Scenic construction technician

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the scenic construction technician apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering their EPA.

Scenic construction technician apprenticeship, their employers and training providers should read this document.

An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).

A full-time apprentice typically spends 30 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a scenic construction technician. All apprentices must spend at least 12 months on-programme. All apprentices must spend at least 20% of their on-programme time completing off-the-job training.

This EPA has 2 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are:

Assessment method 1 - interview underpinned by portfolio of evidence :

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 2 - construction project and questioning :

• fail

• pass

• distinction

The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

The EPA will be taken within the EPA period. The EPA period begins when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements are met and is typically 3 months.

The expectation is that the EPAO will confirm the gateway requirements are met and the EPA begins as quickly as possible.

The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think the apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard as a scenic construction technician. They will then enter the gateway. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider(s), but the employer must make the decision.

The apprentices must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.

These are:

• achieved English and mathematics at Level 21.

• for the interview underpinned by portfolio of evidence apprentices must submit: portfolio of evidence

Portfolio of evidence requirements:

The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. It will typically contain 15 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.

Evidence sources may include:

• workplace documentation and records, for example:
• workplace policies and procedures
• witness statements
• annotated photographs
• video clips (maximum total duration 10 minutes); the apprentice must be in view and identifiable
• Examples of scenic structures/frameworks/assemblies

This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.

The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance (for example, witness statements) rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.

The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the interview . The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the interview . They are not required to provide feedback after this review.

The apprentices must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO.

The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms all gateway requirements have been met. The expectation is they will do this as quickly as possible.

The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.

The result of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.

Overview

In the interview, an independent assessor asks the apprentice questions. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because:

• it allows for assessment of KSBs that may not naturally occur during the construction project and questioning

• it allows for testing of responses where there are a range of potential answers

• it is a cost effective, as whilst seeking assurance of competence across a range of KSBs, it does not require the independent assessor to directly observe all of them thus reducing their time cost and cost of materials

Delivery

The interview must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the interview.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to cover the following:

• Interpreting the designer’s brief
• Technical drawings
• Making scenic structures, frameworks or assemblies
• Apply, bond or fix a range of materials to create the scenic element or repair it
• Assess, plan, move, load, assemble and secure scenic structures/frameworks/assemblies
• Tools, machinery and equipment

The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the interview.

The interview must last for 70 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the interview by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.

The independent assessor must ask at least 13 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.

The apprentice may choose to end the assessment method early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end the assessment methods early, unless in an emergency. The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end the assessment early.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

• the apprentice’s answers to questions
• the KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved 

Assessment location

The interview must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.

The interview should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the interview underpinned by portfolio of evidence :

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Overview

The project assessment method involves the apprentice completing a significant and defined piece of work that has a real business application and benefit. This process may include for example, research, analysis and the completion of tasks or activities to achieve the outcome. The assessment method will have an output at the end of the defined piece of work. The work completed for the project assessment method must meet the needs of the employer’s business and be relevant to the apprentice’s occupation and apprenticeship.

This assessment method has 2 components:

• completion of the defined piece of work for the project with a project output

• completion of the defined piece of work for the question and answer session

Together, these components give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. They are assessed by an independent assessor.

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because:

this is a practical role, best demonstrated through completing tasks in a realistic work setting.

• Scenic Construction Technicians design and construct bespoke scenic elements using a variety of techniques including carpentry skills, metal fabrication skills, working with sustainable materials, draughting skills and paying attention to the impact of their choice of materials. They pre-fit large assemblies of smaller components.

• They may also be part of a construction team that fit up the scenic elements onstage/onsite. The elements they produce need to be assessed holistically i.e they are fit for purpose and they do fit together with the work of others/components they have produced. It would not be realistic to achieve this in the typical timescales of a practical assessment or observation

Delivery

The apprentice must complete a project based on any of the following:

To ensure the project allows the apprentice to meet the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade, the EPAO must sign-off the project’s title and scope at the gateway to confirm it is suitable. The EPAO must refer to the grading descriptors to ensure that projects are pitched appropriately.

The project output must be in the form of a product.

The apprentice must start the project after the gateway. The employer should ensure the apprentice has the time and resources, within the project period, to plan and complete their project.

The apprentice may work as part of a team to complete the project, which could include internal colleagues or technical experts. The apprentice must however, complete their product unaided and they must be reflective of their own role and contribution. The apprentice and their employer must confirm this when the product is submitted.

Component 1: Product

The product must include at least:

Technical Drawings

• produce a 2-dimentional construction drawing to work from for the project, demonstrating sustainability considerations in regard to choice of materials, finishes and processes

Making scenic elements

• undertake a risk assessment, work to method statements, report any hazardous substances

• measure, cut, grind, drill and/or weld metal to produce a metal component(s)

• measure, cut and/or drill wood to create a wooden component(s)

• measure, cut, fix and apply finishes to sustainable materials which may include paper-based materials to assemble and complete elements

• make a hinged opening

Apply, bond or fix a range of materials

• use a range of fixing methods to clad the component(s)

• choose correct materials, application process and use mechanical or chemical fixings/bondings

• recycle and/or safely dispose of waste materials

Assess, plan, move, load, assemble and secure scenic elements

• identify and use the process(es) to assemble scenic elements

• identify and use best working practice, based on principles and legislation, for hanging/suspending items above ground

• identify the appropriate moving and securing equipment available to complete the task(s)

Tools, machinery and equipment

• choose and safely use the appropriate machinery/tools/equipment for each task

The KSBs required for this assessment method are detailed in the mapping section. Materials used can be recycled from existing stock.

The apprentice must complete and submit the product to the EPAO by the end of week 4 of the EPA period. The apprentice must produce and include a mapping, showing how the product evidences the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Component 2: Question and answer session

The question and answer session must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

The apprentice must be questioned about their project and product.

The question and answer session must last for 60 minutes. The independent assessor must use the full time available for questioning and they can increase the total time by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.

The independent assessor must ask at least 6 questions. They must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow up questions are allowed where clarification is required.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions is:

• to verify that the activity was completed by the apprentice
• to seek clarification where required
• to assess those KSBs that the apprentice did not have the opportunity to demonstrate with the product, although these should be kept to a minimum
• to assess level of competence against the grading descriptors

The independent assessor must have at least 1 weeks to review the product before the question and answer session, to allow them to prepare questions.

The apprentice must be given at least 2 days’ notice of the question and answer session.

The apprentice may choose to end the question and answer session early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end the assessment methods early, unless in an emergency. The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end the assessment early.

Assessment decision

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. They must assess the project components holistically when deciding the grade.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

• the KSBs demonstrated in the product and question and answer session
• the apprentice’s answers to questions
• the grade achieved

Assessment location

The question and answer session must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises. It should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

EPAO must produce the following materials to support the project:

• independent assessor EPA materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

The assessment methods contribute equally to the overall EPA pass grade.

Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Independent assessors must individually grade the: interview underpinned by portfolio of evidence and construction project and questioning according to the requirements set out in this EPA plan.

EPAOs must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.

An apprentice who fails one or more assessment method will be awarded an overall EPA fail.

An apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods to get an overall pass. To achieve an overall EPA ‘distinction,’ the apprentice must achieve a distinction in both assessment methods.

Grades from individual assessment methods should be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.

An apprentice who fails one or more assessment method(s) can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does.

An apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.

The employer and EPAO agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 3 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 6 months of the EPA outcome notification.

Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.

Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.

An apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of pass for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.

The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for reasonable adjustment
• what reasonable adjustments may be made

Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Internal quality assurance refers to how the EPAO ensures valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. The EPAO must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities section and:

• have effective and rigorous quality assurance systems and procedures that ensure fair, reliable and consistent EPA regardless of employer, place, time or independent assessor
• appoint independent assessors who are competent to deliver the EPA and who:
  • have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 2 gained in the last 3 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
• operate induction training for anyone involved in the delivery or assessment of the EPA
• provide training for independent assessors in good assessment practice, operating the assessment tools and making grading decisions
• provide ongoing training for markers and invigilators
• provide standardisation activity for this apprenticeship standard for all independent assessors:
  • before they conduct an EPA for the first time
  • if the EPA is updated
  • periodically as appropriate (a minimum of annually)
• conduct effective moderation of EPA decisions and grades
• conduct appeals where required, according to the EPAO’s appeals procedure, reviewing and making final decisions on EPA decisions and grades
• have no direct connection with the apprentice, their employer or training provider; in HEI.

Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:

• assessing multiple apprentices simultaneously where the method of assessment permits this

• using the employer’s premises

Professional body recognition is not relevant to this occupational apprenticeship.