

• workplace documentation and records, for example:
• workplace policies and procedures
• witness statements
• annotated photographs
• video clips with a maximum total duration 10 minutes; the apprentice must be in view and identifiable

This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.

The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance, for example, witness statements, rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.

The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the discussion. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the discussion. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.

Gateway evidence must be submitted to the EPAO, along with any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO.

The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.

The result of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.

Overview

In a practical assessment with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides in which of the simulated environments it takes place. The assessment environment must closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because: this is a practical role, which can be demonstrated through completing tasks it allows for consistency of opportunity for apprentices to demonstrate their competence against the mapped KSBs it assesses KSBs holistically and objectively it is a valid assessment because it involves direct testing under controlled conditions

The Network Cable Installer role is heavily biased toward practical, hands-on installation activities. The ability to install network cabling in demanding environments, in a safe manner, using the correct tools, and in accordance with highest quality standards, could only be assessed fairly and accurately in a simulated environment. It was felt that the primary test method should be a practical assessment with questions ensuring that the apprentice can not only demonstrate their practical skills but can also underpin this with a broader knowledge of the task at hand.

Delivery

Apprentices must be provided with both written and verbal instructions on the two tasks that they must complete, including the timescales they are working to.

The practical demonstration and questions should be conducted in the following way to take account of the occupational context in which the apprentice operates:

● the independent assessor shall provide an introductory brief to the apprentices detailing domestic arrangements and conduct of the practical demonstration and questions.

● to mitigate health and safety risk, the independent assessor may allow apprentices to work in pairs for the sole purpose of initial cable installations when working at height i.e. getting the cables into the basket. All other tasks such as dressing-in, fastening etc must be carried out unaided.

● special considerations should be given where there are unplanned safety critical or contractual factors which can change during the practical demonstration time, for example:

• multiple minor infractions - working practices which, if allowed to continue unchecked, could be likely to cause harm to the individual or other persons present in the immediate vicinity. Four infractions will result in the termination of this assessment method.
• a single serious safety error - an occurrence that could have or has caused serious injury to the individual or other persons present in the work environment.

• if these factors do change and it is not possible or deemed unsafe to continue the practical demonstration, the independent assessor must follow the special consideration policy outlined by the EPAO.

● apprentices may take in user manuals for technical equipment. The EPAO shall inject errors into the project briefing document which will offer apprentices an opportunity to assess technical irregularities and offer suggestions for escalation and reparation.

The practical demonstration and questions must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the practical demonstration and questions.

The independent assessor must be as unobtrusive as possible.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the . practical demonstration and questions

The practical demonstration and questions will take a maximum 7 hours.

The independent assessor can increase or decrease the time of the practical demonstration and questions by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.

The apprentice may choose to end the assessment method early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end any assessment methods early unless in an emergency. The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end the assessment early.

The practical demonstration and questions may take place in parts but must be completed over 2 consecutive working days. The reason for this split is that there are two tasks that can be separated into two different activities, the separation allows for flexibility and resource planning with the employer and will accommodate the needs of all parties. The independent assessor has the discretion to increase or reduce the time of the practical demonstration and questions by up to 10% to allow the apprentice to complete the last task that is part of this element of the EPA.

The independent assessor may conduct and observe a maximum of four apprentices during this assessment method. On the occasions where only one apprentice is being assessed, the EPAO will arrange for either the EPAO or the employer to provide an additional person to assist where 2-person working is required for health and safety reasons.

The EPAO must manage invigilation of the apprentice during the assessment, to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations.

The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the practical demonstration and questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.

The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical assessment:

The following activities MUST be observed during the practical demonstration and questions i.e. a practical demonstration without these tasks would seriously hamper the opportunity for the apprentice to demonstrate occupational competence in the KSBs assigned to this assessment method:

• lay cable
• install wire basket and or UPVC trunking, incorporating vertical and or horizontal containment routes at high and or low levels
• loom of cables into cabinet
• install containment using spirit level
• terminate copper Unshielded Twisted Pair and or Foil Twisted Pair UTP FTP and fibre optic cables including:

Two UTP or FTP outlets at low level

Two copper UTP or FTP panel to panel links

One fibre cable minimum of 4 core tight buffered construction, larger core counts can be utilised with spare fibres coiled for future use, panel to panel link with 4 connections using a minimum of 2 spliced fibres to pigtails and 2 further terminations utilising direct terminated type fibres Mechanical Fastconnectors, Mechanical spliced Pigtails, Hotmelt, cold cure or Epoxy terminations can be used.

These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The independent assessor must ask questions.

The purpose of the questions is:

• to seek clarification where required
• to assess the level of competence against the grading descriptors

Questioning can occur both during and after the practical assessment. The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The independent assessor must ask at least 6 questions. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessor should ask questions during natural stops between tasks and after completion of work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training.

The independent assessor can ask follow-up questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice. These questions are in addition to the above set number of questions for the practical demonstration and questions.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must assess the practical assessment and responses to questions holistically when deciding the grade. 

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

• the KSBs observed
• the apprentice’s answers to questions
• KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved

Assessment location

The practical demonstration and questions must take place in a simulated environment selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s premises, a training provider’s premises, a training facility in the employer’s premises, a test centre or a similar simulated environment. This simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the practical demonstration and questions must be provided by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these.

Additional venue requirements that must be in place include:

Practical demonstrations must be conducted in one of the following locations:

● the employer’s premises

● a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example a training provider's premises or another employer’s premises

● video conferencing can be used to conduct the practical demonstration . live streaming, but the EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided in some way, for example use a widescreen or other suitable camera, and subject to appropriate health and safety conditions being met. The observation of more than one apprentice via video conferencing is not permitted.

The practical demonstration should take place in either a simulated network equipment room, or in a real environment utilising an electrically and spatially separated area. Suggested dimensions for the work area will be 5m(w) x 10m(l) x 3m(h). The work area should be fitted with:

● equipment cabinets

42U 800mm x 1000mm data racks are preferred. Racks may be bayed together and shall have a minimum 1.2m front and rear working access, and a minimum 900mm side access at one end for egress, where the assessment area requires other suitable data racks can be used.

Racks shall be fitted with:

▪ 19" Mounting rails

▪ front and or rear doors

▪ plinth

▪ earth bonding

● workstations

To simulate individual work stations, backboards constructed of 25mm ply measuring approximately 2m(l) x 1.6m(h) shall be installed on the walls spaced equidistantly and at 1m above floor level, or a suitable alternate fixing surface will be provided to allow the Apprentice to carry out their required tasks. .

● cable containment

Suitable size to contain the installed cabling, cable basket shall be installed at a height of between 2m and 2.6m (greater heights are to be avoided due to overcomplication of Working at Height considerations) and shall be routed from the cabinets, completing a loop around the perimeter of the area. Cable basket is to be bonded throughout and incorporate waterfall drop-offs to the cabinets.

● lighting

EPAO is to ensure that there is sufficient lighting for work to be undertaken in a safe manner. This should equate to 500 Lux measured at 1m above floor level in all areas.

or suitable equilavent.

Induction

Each apprentice shall be given an induction briefing into the assessment venue on the day of the assessment before beginning the practical demonstration, paying particular attention to:

• the extent or limits of the work area to be worked in by the apprentice during the practical demonstration

• known health and safety risks or hazards

• actions in the event of an emergency

• planned alarm tests

• tools and equipment available for use

Support material

EPAOs will produce the following material to support this assessment method:

• briefing document for employers and apprentices to describe how the demonstration will be delivered and or administered.

• a briefing job pack describing the two tasks to be completed during the demonstration.

• a fully documented risk assessment is to be made available for apprentices to review.

• a marking sheet

• guidance document for Independent Assessors on how to administer the practical demonstration

• a process for capturing and accommodating any additional needs for the apprentice in line with the EPAOs Reasonable Adjustments Policy.

● technical equipment including user manuals

Installation equipment, including UPVC trunking and conduit for outlet drops, minimum Cat 6 components for outlet, cable, patch panels for horizontal links, fibre panels and fibre cabling.

Installation Tools:

▪ hand tools for cutting and mounting trunking/conduit

▪ cable stripping and termination tools:

▪ fibre and copper certification test equipment, minimum Cat 6 and Tier 1 Optical Fibre testing

▪ fusion splicing tools

▪ labelling machines

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this. 

The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of tasks and questions in the case of re-sits and retakes, to minimise predictability.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the practical demonstration and questions:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Overview

In the professional discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because: it assesses KSBs holistically and objectively it allows for the assessment of KSBs that do not occur on a predictable or regular basis it allows for assessment of responses where there are a range of potential answers it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost.

This assessment will take the form of a professional discussion, which must be appropriately structured to draw out the best of the apprentice’s competence and excellence and cover the KSBs assigned to this assessment method. It will involve questions that will focus on coverage of prior learning or activity.

The Network Cable Installer role requires that installations are carried out to the highest technical and quality standards which are detailed through legislation, national and or international standards and manufacturers best practice guides. More often, documentation of this type is specified in contracts and can easily determine the success or failure of a project. In addition, there is a significant amount of technical knowledge underpinning their practical capabilities and the professional discussion offers the best platform for the apprentice to demonstrate their knowledge through topical discussions.

Delivery

The professional discussion must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the professional discussion.

The purpose is to assess the apprentice’s competence against the following themes:

• quality and underpinning principles
• health and safety
• standards and Legislation
• installation criteria
• workforce management

The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice of the professional discussion.

The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the supporting documentation.

The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the professional discussion.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however, the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.

The professional discussion must last for 60 minutes. The independent assessor can increase or decrease the time of the professional discussion by up to 10%. Further time may be granted for apprentices with appropriate needs In line with the EPAOs Reasonable Adjustment Policy.

The apprentice may choose to end the assessment method early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end any assessment methods early unless in an emergency. The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end the assessment early.

The independent assessor must ask at least 12 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.

This is a 1:1 conversation, with no other parties involved

The independent assessor must make the grading decision.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

• the apprentice’s answers to questions
• the KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved 

Assessment location

The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.

The professional discussion can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.

The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the professional discussion underpinned by portfolio :

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the practical demonstration and questions and professional discussion underpinned by portfolio in line with this EPA plan.

The EPAO must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they will be awarded an overall fail.

To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. To achieve an overall merit, the apprentice must achieve at least a distinction in one assessment method. To achieve an overall distinction, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in both assessment methods.

Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does. The apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.

The employer and the EPAO should agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 1 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome notification.

Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.

Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.

The apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of if pass they need to re-sit or re-take one or more assessment methods, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.

The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for a reasonable adjustment
• what reasonable adjustments may be made

Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Special considerations

The EPAO must have special consideration arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for a special consideration
• what special considerations will be given

Special considerations must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Internal quality assurance refers to the strategies, policies and procedures that an EPAO must have in place to ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions.

EPAOs for this EPA must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities table.

They must also appoint independent assessors who:

• have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 4 gained in the last 2 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector

Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

• assessing multiple apprentices simultaneously where the assessment method permits this

• using the employer’s premises

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

This apprenticeship aligns with:

• Institute of Telecommunication Professionals for Associate Member