Build, maintain and move grip equipment during productions.
This occupation is found in the film and TV sectors and work can be carried out either on set or on location. Depending on the production requirements, conditions on location can be demanding and include extreme terrain, climates or weather conditions. Employers can be large or small equipment rental houses - that rent out equipment to the film and TV industry, film or TV production companies or film or TV studios. However, the vast majority of the sector is freelance – employed for the duration of specific productions.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to build, maintain and move grip equipment during productions, so that the position and movement required by cameras are achievable. This can include equipment such as track, dollies, cranes and jib arms. This is a specialised role which involves constructing and operating bespoke machinery. A grip will select and obtain suitable equipment, materials and consumables. They will also lay track and install rigging mounts, dollies, platforms, cranes, jib arms and remote-controlled heads before filming commences. During filming this involves tracking cameras, dollies, cranes and jib arms so that desired shots are obtained. After filming it involves dismantling, cleaning and returning equipment. All work is carried out as part of a team. As grips need to set things up before filming can commence, it can involve working long and irregular hours. It involves working at height and working outdoors. It may also involve working away from home for periods of time. Driving is typically required as part of this role but is not an entry requirement for the apprenticeship.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other grips and other members of the camera department. They report to the key grip, who is in charge of their work. In addition, they need to interact with members of stunt, lighting and art departments on productions, as well as cast members, equipment hire ordering companies and delivery staff.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the health and safety of every aspect of their work. This is particularly important given the high-risk nature of the role as grip equipment and its operation has the potential to be very dangerous. A high level of professionalism is expected, and they are responsible for the quality of their work and completing their work to production timescales. Problem-solving is a key part of the role as is engineering knowledge as they may be required to lay track in complex and extreme situations. Communication and team-working is essential to the role. Grips will typically report to the key grip for each job. They work in teams and may refer to team members who have more experience than them or give support to those with less experience. Teams are supervised by the key grip. They will be responsible for the grip or crane equipment and the tools they use for assembly and dismantling it. They will be responsible for keeping the kit in good order, cleaning it and returning it in good condition to the equipment hire company. They are also responsible for reporting any loss or damage when it is finished with. There are no statutory or regulatory entry requirements for these occupations, but insurance typically dictates that entrants are likely to be at least 18.
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:
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.
Practical assessment with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 5.5 hours. They will ask you at least 4 questions.
A project with a annotated photographic report
You will be asked to complete a Annotated photographic report. The title and scope will be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. As part of the project, you need to write a Annotated photographic report and submit this to the EPAO. The Annotated photographic report should be a maximum of 200 (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 6 weeks to complete the project and submit the Annotated photographic report 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 4 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 | 29/08/2023 | Not set |
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