Installing, terminating, testing and certifying network cable infrastructure components
The role of the network cable installer is to install, terminate, test and certify network cable infrastructure components in accordance with national and international industry standards. This network infrastructure will provide the communications backbone for the digital infrastructure ecosystem, enabling all types of digital devices to communicate between each other, internally, nationally and globally. These include computers, servers, smart devices, security equipment, wireless access points, access control, building management systems and lighting systems.
They can install copper cables, which are widely used to inter-connect communicating devices such as computers, scanners and printers to servers within office buildings, industrial buildings, hospitals, and data centres. The apprentice may also utilises fibre optic cables, which are widely used for connecting between floors within buildings. Buildings to buildings and cities to cities, as well as providing the highest speed broadband to homes.
Installers work in data sensitive environments and contribute to the organisation’s cyber security strategy by ensuring its physical security. They will also comply with cyber security principles for the maintenance of confidentiality, integrity and availability of data.
They can work in the inside plant ISP environment which is dedicated to the installation of cable within buildings and structures, and the outside plant OSP environment, which is dedicated to the installation of cable externally between buildings, cities and countries.
The size of the task or project that a network cable installer could be involved in, ranges from a single outlet point in a customer’s premises, to thousands of outlets in a new office block. It could also range from a single fibre cable termination in a building to the installation of hundreds of fibres over many kilometres in local, national and international communities. The role of the installer is physical and often involves lifting and moving heavy equipment.
Striving to deliver excellent and consistent levels of customer service is a vital part of the role. Installers work diligently to accurately interpret customer requirements and endeavour to meet high quality standards.
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 15 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 questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 7 hours. They will ask you at least 6 questions.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 12 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.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institute of Telecommunication Professionals for Associate Member
Please contact the professional body for more details.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised | 16/08/2024 | Not set |
| 1.1 | End-point assessment plan revised | 02/12/2019 | 20/08/2024 |
| 1.0 | Retired | 23/04/2019 | 01/12/2019 |
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