Designing, installing and maintaining electronic systems to protect businesses, homes and properties against fires, break-ins and other emergencies.
This occupation is found in the security sector. Businesses supply fire, security products and services to a wide range of customers and this occupation is found within the private and public sector.
The broad purpose of this occupation is to protect individuals, homes and properties from risk and danger. This might mean installing Fire, Emergency and Security Systems to detect intrusion, provide surveillance, monitor and control access to buildings, properties and sites or to detect fire and emergencies. Technicians would use a wide range of systems using various communication technologies with electrical and electronic components. They can often find themselves working in and outside business premises and customers’ homes.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with internal colleagues and teams to plan and prepare for their working day. Also, external contacts including customers, to understand their requirements and solve any issues and arising problems. They will also interact with contacts such as on-site workers from other service providers.
A Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Technician in this occupation will be responsible for the planning, installation, testing, commissioning and handover of fire, or security systems equipment. Their responsibilities include carrying out preventative and corrective maintenance, diagnosis of, and repairing faults on systems and their components. Installation of systems must be done in accordance to customer specification and requirements, industry regulations and company quality standards. They will initiate, own and complete processes, tasks and procedures, supporting wider team to deliver security and safety services. They must work within the health, safety and environmental regulations, including use of appropriate protective clothing and equipment. They are responsible for the correct use and maintenance of tools and equipment.
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 36 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:
Practical assessment with questioning
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 9 hours. They will ask you at least 3 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 6 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 60 multiple-choice questions. You will have 75 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.
This apprenticeship aligns with The Institute of Engineering and Technology for Engineering Technician (EngTech)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised. | 01/03/2024 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery. The funding band for this standard has been reviewed and remains at £18000 (Dec- 2018) | 19/08/2016 | 29/02/2024 |
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