Installing different types of fences, gates and barriers, across a broad cross-section of different environments.
This occupation is found in domestic, agricultural, through to commercial, industrial, high security and infrastructure for example. highways, rail and utilities.
The areas within Fencing include: Timber Fencing, Steel Fencing, Concrete Fencing, High Security Fencing, Acoustic Fencing, Railings, Gates Agricultural Stock Fencing, Temporary Fencing, Site Hoarding, Sports Fencing, School Fencing, Electric Fencing.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to install and repair a secure boundary fence to protect people, property and livestock. To do this a fence installer will need to work to detailed specifications and standards to ensure correct and safe installation of fencing for the required site.
The fence installer must have the ability to work in a team, enjoy outside environment, safe working on sites, read and understand specifications and plans, prepare fence installation and select relevant materials to carry out installation, maintenance or repairs to meet the relevant fence requirements. The work will include using a wide variety of materials, tools and machinery.
In their daily work a fencing installer will generally be working outdoors in a physical job role to follow industry standard to create correct fences, gates, Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS), parapets and noise barriers. The fence installer will be taught to understand specifications and plans, prepare sites and select relevant materials to carry out installation, maintenance or repairs to meet the relevant contract requirements. The work will include using a wide variety of materials, tools and machinery.
In their daily work, an employee may interact and work alongside a number of other construction trades and may work alongside bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, landscapers, ground workers etc. as well as with architects and designers. They may also interact with the general public.
Fencing installers will work for varying sized organisations, although their work may be part of a bigger overall project within construction. The employee may work independently or as part of a team. They must be able to identify and resolve problems using their knowledge and skills to solve technical challenges and complete the installation but also recognise when advice and direction from a more qualified authority must be sought.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the installation of different types of fencing, gates, responsible for working in a safe manner to ensure the job they are doing is fully compliant with health and safety legislation to ensure their safety and that of their colleagues. They will need to adhere to the risk assessments and method statements specific to the site to ensure that the structure is built to the required specification and standard. They will be expected to work in a manner that gives consideration to the environment, including recycling and waste management.
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:
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 45 minutes to complete it.
Observation with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 6 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.
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.
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