Mattress manufacturing operatives create a range of mattresses for consumers including memory foam, pocket sprung, latex, open coil, and continuous coil. They may also include hybrid mattress manufacturing combining both springs and foam layers producing more eco-friendly mattresses.
This occupation is found in the furniture, furnishings and interiors manufacturing industry. Mattress manufacturing operatives create a range of mattresses for consumers including memory foam, pocket sprung, latex, open coil, and continuous coil. They may also include hybrid mattress manufacturing combining both springs and foam layers producing more eco-friendly mattresses. They may use recyclable materials and fabrics for the filling of the mattresses impacting on the environment and sustainability. Production ranges from bespoke to mass-produced mattresses. Employers are usually medium to large businesses.
The broad purpose of the occupation is the manufacture of mattresses. Mattress manufacturing operatives cut, sew and prepare materials and set up and operate machinery. Some machinery may be automated. They prepare and conduct operations for quilting, assembly, tape edging, tufting, packing and labelling. They will also perform quality assurance checks on mattresses. They perform first line maintenance on machinery. They read and interpret instructions and complete documentation. They contribute to continuous improvement activities. Mattress manufacturing operatives work in factory environments. The occupation can be physically demanding, involving lifting of heavy mattresses and standing for long periods of time. Mattress manufacturing operatives often work shift systems. 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. 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 a range of colleagues including other Mattress manufacturing operatives, designers, production or manufacturing managers, quality technicians, production leaders and product developers. They usually report to a supervisor or shift team leader. They will be able to work with minimum supervision.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for completing their duties in line with company procedures, processes and priorities. They are responsible for meeting production targets. They must take responsibility for the quality, accuracy, and timely completion of the work they undertake. They must work within health, safety and environmental regulations and guidance. They must use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), tools and equipment. All work must be completed in a safe and efficient manner as directed by supervisory staff. They are responsible for ensuring that they use resources efficiently. They recycle and reuse resources where possible, minimising waste and must include the safe disposal of waste.
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:
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 4 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 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 15/10/2024 | Not set |
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