Operating science industry manufacturing equipment.
The occupation is found in science process manufacturing industries.
Science process manufacturing is varied. It includes industries such as biotechnology, chemical, composites, petrochemical, polymer, and pharmaceutical.
Science process industries combine raw materials and apply a science based process or processes - biological, chemical, or physical - to create products. Products are made continuously or in batches.
Process manufacturing industries are highly regulated. The Health and Safety Executive and other industry regulators inspect employers. The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations apply to some process manufacturing companies. Employers must manage risks to the employee, product, environment, and sometimes the wider community.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to complete science-based manufacturing processes to produce materials and products following standard operating procedures. Products are varied and may include battery cells, composite wind turbine parts, drugs, plastic bottles, proteins, and solvents. This involves checking and preparing materials and using specialist science-based manufacturing process plant or equipment. They monitor the process and take action to resolve deviations. Maintaining the work area is part of the role. They contribute to quality control, continuous improvement, and problem solving activities. They also complete work records, which are important in regulated workplaces.
In their daily work, they interact with other science process manufacturing operatives and technicians, along with colleagues from other business functions. They typically report to a shift manager, team leader, or supervisor.
They are responsible for meeting work schedules. They must work to quality, health and safety, and environment regulations and procedures. This may include wearing personal protective equipment and complying with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
They may work alone or as part of a team, under supervision.
They work in varied conditions. Some workplaces may be physically demanding. Some may require use of specialist safety equipment. They complete shift work. Sites often run 24 x 7, 365-days a year.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 18 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Observation with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 2 hours. They will ask you at least 5 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 7 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Standard and end-point assessment plan revised | 22/08/2022 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 27/02/2018 | 21/08/2022 |
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