Ensure the serviceability and condition of the sewerage network, providing rapid response to failures in the sewerage network, and investigate causes of the issues.
This occupation is found in the utilities sector, in the waste water industry. Drainage network operatives work in both domestic and commercial settings, providing customer service in the provision of sewerage maintenance services, ensuring the health and safety of employees, customers, suppliers, and communities. This is a field-based occupation, working at company and private premises, that includes public highways, to clean, clear and identify defects to maintain private and public drainage systems.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to ensure the serviceability and condition of the sewerage network, providing rapid response to failures in the sewerage network, and investigate causes of the issues. Drainage network operatives ensure the health, safety and welfare of self, other members of the team and the public, while providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers. This is a field-based occupation, working flexible hours to respond to emergencies, and persons in this occupation typically have a driver’s licence. Drainage network operatives use and operate a wide range of plant and equipment to deliver thorough maintenance to sewerage assets in line with operating procedures, ensuring all equipment is used appropriately and maintained.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with colleagues, such as managers, engineers, surveyors, building contractors, and other utilities, as well as the public. They may also come into contact with regulatory bodies such as the Environment Agency and Local Councils.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for ensuring that jobs are completed in line with company procedures, troubleshooting any problems and liaising with technical specialists regarding access and equipment issues. Drainage network operatives enjoy solving problems, are comfortable working in confined spaces and follow and understand safety regulations and instructions. They will also be skilled in using a variety of tools and machinery. Persons in this occupation are good communicators keeping members of the public and work colleagues informed and are confident working alone when required, and within a close 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 18 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:
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 3 questions.
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 6 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.
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
The test will have 25 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
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 | 19/04/2024 | Not set |
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