This apprenticeship standard has been approved for delivery by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. However, starts on the apprenticeship will only be possible once a suitable end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) has obtained Ofqual recognition. Once the EPAO has obtained Ofqual recognition, funding for apprentice starts will be permitted and this message will be removed.
This apprenticeship has options. This document is currently showing the following option:
Craft technicians make, service, restore and/or conserve individual hand-crafted items
This occupation is found in a range of settings including specialist craft or creative businesses, design studios, production workshops. These may include theatre, film, restoration and conservation businesses, training establishments, cultural institutions, heritage sites, corporate businesses, and the natural environment. Employers are typically known to be micro businesses and SMEs. However, craft technicians can occasionally be found in larger organisations in the public, private and charity sectors, for example producing theatres. Craft technicians may also be freelancers or operate as sole traders once their skills and experience are sufficient.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to make, service, restore, conserve or realise individual items, these may be handmade or hand produced. They can be achieved working with a range of materials such as textiles, modulable and rigid materials, paper, glass, clay etc.
Craft technicians provide technical support to ensure new or existing items, are made or restored by hand. They are designed, developed, and created in line with company and client requirements. Increasingly, the integration of digital technologies across this sector will support production processes. While still retaining unique craft or skill qualities through hybrid manufactured and hand produced or handmade production.
Craft technicians must adhere to the organisation’s confidentiality requirements and understand basic copyrighting and intellectual property arrangements. Working with discretion, taking positive action in response to feedback, being solution focused, and maintaining awareness of the bigger picture. Including budget and broader resource constraints and environmental impacts and ways to reduce these, are essential to a craft technician approach.
This is a core and options apprenticeship standard. Apprentices will complete the core requirements, plus one option:
1. Ceramicist
2. Dye and print technician.
A ceramicist designs and delivers hand-crafted products and do so for customers, clients, public or private collections or the built or natural environment. Ceramicists are sometimes responsible for creating component parts of a product that the master craftsperson would use to finish the product.
Dye and print technicians undertake dyeing using a range of techniques, stencilling, screen printing and painting on a variety of materials. They may develop or match existing colour requirements or achieve a variety of effects. They work with articles or fabric which may include clothing, accessories, furniture. They work to designer briefs and undertake research to ensure exact and timely requirements are achieved.
In their daily work, craft technicians are expected to work collaboratively. This may include other designers and craft or skilled practitioners, customers, clients, wider team members for example administrators, distributors, retailers, suppliers, and external stakeholders. Craft technicians work to agreed deadlines often as part of a team. However, they are expected to work with autonomy once sufficient skill and knowledge is obtained. Whilst training, a craft technician may work alongside, and under the instruction of, a skilled and experienced practitioner, sometimes known as a master craftsperson.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for effective client communication, demonstrating sound project management and project delivery skills. They will be capable in the processes, materials, and tools used to create the specified products of the business they are employed by. Craft technicians will demonstrate a sound knowledge of sustainable practices including the sourcing, use, disposal, recycling and reuse of materials across their industry.
Craft technicians must maintain the workspace and its contents in line with the business’ standards and health and safety requirements. They might also assist with the storage and use of data, client and customer information, and ongoing ordering and control of stock.
Craft technicians would be expected to know how to work with a variety of customers and clients. They may also be expected to liaise with them throughout the making process to aid in any relevant item aftercare.
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:
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:
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 10 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.
Project with a product
You will complete a project and create a product. You will be asked to complete a project. The title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway.
You will have 7 weeks to complete the project and submit the product to the EPAO.
You will have a question and answer session with an independent assessor to discuss the project. It will last 30 minutes. They will ask at least 6 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 and end-point assessment plan revised, option added. | 27/08/2024 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 17/07/2024 | 26/08/2024 |
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