Install curtain wall systems to form all or part of the external envelope of a building
This occupation is found in the construction and built environment sector. Curtain Walling is an integral part of the building external envelope. Curtain walling installers work primarily in the commercial market and on higher-end residential projects ranging from simple single storey retail screens to multi storey, high rise office and residential developments.
Curtain walling is predominately manufactured from aluminium. For specialist applications curtain walling systems are also available in timber and steel materials.
Aluminium offers a durable and lightweight framework which is typically anchored to the primary structure of the building. Curtain walling can have infills such as window and door inserts, glass panels, ventilation and acoustic elements.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to install curtain wall systems to form all, or part of the external envelope of a building. Curtain walling systems are structurally capable of spanning multiple floors. They offer a continuous glazed façade, often covering the full height of the building.
The installation process includes fixing of the primary system, securing the infill materials and applying all the perimeter abutment products following The Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) guidelines and manufacturers systems’ manuals.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other members of the installation team, site managers and installation managers, the client, main contractors, architect, design team, external envelope contractors, system supplier and façade consultants.
This is usually a site-based occupation and can involve working at extreme heights including the use of specialist access equipment and specialist plant to handle and install the products.
The installer may work directly for the system fabricator or work for a specialist installation company. The installers will travel to where the work or site is located. This can involve working away for a period of time and staying in local accommodation for the duration of the work programme.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for working with a team ensuring they have the correct access, tools, plant and materials to carry out the installation. This may involve different parts of the building being worked on at one time. They will be responsible for the setting out and fixing of the main grid work in accordance with the approved drawings and works instructions. They will normally work under an Installation Manager, Project Manager or Site Manager who will task them with different duties during the project programme. On smaller projects they may work unsupervised due to the simpler nature of the installation being carried out. The work may also include the fitting of doors and windows into the curtain wall grid.
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 30 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:
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 40 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 7 hours. They will ask you at least 3 questions.
Presentation with questions
You will produce and deliver a presentation to an independent assessor. You must submit your presentation slides and any supporting materials to the EPAO by the end of week 6 of the EPA period. The presentation and questions will last at least 50 minutes. The independent assessor will ask you at least 4 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 45 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | End-point assessment plan revised | 04/09/2024 | Not set |
| 1.1 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised | 12/07/2024 | 03/09/2024 |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 03/02/2020 | 11/07/2024 |
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