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.
Machine and manufacture wood components in the furniture industry.
This occupation is found in the furniture and interiors, bench joinery, shopfitting, wood, sawmilling and bespoke machining industries. Wood machinists either machine wood components for use in these industries or convert round timber to boards and other products to required specification. For example, panelling, floorboards, kitchen counters, bars, banisters, spindles, skirting boards, window and door frames. Wood machinist's workplaces range from small workshops to large scale factories and sawmills. Employers vary in size from small to large.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to cut and prepare timber and related material components. Wood machinists set up and operate variety of woodworking machines to surface, cut, and shape timber, and to fabricate parts for wood products, such as furniture components, doors, door and window frames, furniture, and sashes, according to specifications. They prepare and finish wood or wood-based components or sub-assemblies. They select, install, and adjust saw blades, cutterheads, boring bits, and sanding belts in respective machines, using hand tools and measuring equipment. They also inspect, pack and store finished components or sub-assemblies and contribute to continuous improvement activities. Completing documentation and cleaning up is also part of the role. The occupation can be physically demanding, involving lifting of heavy materials and standing for long periods of time. It involves working with dangerous machinery, tools and equipment. Wood machinists often work shift systems. The seasonality of the industry, plus peaks and troughs in orders, often demands overtime working.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other operatives, production or manufacturing managers, quality technicians, production leaders and product developers. Wood machinists typically report to a supervisor or shift team leader.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for completing their duties in line with company procedures and priorities. They are responsible for their own work and meeting production and quality targets. They must work within health, safety and environmental regulations and considerations. They must manage their own time and use the correct protective clothing, tools and equipment. Depending on the size of the organisation, they may be required to work on their own, or they may work as part of a wider team.
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 24 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:
Observation with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 3 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 70 minutes. They will ask you at least 9 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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