Providing radiological monitoring services in the nuclear industry to protect people, plant and the environment from radioactive contamination.
This occupation is found in the nuclear sector on a range of sites including waste management, decommissioning, and operational nuclear facilities. Their working conditions are varied and may involve wearing specialist safety equipment, shift working and working on sites and facilities running 365-day operations. They are expected to work independently and as part of a team. They need to be able to work with minimum supervision, in a professional manner, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work they undertake. People working on nuclear sites are required to undergo security clearance vetting.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide radiological monitoring services within the nuclear industry to protect people, plant, and the environment. It is to provide protection from the adverse effects of ionising radiation and contamination. They may work indoors or outdoors, work at height or in confined spaces. They may be required to work shifts and in hazardous areas.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other engineers, technicians and visiting staff present on a nuclear site. They work independently or as part of the larger team. They typically work under both supervised and unsupervised direction of an engineer, technician or health physics supervisor.
An employee in this occupation will comply with regulatory and organisational requirements. They must work within the specified health, safety, and environmental regulations. They must use the appropriate protective clothing, equipment and resources. They are responsible for the correct use and control of equipment. They must follow organisationally defined and approved procedures when carrying out monitoring of nuclear related systems and people. All work must be completed safely and efficiently as directed by supervisory staff.
Health physics surveyor
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 24 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:
For the nuclear health physics monitor, the qualification required is:
IOSH Working Safely
GQA Certificate in Health Physics Monitoring in the nuclear industry (theory)
Practical assessment with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 60 minutes. 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.
Knowledge test - integrated
You will complete a test requiring short written answers and multi choice answers. The delivery of the knowledge test - integrated must align with the conditions set out by the awarding body for the integrated qualification.
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 Society for Radiological Protection for Associate
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. | 26/06/2024 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 03/09/2015 | 25/06/2024 |
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