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This apprenticeship has options. This document is currently showing the following option:
Maintain site process standards for water or wastewater.
Water treatment process technicians work in the water industry.
Water industry treatment process technicians work for clean water or wastewater (sewerage) treatment companies regulated by OFWAT - Office of Water Services (UK government). Technicians typically work in only one type of treatment stream.
Employers in the industry range from small to large but are mainly large.
This is a core and option apprenticeship. Apprentices will be trained and assessed against the core and one option. There are two options:
Option 1. Water treatment process technician
Option 2. Wastewater treatment process technician
Technicians work at treatment sites. They may be required to drive between sites.
They work in all weather conditions.
As a 24 hour and seven days a week operation, they may need to undertake standby duties and work shifts outside normal working hours.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to maintain site process standards for water or wastewater.
Water treatment technicians maintain and ensure the safe supply of drinking water. This involves abstraction of raw water, treatment, and supply into distribution network. They ensure a balance between water production with network demand. They also manage and operate waste processes onsite such as, sludge management, offsite discharges, and general wastes (oils, paper, and food).
Wastewater treatment technicians maintain the removal and treatment of wastewater. They monitor and maintain wastewater treatment processes including preliminary (for example, storm), primary settlement, biological and chemical treatment, tertiary, and sludge treatment. They manage sludge preparation and storage and liaise with sludge processing facilities.
Both roles seek to optimise processes to maximise efficiency and compliance. They respond to and resolve process failure or failures. They manage asset maintenance and faults: directly or via escalation. Maintaining documentation is also an important part of the role. They support develop other members of the team.
In their daily work, they interact with process operatives, other technicians, and stakeholders from teams across water services, or the wider business. This may include maintenance, water quality, and regional control rooms. They may also interact with external stakeholders. This may include representatives from the Environmental Agency, and Health and Safety Executive.
They typically report to a treatment manager or site manager. They work with minimal supervision. They may work as part of a team and alone.
They are responsible for meeting quality, regulatory, safety, security, and environmental requirements. They ensure the health and safety of self and others including ensuring hygiene practices are followed. They need to consider how their work has the potential to impact customer service and the company - financially and reputationally.
Water treatment process technicians must take account of The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations.
Wastewater treatment process technicians must take account of Environmental Quality Standards for effluent discharge and air quality.
UK water companies require individuals entering clean water sites or working on the clean water network – known as ‘Restricted Operations’, to hold a National Water Hygiene EUSR registration: Blue card. This involves training and assessment, and health screening.
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 36 months. The EPA period is typically 4 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 6 hours. They will ask you at least 6 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 90 minutes. They will ask you at least 12 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 50 multiple-choice questions. You will have 90 minutes to complete it.
The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.
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.
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.
This apprenticeship aligns with The Institute of Water for Registered Environmental Technician (REnvTech). The experience gained and responsibility held by the apprentice on completion of the apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level.
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with The Institute of Water for Engineering Technician (EngTech). The experience gained and responsibility held by the apprentice on completion of the apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level.
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with The Science Council for Registered Science Technician (RSciTech). Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and upon receipt of the apprenticeship certificate, individuals are eligible to apply for RSciTech through a shortened application route. Individuals also need to be a member of a professional body that is licensed by the Science Council to be awarded this status. Further information is on the Science Council’s website.
Please contact the professional body for more details.
Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
---|---|---|---|
1.1 | Standard and end-point assessment plan revised | 30/06/2023 | Not set |
1.0 | Approved for delivery | 13/09/2022 | 29/06/2023 |
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