V1.1
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the land-based service engineer apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Land-based service engineer apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
A full-time land-based service engineer apprentice typically spends 24 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 6 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 work with the training provider to select an approved EPAO from the apprenticeship providers and assessment register (APAR).
This EPA has 3 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are below.
Assessment method 1 - multiple choice knowledge test:
Assessment method 2 - practical tasks assessment and questions:
Assessment method 3 - professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:
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 within 6 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 has attained sufficient KSBs to complete the apprenticeship. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider, but it is the employer's responsibility to make the decision. The apprentice will then enter the gateway.
The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.
They must:
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 this assessment method. It will typically contain evidence relating to 15 jobs.
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.
The jobs should demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills mapped to the method. Jobs are likely to relate but are not limited to work carried out on:
• Engines
• Transmissions
• Electrical work
• Hydraulics
• Exhaust emissions after treatment systems
• PDI (pre delivery inspection and preparation)
• Land-based machinery and equipment
• GPS / Guidance / Telematics / Technology
• Service and maintenance operations
For each job the following should be provided.
1) Job card showing the instructions given
2) A company risk assessment – workshop and/or on site dynamic assessment.
3) Pictures that describe the job from start to finish. Must include photographs of the apprentice doing the job.
4) Service manual information related to the job.
5) Saved data from the job (Error codes, software versions, parameter logs etc)
6) Check sheets (where appropriate e.g. PDI / Service).
7) A description of the job and tasks undertaken, the parts used, and the challenges encountered and how they were overcome.
Evidence sources may also include:
In addition, the portfolio is mandatorily required to include a fabricated special service tool produced by the apprentice to a specification along with a written description of the function of the tool. The specification and function description should be included in the portfolio.
The specification provided by the apprentice can be from any source and must require, fabrication, cutting, welding, shaping, drilling and tapping operations and have an appropriate surface finish applied. It will need to include dimensions and tolerances and may be in the form of a sketch, manufacturer's specification or technical drawing.
The special service tool must be made available to the independent assessor physically at the time of the professional discussion and must display the apprentice's initials. If it is not available, the assessment will not be permitted to proceed. The specification and special service tool are in addition to the 15 jobs described above.
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.
The apprentice must submit the gateway evidence to their EPAO, including 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.
In the multiple choice knowledge test, the apprentice answers questions in a controlled and invigilated environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method.
This assessment method is being used because it:
The multiple choice knowledge test must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
The test can be computer or paper based.
The test will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions.
Multiple-choice questions must have four options, including one correct answer.
The apprentice must be given at least 14 days’ notice of the date and time of the test.
The apprentice must have 60 minutes to complete the test.
The test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.
The following equipment is allowed to be used during the test:
The test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator who is the responsibility of the EPAO. The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.
The EPAO must verify the apprentice’s identity and ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example, with 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.
The EPAO is responsible for the security of the test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the test.
The test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where question types support this.
A correct answer gets 1 mark.
Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.
The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the test.
The apprentice must take the test in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.
The test can take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice.
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 should 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 test:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
In the practical assessment with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a series of 3 tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides where it takes place. The assessment environment must closely relate and be resourced to reflect the apprentice’s natural working environment and offer the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this method of assessment.
This assessment method is being used because it:
The three practical tasks assessment 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 tasks assessment and questions.
Whilst the preference is for 1 apprentice to be observed at a time by the independent assessor, the independent assessor may observe up to a maximum of 3 apprentice's at a time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible.
Suitable control measures should be in place to ensure consistency, reliability and authenticity of work and that there is no interference or security issues as a result of assessing 3 apprentices at a time. Control measures should ensure that questioning of the apprentices does not impact upon other aspects of the assessment.
The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice of the . practical tasks assessment and questions
The three practical tasks assessment and questions must take a minimum total of 4.5 hours.
The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical tasks assessment 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 practical tasks assessment and questions cannot be split, other than for comfort breaks or to allow apprentices to move from one location to another. Where breaks occur, they will not count towards the total EPA time.
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 tasks assessment and questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.
The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical tasks assessment:
In each of the tasks listed, the apprentice will be required to use safe working practices to ensure personal safety and the safety of others and the environment.
They will be required to prepare the work area and select and use the appropriate personal protective equipment, tools and equipment required. Upon completion of each task, the apprentice will be required to reinstate the work area.
Apprentices committing serious breaches of Health and Safety compliance will receive a fail marking and asked to leave the task being undertaken.
Task 1 - (90 minutes)
The apprentice is required to conduct static and operational inspections and system tests to establish settings required by customers including the following –
• Compliance check with legislative safety requirements
• System tests to establish actions to be taken.
• Interrogation of control systems to view error codes, reset indicators and reset software updates.
Task 2 - (90 minutes)
The apprentice is required to perform a hydraulic or electrical repair on land-based machinery (no electrical equipment should be over 24 volts), including the following –
• Checks and tests to ensure prime-movers, machinery and equipment meet manufacturers and customer's requirements before and after repair.
• Identify and follow technical documentation.
• Record and interpret technical information relating to land-based service, maintenance, and repair operations.
Task 3 - (90 minutes)
The apprentice is required to identify and follow technical documentation to perform a transmission or engine related repair on land based machinery.
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 assess the level of competence against the grading descriptors.
Questioning can occur both during and after the practical assessment tasks shown above. The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The independent assessor must ask at least 12 questions in total. At least 4 questions should be asked per task. 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 tasks assessment 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 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 the 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 tasks assessment and questions must take place in a simulated environment selected by the EPAO for example, the training provider's or employer’s premises. The simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the practical tasks assessment and questions must be available. The EPAO has responsibility for ensuring that the equipment and resources are suitable and are available and may liaise with the employer/ provider to supply these.
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 should 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 occupational sector of the apprentice 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.
If a re-sit or retake of a task is required, the The EPAO must take steps to minimise predictability by using different equipment or machinery.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the practical tasks assessment and questions:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
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.
This assessment method is being used because it:
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 integral part of the professional discussion will relate to the special service tool fabricated by the apprentice, the procedures used, the finish and suitability for purpose.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the following themes as part of the professional discussion.
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 and fabricated special service tool 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 the time of the professional discussion by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.
The independent assessor must ask at least 11 questions. A minimum of 1 question must be asked per theme. 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. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
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 the 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 professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the training providers or employer’s premises.
The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
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 a portfolio of evidence:
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:
An independent assessor must individually grade the practical tasks assessment and questions and professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence 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.
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 must 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 3 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 pass for each assessment method(s) that require a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances. A re-sit or re-take only limits an apprentice's achievement in the assessment method(s) retaken/sat and does not prohibit higher achievement for the apprenticeship as a whole.
The apprentice is not required to retake or resit all of the tasks that form part of the practical assessment but just those that they fail.
The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.
This should include:
Adjustments 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:
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:
This apprenticeship is not aligned to professional recognition.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised | 01/12/2024 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery. The funding band for this standard has been reviewed and remains at £18000 (Jan-2018). | 23/12/2015 | 30/11/2024 |
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