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Carrying out a range of tasks involving handling cargo, passengers or marine craft.
This occupation can be found in a variety of ports, harbours, and marinas. From a major international trade gateway, Naval base supporting the Royal Navy, to a single jetty jutting out into a river or sea. A port is typically a location on the coast where goods are loaded and unloaded, however they can be found inland such as the Manchester ship canal and Port of Boston in Lincolnshire. Ports serve many purposes, including recreation, commercial trade, the energy sector and defence. The port industry is diverse, supporting a wide range of activities vital to many sectors of the UK economy. Ports are critical transportation networks that facilitate both international and domestic trade.
The UK has the largest port sector in Europe, with 120 commercial ports. Port operatives may be employed by large port authorities, such as the Port of Felixstowe. Which handles roughly 48% of all containerised trade within the UK, to other porting authorities such as the Port of Boston or enlisting as a port operative in the British Army.
Port operatives have key roles in enabling businesses to deliver on time and safely. Cargo can include any goods imported or exported from the UK, such as cars, food, manufactured goods, and raw materials. The work they do varies depending on the type of ship or cargo. Operatives in larger ports tend to specialise, but smaller ports often require them to perform a wide range of duties.
Port operatives are engaged to ensure that freight is moved efficiently from a docked ship, directly to a road vehicle or train for onward transportation, or to a warehouse or holding area for temporary storage. Port operatives may be required to operate large items of mobile and fixed lifting equipment and other vehicles, such as forklift trucks and mobile cranes.
A port operative may be required to work on board any type or size of moored or anchored vessel in a port.
Port operatives can also work in passenger operations, ensuring that customers of ferry services or cruise liners travel through the port safely and efficiently. While maintaining excellent customer service. Passenger facilities at ports can be similar to those found at airports, with catering and other recreational services for passengers waiting to join the ship.
Working hours may include unsocial hours, and working outdoors in inclement weather is probable. There may be some on-call requirements as well as shift and weekend work. The working environment is likely to be physically demanding. Entry restrictions may apply to applicants.
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 12 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
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:
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 30 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
Observation with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 3 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 5 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.
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.Reasonable adjustments
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 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised. | 19/07/2024 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 24/09/2018 | 18/07/2024 |
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