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Construction support technician

Key information

  1. Status: Approved for delivery
  2. Reference: ST0960
  3. Version: 1.0
  4. Level: 3
  5. Typical duration to gateway: 24 months
  6. Typical EPA period: 3 months
  7. Maximum funding: £11000
  8. Route: Construction and the built environment
  9. Date updated: 25/10/2022
  10. Approved for delivery: 11 February 2022
  11. Lars code: 673
  12. EQA provider: Ofqual
  13. Example progression routes:
  14. Review:

    This apprenticeship standard will be reviewed after three years

Print apprenticeship summary

Apprenticeship summary

Overview of the role

Working in an office or on a construction site.

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in and throughout the construction and built environment sector, including construction contracting and associated supply chain subcontractors. Construction Contracting Operations Technicians operate in a range of settings including estimating, planning, buying, site, quantity surveying and design and build roles. Site and office environments include industrial, commercial, residential, refurbishment, heritage, retail and public sector projects. They may be employed by large contracting organisations such as major national housebuilding contractors and civil engineering contractors, as well as a significant number of small and medium sized contractors and subcontractors such as building services companies, insulation contractors, groundworkers, roofing companies, plasterers and decorators together with a host of other specialised construction areas.

The broad purpose of the occupation is working in an exciting and dynamic environment which could be in an office or on a construction site at the heart of the contracting organisations including versatile activities using digital processes and systems to secure future projects and to enable progress and completion of actual construction sites. Technicians within this specific career area are engaged to interpret, analyse, contribute and directly assist construction contracting professionals working with a wide range of project resources and documentation regularly interacting with internal and external customers.

Technicians will also develop a range of highly transferable knowledge, skills and behaviours that can be applied across a range of large and small construction companies and in associated contracting job roles including public and private sector work. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with professional and technical teams across different parts of the organisation, potentially on a range of sites or in an office environment. They will liaise with external organisations either through site or office communications due to the need to ensure built environment activities and services are progressed at the right time, to high quality standards, with accurate designs and at competitive rates. Interaction also includes working with other construction contracting operations technicians in areas that include estimating, planning, buying, site, quantity surveying and design and build because their respective processes interact with each other during the whole life cycle of a construction project.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for supporting construction contracting teams with the inputting and progression of digital project information linked to resources using industry standard and specialist software in office and site environments. They will develop key information and enhance timely interaction with professional site and technical teams from internal and external organisations, linked to projects either at development, construction or maintenance phases.

Effectively recognising site hazards and safe working practices with thorough knowledge of relevant health, safety and environmental legislation to ensure compliance with company site procedures and processes. They will be able to analyse, extract and produce a variety of contract and project documents that will enable the effective operation and progression of construction contracting activities. They will ensure timely communication linked to the progress and completion of all tasks that they are set with a clear mandate to identify any issues as and when they arise; wherever possible resolving those issues using their own initiative.

Typical job titles include:

Buying and procurement technician Contracting quantity surveying technician Contracting site technician Estimating technician General construction contracting operations technician Planning technician

Duties

  • Duty 1 Support the coordination of construction site-based projects alongside supervisory and technical teams on an individual site, a range of sites or in an office environment.
  • Duty 2 Identify the suitability of health and safety documentation, including risk assessments and method statements, to assist in ensuring sufficient planning has been carried out for tasks to be completed safely.
  • Duty 3 Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the requirements of a project are met, ensuring records of the communications are kept in line with company processes.
  • Duty 4 Ensure accurate contractual records are kept in relation to the planning of construction projects.
  • Duty 5 Support the production of resource lists, based on estimates, using technical drawings to identify the requirements of the project.
  • Duty 6 Assist with the development of tenders relevant to the construction project, ensuring records of tenders are kept and processed within the required timescales.
  • Duty 7 Support the procurement of project materials, plant and sub-contractors.
  • Duty 8 Support the progress of construction projects, recommending and proposing revisions of programmes and assisting with the planning of schedules of work.
  • Duty 9 Support the implementation of appropriate contract quantities and cost monitoring systems to provide early warning of problems for all contract phases on site.
  • Duty 10 Use surveying information to contribute to the measurement, evaluation and review of project performance.

Apprenticeship summary

ST0960, construction support technician level 3


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.

What is an end-point assessment and why it happens

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:

  • fail
  • pass
  • distinction

When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.

EPA gateway

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:

  • achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules
  • for the technical report project with question and answer session, the project's title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO and a project summary submitted

  • for the professional interview with a portfolio of evidence, you must submit a portfolio of evidence



Assessment methods








Project with report



You will complete a project and write a report. You will be asked to complete a project. The EPAO will give you suggested project titles. The report should be a maximum of 3000 words (with a 10% tolerance).

You will have 4 weeks to complete the project and submit the report to the EPAO.




You will have a question and answer session with an independent assessor to discuss the project. It will last 45 minutes. They will ask at least 5 questions.







Interview




You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 8 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.






Who to contact for help or more information

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.

Print occupational standard

Details of the occupational standard

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in and throughout the construction and built environment sector, including construction contracting and associated supply chain subcontractors. Construction Contracting Operations Technicians operate in a range of settings including estimating, planning, buying, site, quantity surveying and design and build roles. Site and office environments include industrial, commercial, residential, refurbishment, heritage, retail and public sector projects. They may be employed by large contracting organisations such as major national housebuilding contractors and civil engineering contractors, as well as a significant number of small and medium sized contractors and subcontractors such as building services companies, insulation contractors, groundworkers, roofing companies, plasterers and decorators together with a host of other specialised construction areas.

The broad purpose of the occupation is working in an exciting and dynamic environment which could be in an office or on a construction site at the heart of the contracting organisations including versatile activities using digital processes and systems to secure future projects and to enable progress and completion of actual construction sites. Technicians within this specific career area are engaged to interpret, analyse, contribute and directly assist construction contracting professionals working with a wide range of project resources and documentation regularly interacting with internal and external customers.

Technicians will also develop a range of highly transferable knowledge, skills and behaviours that can be applied across a range of large and small construction companies and in associated contracting job roles including public and private sector work. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with professional and technical teams across different parts of the organisation, potentially on a range of sites or in an office environment. They will liaise with external organisations either through site or office communications due to the need to ensure built environment activities and services are progressed at the right time, to high quality standards, with accurate designs and at competitive rates. Interaction also includes working with other construction contracting operations technicians in areas that include estimating, planning, buying, site, quantity surveying and design and build because their respective processes interact with each other during the whole life cycle of a construction project.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for supporting construction contracting teams with the inputting and progression of digital project information linked to resources using industry standard and specialist software in office and site environments. They will develop key information and enhance timely interaction with professional site and technical teams from internal and external organisations, linked to projects either at development, construction or maintenance phases.

Effectively recognising site hazards and safe working practices with thorough knowledge of relevant health, safety and environmental legislation to ensure compliance with company site procedures and processes. They will be able to analyse, extract and produce a variety of contract and project documents that will enable the effective operation and progression of construction contracting activities. They will ensure timely communication linked to the progress and completion of all tasks that they are set with a clear mandate to identify any issues as and when they arise; wherever possible resolving those issues using their own initiative.

Typical job titles include:

Buying and procurement technician Contracting quantity surveying technician Contracting site technician Estimating technician General construction contracting operations technician Planning technician

Occupation duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Support the coordination of construction site-based projects alongside supervisory and technical teams on an individual site, a range of sites or in an office environment.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K6 K8 K10 K11 K12 K13

S1 S2 S3 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11

B1 B2 B3 B4

Duty 2 Identify the suitability of health and safety documentation, including risk assessments and method statements, to assist in ensuring sufficient planning has been carried out for tasks to be completed safely.

K1 K2 K3 K6 K8 K10 K11 K13

S1 S2 S7 S8 S9 S10

B1 B2 B3 B4

Duty 3 Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the requirements of a project are met, ensuring records of the communications are kept in line with company processes.

K4 K6 K8 K10 K11 K12 K13

S3 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11

B1 B2 B3 B4

Duty 4 Ensure accurate contractual records are kept in relation to the planning of construction projects.

K5 K6 K7 K8 K10 K11 K13

S4 S7 S8 S9 S10

B2 B3 B4

Duty 5 Support the production of resource lists, based on estimates, using technical drawings to identify the requirements of the project.

K1 K5 K6 K7 K8 K10 K11 K13

S1 S5 S7 S8 S9 S10

B2 B3 B4

Duty 6 Assist with the development of tenders relevant to the construction project, ensuring records of tenders are kept and processed within the required timescales.

K1 K5 K6 K7 K8 K10 K11 K13

S1 S5 S7 S8 S9 S10

B2 B3 B4

Duty 7 Support the procurement of project materials, plant and sub-contractors.

K5 K6 K7 K8 K10 K11 K13

S7 S8 S9 S10

B2 B3 B4

Duty 8 Support the progress of construction projects, recommending and proposing revisions of programmes and assisting with the planning of schedules of work.

K2 K3 K4 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13

S2 S3 S4 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11

B1 B2 B3 B4

Duty 9 Support the implementation of appropriate contract quantities and cost monitoring systems to provide early warning of problems for all contract phases on site.

K1 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K13

S1 S4 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10

B2 B3 B4

Duty 10 Use surveying information to contribute to the measurement, evaluation and review of project performance.

K1 K2 K3 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K13

S1 S2 S4 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10

B1 B2 B3 B4


KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Appropriate construction principles, mathematical and technical knowledge of site technologies such as methods used to design, plan, build or maintain built environment projects Back to Duty

K2: Statutory health, safety and welfare policies, procedures and regulations, including safe working practices and how to comply with them. Back to Duty

K3: Workplace health, safety and welfare requirements including site and office-based protocols and legislation. Back to Duty

K4: Use of appropriate construction terminology during verbal communications. Tailoring communication to the audience. Back to Duty

K5: The different types of built environment contracts, project documentation, technical drawings and procurement processes in order to support the production of resource lists Back to Duty

K6: Appropriate digital construction processes and systems and their use in the sector such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) or other computer-based software packages Back to Duty

K7: Project tendering, measurement and costing systems to assist with the planning of schedules of work and to provide early warning of problems for all contract phases on site Back to Duty

K8: Equality, diversity and inclusion, and its impact on built environment solutions Back to Duty

K9: Appropriate surveying methods and techniques used to develop information to contribute to the measurement, evaluation and review of project performance Back to Duty

K10: The code of conduct of relevant professional bodies and institutions and their professional obligation to make a contribution to society Back to Duty

K11: Ethical principles as applied to construction and the built environment Back to Duty

K12: Written communication techniques and the production of technical reports Back to Duty

K13: Information technology: Management Information Systems (MIS), word processing, virtual communication, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), cyber security Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Apply and integrate appropriate mathematical and technical knowledge in the completion of built environment site and/or office processes to contribute to the coordination of construction projects Back to Duty

S2: Comply with health and safety regulations and procedures. Identify and document risks and hazards. Apply statutory and company environmental and safe working practices. Produce construction project risk assessment and method statements Back to Duty

S3: Communicate verbally to internal and external stakeholders using a range of techniques in line with company policies Back to Duty

S4: Interpret and abstract contract documentation to develop site solutions Back to Duty

S5: Apply digital construction processes to produce resource lists from tender and contract documentation Back to Duty

S6: The use of project tendering, measurement and costing systems to assist with the planning of schedules of work and to provide early warning of problems for all contract phases on site Back to Duty

S7: Plan, carry out and manage own work in line with management requirements, assessing tasks, scheduling work, achieving deadlines, reviewing performance and keeping records of work undertaken Back to Duty

S8: Apply sustainable principles and low carbon processes in order to implement site environmental solutions Back to Duty

S9: Use information technology. For example, for document creation, communication, and information management. Comply with GDPR and cyber security Back to Duty

S10: Plan and undertake continued professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice Back to Duty

S11: Communicate in written form to internal and external stakeholders using a range of techniques and reporting mechanisms in line with company policies, using construction and built environment terminology Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Puts safety first for themselves and others ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality requirements and policies Back to Duty

B2: Takes personal responsibility for sustainable outcomes when carrying out duties, using environmental good practices Back to Duty

B3: Takes ownership of own work, knowing own limitations and when to ask for support Back to Duty

B4: Committed to keeping up to date with industry best practice and own professional development Back to Duty


Qualifications

English and Maths

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Print EPA plan

End-point assessment plan

V1.1

Introduction and overview

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the construction support technician apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Construction support technician apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).

A full-time apprentice typically spends 24 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a construction support technician. All apprentices must spend at least 12 months on-programme. All apprentices must complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules.

This EPA has 2 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are:

Assessment method 1 - technical report project with question and answer session:

  • fail
  • pass
  • distinction

Assessment method 2 - professional interview with a portfolio of evidence:

  • fail
  • pass
  • distinction

The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:

  • fail
  • pass
  • distinction

EPA summary table

On-programme (typically 24 months)
The apprentice must complete training to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) of the occupational standard.

The apprentice must complete training towards English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.

The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence.

End-point assessment gateway
The employer must be content that the apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard.

The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think the apprentice:

  • is working at or above the occupational standard as a construction support technician
  • has the evidence required to pass the gateway and is ready to take the EPA

The apprentice must have achieved English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.

For the technical report project with question and answer session, the apprentice must submit the following supporting material: project title and scope requirements.

For the professional interview with a portfolio of evidence the apprentice must submit a portfolio of evidence.

The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO.

End-point assessment (typically 3 months)
Grades available for each assessment method:

Technical report project with question and answer session

  • fail
  • pass
  • distinction

Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence

  • fail
  • pass
  • distinction

Overall EPA and apprenticeship can be graded:

    • fail
    • pass
    • distinction
Re-sits and re-takes



  • Re-take and re-sit grade cap: pass
  • Re-sit timeframe: typically 2 months
  • Re-take timeframe: typically 3 months

Duration of end-point assessment period

The EPA will be taken within the EPA period. The EPA period begins when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements are met and is typically 3 months.

The expectation is that the EPAO will confirm the gateway requirements are met and the EPA begins as quickly as possible.

EPA gateway

The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think their apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard. The apprentice will then enter the gateway. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider(s), but the employer must make the decision.

The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.

These are:

  • achieved English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules
  • for the technical report project with question and answer session the apprentice must submit project title and scope
  • for the professional interview with a portfolio of evidence the apprentice must submit portfolio of evidence

Portfolio of evidence requirements:

The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. It will typically contain 5 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.

Evidence sources may include:

  • workplace documentation and records, for example:
  • workplace policies and procedures
  • witness statements
  • annotated photographs
  • video clips (maximum total duration 3 minutes); the apprentice must be in view and identifiable

This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.

The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance (for example, witness statements) rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.

The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the interview. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the interview. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.

The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO.

Order of assessment methods

The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.

The result of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.

Technical report project with question and answer session

Overview

A project involves the apprentice completing a significant and defined piece of work that has a real business application and benefit. The project must start after the apprentice has gone through the gateway. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The project must meet the needs of the employer’s business and be relevant to the apprentice’s occupation and apprenticeship. The EPAO must confirm that it provides the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade. The EPAO must refer to the grading descriptors to ensure that projects are pitched appropriately.

This assessment method has 2 components:

  • project with a project output
  • question and answer session

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because it condenses many of the skills required to be effective in this role into an output that employees will have to be adept at producing. It is therefore considered to be a valid and appropriate assessment method.

Component 1: Project with a project output

Delivery

The technical report project with question and answer session must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

The apprentice’s project can be based on any of the following:

  • a specific problem
  • a recurring issue
  • an idea or opportunity


The EPAO does not need to sign-off each project title before the project starts. The EPAO must instead provide detailed specifications. The specifications must detailing what must be included in the project to allow an apprentice to evidence the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade. The EPAO must include suggested project titles to enable the employer to select a project that will meet the EPA’s requirements for their apprentice.

The project output must be in the form of a report.

The apprentice must start the project after the gateway. They must complete and submit the report to the EPAO by the end of week 4 of the EPA period. The employer should ensure the apprentice has the time and resources, within this period, to plan and complete their project. The apprentice must complete their project and the production of its components unaided.

The apprentice may work as part of a team to complete the project which could include technical internal or external support. However, the project output must be the apprentice’s own work and reflective of their own role and contribution. The apprentice and their employer must confirm that the project output(s) is the apprentice’s own work when it is submitted.

The report must include at least:

  • an introduction
  • the scope of the project
  • a project plan and methodology
  • research and findings:
    • data collection, analysis and evaluation appropriate to the technical project and level of the apprenticeship
  • reference to:
    • relevant construction principles
    • relevant methods and techniques used
    • data and/or calculations used
    • relevant industry standards
    • any environmental and sustainability concerns
  • project outcomes
  • conclusions

The project report has a word count of 3000 words. A tolerance of 10% above or below the word count is allowed at the apprentice’s discretion. Appendices, references and diagrams are not included in this total. The project report must map, in an appendix, how it evidences the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Component 2: Question and answer session

Delivery

The EPAO must give the apprentice 2 weeks notice of the presentation or question and answer session.

Apprentices will be required to answer questions based on their project output.

The purpose of the questioning is:

  • to verify that the project is the apprentice’s own work
  • to seek clarification on the technical report
  • to assess the depth and breadth of knowledge, skills and behaviours
  • to assess those KSBs that the apprentice did not have the opportunity to demonstrate during the project, although these should be kept to a minimum

The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the project and project output(s) in advance of the question and answer session to allow them to prepare questions.

The question and answer session will be arranged by the EPAO in consultation with the employer and apprentice. The question and answer session should take place on a one-to-one basis, either face-to-face or via online video conferencing.

The question and answer session must last for 45 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the total time by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete their last point or respond to a question if necessary. The question and answer session must allow the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs at the highest possible grade.

The independent assessor must ask at least 5 questions. They must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training. Follow up questions are allowed where clarification is required.

The independent assessor must use the full time available for questioning.

Those KSBs that the apprentice did not have the opportunity to show with the report can instead be covered by questioning, although these should be kept to a minimum.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The project components must be assessed holistically by the independent assessor when they are deciding the grade.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

  • the KSBs demonstrated in the report and presentation
  • the apprentice’s answers to questions
  • the KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
  • the grade achieved 

Assessment location

The question and answer session must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO (for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises). The question and answer session should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

The question and answer session can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.  

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the technical report project with question and answer session:

  • independent assessor EPA materials which include:
    • training materials
    • administration materials
    • moderation and standardisation materials
    • guidance materials
    • grading guidance
    • question bank
  • EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation, training, and moderation.

Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence

Overview

In the interview, an independent assessor asks the apprentice questions.The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method.

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because it will allow the assessment of KSBs which may not naturally occur in every workplace or may take too long to observe to be assessed and the assessment of a disparate set of KSBs.

Delivery

The interview must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the interview.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to draw out contexualised examples or further clarify skills demonstrated in a portfolio of evidence.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks notice of the interview.

The independent assessor must have at least 2 week(s) to review the supporting documentation.

The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the interview.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.

The interview must last for 60 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the interview by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.

The independent assessor must ask at least 8 questions. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

  • the apprentice’s answers to questions
  • the KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
  • the grade achieved 

Assessment location

The interview must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO (for example the EPAO’s or employer’s premises).

The interview can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.

The interview should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.  

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the professional interview with a portfolio of evidence:

  • independent assessor assessment materials which include:
    • training materials
    • administration materials
    • moderation and standardisation materials
    • guidance materials
    • grading guidance
    • question bank
  • EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation, training, and moderation.

Grading

Technical report project with question and answer session

Fail - does not meet pass criteria

Theme
KSBs
Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors
Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
Health and safety
K2 S2 B1

Identifies and documents risks and hazards, producing construction project risk assessments and method statements. Complies with health and safety regulations and procedures and applies statutory and company environmental and safe working practices. (K2, S2, B1)

 

N/a

Projects
K1 K9 S1

Applies and integrates appropriate mathematical and technical knowledge, and information developed through surveys, to built environment or office processes to contribute to the coordination, planning, design or maintenance of the project. (K1, K9, S1)

 

 

Propose alternative methods or techniques used in the coordination, planning, design or maintenance based upon the mathematical and technical principles that underpin them. (K1, K9, S1)

Contracts and procurement
K5 K6 K7 S4 S5 S6

Interprets and extracts contract documentation in order to develop site solutions in line with project requirements. (S4)

Uses digital construction processes and technical drawings appropriate to the project to produce resource lists from tender, contract and procurement documentation to support project requirements. (K5, K6, S5)

Applies contract quantities and cost monitoring systems to provide an early warning for various contract phases on site, using appropriate technical information. (K7, S6)

Highlights any concerns about the contract documentation used in the technical report, providing caveats to its use where relevant. (S4)

Justifies the selection of digital processes and cost monitoring systems used, explaining the benefits for the different phases on site and how they specifically help to meet procurement project requirements. (K5, K6, K7, S5, S6)

Sustainability
S8 B2

Applies sustainability principles and low carbon processes to the project in order to implement site environmental solutions. Demonstrates environmental good practices to achieve sustainable outcomes. (S8, B2)

Identifies areas of improvement for, and strategies to promote and influence, environmental best practice and sustainable outcomes. (S8, B2)

Communication
K12 S11

Applies written communication techniques to produce a report that is clear and concise that uses construction terminology appropriately. (K21, S11)

N/a

Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence

Fail - does not meet pass criteria

Theme
KSBs
Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors
Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
Health and safety
K3

Describes the different health, safety and welfare requirements, protocols and legislation for site and office environments. Explains the principles of legislation. (K3)

N/A

Communication
K4 S3

Describes how they have used different communication techniques suitable for the audience and in line with company policies. (K4, S3)

Justifies selected techniques and methods of communication (K3, S4)

 

Ethics
K8 K10 K11 K13 S9

Describes what ethical principles need to be considered with projects for construction and the built environment. (K11)

Describes how they have used information technology, for example during document creation, communication and information management. Describes how they comply with cyber security and GDPR. (K13, S9)

Explains the importance of equality, diversity and its impact on built environment solutions. Describes how the codes of conduct of professional bodies and institutes obligates a contribution to society. (K8, K10)

Justifies choices made for IT systems and demonstrates use of advanced features of software to contribute to construction site or office processes. (K13 ,S9)

Development
S7 S10 B3 B4

Describes when they have planned, carried out and managed their own work in line with management requirements, keeping personal records of work undertaken including assessing tasks, scheduling work, achieving deadlines and reviewing performance. Describes their work limitations and when they should ask for support. (S7, B3)

Describes how they plan, undertake and review their own professional competence, improving themselves by undertaking CPD and keeping up-to-date with industry best practice. (S10, B4)

 

Describes how they have identified issues in planning, adapting own plans to respond to the needs of others when taking responsibility for the production of their work. (S7, B3)

Overall EPA grading

The EPA methods contribute equally to the overall EPA grade.

Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of:

    • fail
    • pass
    • distinction

Independent assessors must individually grade the: technical report project with question and answer session and professional interview with a portfolio of evidence according to the requirements set out in this EPA plan.

EPAOs must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.

Apprentices who fail one or more assessment method will be awarded an overall EPA fail.

Apprentices must achieve at least a pass in all the EPA methods to get an overall pass. In order to achieve an overall EPA ‘distinction’, apprentices must achieve a distinction in both assessment methods.

Grades from individual assessment methods should be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA as a whole.

Technical report project with question and answer session Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence Overall Grading
Fail Any grade Fail
Any grade Fail Fail
Pass Pass Pass
Pass Distinction Pass
Distinction Pass Pass
Distinction Distinction Distinction

Re-sits and re-takes

Apprentices who fail one or more EPA method(s) can take a re-sit or a re-take at the employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does.

Apprentices should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.

The employer and EPAO agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 3 months of the EPA outcome notification.

Failed EPA methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.

Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to apprentices wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.

An apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of pass for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.

Roles and responsibilities

Roles Responsibilities

Apprentice

As a minimum, the apprentice should:

  • participate in and complete on-programme training to meet the KSBs as outlined in the occupational standard for a minimum of 12 months
  • complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules and as arranged by the employer and training provider
  • understand the purpose and importance of EPA
  • meet the gateway requirements 
  • undertake the EPA  

 

Employer

As a minimum, the apprentice's employer must:

  • select the EPAO and training provider 
  • work with the training provider (where applicable) to support the apprentice in the workplace and to provide the opportunities for the apprentice to develop the KSBs
  • arrange and support off-the-job training to be undertaken by the apprentice 
  • decide when the apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard and is ready for EPA 
  • ensure that supporting evidence required at the gateway is submitted in line with this EPA plan 
  • liaise with the training provider and EPAO to ensure the EPA is booked in a timely manner

Post-gateway, the employer must: 

  • confirm arrangements with the EPAO for the EPA (who, when, where) in a timely manner (including providing access to any employer-specific documentation as required, for example company policies)
  • ensure that the EPA is scheduled with the EPAO for a date and time which allows the opportunity for the apprentice to be assessed against the KSBs 
  • remain independent from the delivery of the EPA
  • ensure the apprentice is given sufficient time away from regular duties to prepare for, and complete all post-gateway elements of the EPA, and that any required supervision during this time (as stated within this EPA plan) is in place
  • where the apprentice is assessed in the workplace, ensure that the apprentice has access to the resources used on a regular basis 
  • pass the certificate to the apprentice upon receipt from the EPAO

EPAO

As a minimum, the EPAO must:  

  • conform to the requirements of this EPA plan and deliver its requirements in a timely manner 
  • conform to the requirements of the register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO) 
  • conform to the requirements of the external quality assurance provider (EQAP) for this apprenticeship 
  • understand the occupational standard 
  • make the EPA contractual arrangements, including agreeing the price of the EPA 
  • develop and produce assessment materials as detailed for each assessment method in this EPA plan 
  • appoint qualified and competent independent assessors in line with the requirements of this EPA plan to conduct assessments and oversee their working 
  • appoint administrators (and invigilators where required) to administer the EPA  
  • provide training for independent assessors in terms of good assessment practice, operating the assessment tools and grading 
  • provide information, advice, guidance and documentation to enable apprentices, employers and training providers to prepare for the EPA 
  • confirm all gateway requirements have been met as quickly as possible 
  • arrange for the EPA to take place, in consultation with the employer 
  • ensure that the apprentice has access to the required resources and liaise with the employer to agree this if necessary, where the apprentice is not assessed in the workplace 
  • develop and provide assessment recording documentation to ensure a clear and auditable process is in place for providing assessment decisions and feedback to stakeholders 
  • have no direct connection with the apprentice, their employer or training provider in all instances; there must be no conflict of interest 
  • have policies and procedures for internal quality assurance (IQA), and maintain records of IQA activity and moderation for external quality assurance (EQA) purposes 
  • deliver induction training for independent assessors, and for invigilators and markers (where used) 
  • undertake standardisation activity on this apprenticeship for an independent assessor before they conduct an EPA for the first time, if the EPA is updated and periodically (a minimum of annually) 
  • manage invigilation of the apprentice to maintain security of the assessment in line with the EPAO’s malpractice policy 
  • verify the identity of the apprentice  
  • use language in the development and delivery of the EPA that is appropriate to the level of the occupational standard 

Independent assessor

As a minimum, an independent assessor must: 

  • have the competence to assess the apprentice at the level of this apprenticeship and hold any required qualifications and experience in line with the requirements of the independent assessor as detailed in the IQA section of this EPA plan 
  • understand the occupational standard and the requirements of this EPA 
  • have, maintain and be able to evidence, up-to-date knowledge and expertise of the occupation 
  • deliver the end-point assessment in-line with this EPA plan 
  • comply with the IQA requirements of the EPAO 
  • have no direct connection or conflict of interest with the apprentice, their employer or training provider; in all instances; there must be no conflict of interest 
  • attend induction training 
  • attend standardisation events when they start working for the EPAO, before they conduct an EPA for the first time and a minimum of annually for this apprenticeship  
  • assess each assessment method, as determined by the EPA plan  
  • assess the KSBs assigned to each assessment method, as shown in the mapping of KSBs to assessment methods in this EPA plan  
  • make the grading decisions 
  • record and report assessment outcome decisions, for each apprentice, following instructions and using assessment recording documentation provided by the EPAO, in a timely manner 
  • use language in the development and delivery of the EPA that is appropriate to the level of the occupational standard 
  • mark open (constructed) test answers accurately according to the EPAO’s mark scheme and procedures 

Training provider

As a minimum, the training provider must: 

  • work with the employer and support the apprentice during the off-the-job training to provide the opportunities to develop the KSBs as listed in the occupational standard 
  • conduct training covering the KSBs agreed as part of the Commitment Statement or the Individual Learning Plan 
  • monitor the apprentice’s progress during any training provider led on-programme learning 
  • advise the employer, upon request, on the apprentice’s readiness for EPA 
  • remain independent from the delivery of the EPA 

Reasonable adjustments

The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

  • how an apprentice qualifies for reasonable adjustment
  • what reasonable adjustments may be made

Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Internal quality assurance

Internal quality assurance refers to how EPAOs ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. EPAOs must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities section and:

  • have effective and rigorous quality assurance systems and procedures that ensure fair, reliable and consistent EPA regardless of employer, place, time or independent assessor
  • appoint independent assessors who are competent to deliver the EPA and who:
    • have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 4 gained in the last 5 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
    • meet the following minimum requirements:
      • must hold, or be working towards, an assessor qualification, such as a1
  • operate induction training for anyone involved in the delivery and/or assessment of the EPA
  • provide training for independent assessors in good assessment practice, operating the assessment tools and making grading decisions
  • provide ongoing training for markers and invigilators
  • provide standardisation activity for this apprenticeship standard for all independent assessors:
    • before they conduct an EPA for the first time
    • if the EPA is updated
    • periodically as appropriate (a minimum of annually)
  • conduct effective moderation of EPA decisions and grades
  • conduct appeals where required, according to the EPAO’s appeals procedure, reviewing and making final decisions on EPA decisions and grades
  • have no direct connection with the apprentice, their employer or training provider. In all instances, including when the EPAO is the training provider (for example a higher education institution)

Value for money

Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:

  • utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods
  • using the employer’s premises
  • conducting assessment methods on the same day

Professional recognition

Professional body recognition is not relevant to this occupational apprenticeship.

Mapping of KSBs to assessment methods

Knowledge Assessment methods
K1

Appropriate construction principles, mathematical and technical knowledge of site technologies such as methods used to design, plan, build or maintain built environment projects

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
K2

Statutory health, safety and welfare policies, procedures and regulations, including safe working practices and how to comply with them.

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
K3

Workplace health, safety and welfare requirements including site and office-based protocols and legislation.

Back to Grading
Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence
K4

Use of appropriate construction terminology during verbal communications. Tailoring communication to the audience.

Back to Grading
Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence
K5

The different types of built environment contracts, project documentation, technical drawings and procurement processes in order to support the production of resource lists

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
K6

Appropriate digital construction processes and systems and their use in the sector such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) or other computer-based software packages

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
K7

Project tendering, measurement and costing systems to assist with the planning of schedules of work and to provide early warning of problems for all contract phases on site

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
K8

Equality, diversity and inclusion, and its impact on built environment solutions

Back to Grading
Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence
K9

Appropriate surveying methods and techniques used to develop information to contribute to the measurement, evaluation and review of project performance

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
K10

The code of conduct of relevant professional bodies and institutions and their professional obligation to make a contribution to society

Back to Grading
Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence
K11

Ethical principles as applied to construction and the built environment

Back to Grading
Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence
K12

Written communication techniques and the production of technical reports

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
K13

Information technology: Management Information Systems (MIS), word processing, virtual communication, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), cyber security

Back to Grading
Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence
Skill Assessment methods
S1

Apply and integrate appropriate mathematical and technical knowledge in the completion of built environment site and/or office processes to contribute to the coordination of construction projects

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
S2

Comply with health and safety regulations and procedures. Identify and document risks and hazards. Apply statutory and company environmental and safe working practices. Produce construction project risk assessment and method statements

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
S3

Communicate verbally to internal and external stakeholders using a range of techniques in line with company policies

Back to Grading
Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence
S4

Interpret and abstract contract documentation to develop site solutions

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
S5

Apply digital construction processes to produce resource lists from tender and contract documentation

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
S6

The use of project tendering, measurement and costing systems to assist with the planning of schedules of work and to provide early warning of problems for all contract phases on site

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
S7

Plan, carry out and manage own work in line with management requirements, assessing tasks, scheduling work, achieving deadlines, reviewing performance and keeping records of work undertaken

Back to Grading
Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence
S8

Apply sustainable principles and low carbon processes in order to implement site environmental solutions

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
S9

Use information technology. For example, for document creation, communication, and information management. Comply with GDPR and cyber security

Back to Grading
Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence
S10

Plan and undertake continued professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice

Back to Grading
Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence
S11

Communicate in written form to internal and external stakeholders using a range of techniques and reporting mechanisms in line with company policies, using construction and built environment terminology

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
Behaviour Assessment methods
B1

Puts safety first for themselves and others ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality requirements and policies

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
B2

Takes personal responsibility for sustainable outcomes when carrying out duties, using environmental good practices

Back to Grading
Technical report project with question and answer session
B3

Takes ownership of own work, knowing own limitations and when to ask for support

Back to Grading
Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence
B4

Committed to keeping up to date with industry best practice and own professional development

Back to Grading
Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence

Mapping of KSBs to grade themes

Technical report project with question and answer session - Project

KSBS GROUPED BY THEME Knowledge Skills Behaviour
Health and safety
K2
S2
B1

Statutory health, safety and welfare policies, procedures and regulations, including safe working practices and how to comply with them. (K2)

Comply with health and safety regulations and procedures. Identify and document risks and hazards. Apply statutory and company environmental and safe working practices. Produce construction project risk assessment and method statements (S2)

Puts safety first for themselves and others ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality requirements and policies (B1)

Projects
K1 K9
S1

Appropriate construction principles, mathematical and technical knowledge of site technologies such as methods used to design, plan, build or maintain built environment projects (K1)

Appropriate surveying methods and techniques used to develop information to contribute to the measurement, evaluation and review of project performance (K9)

Apply and integrate appropriate mathematical and technical knowledge in the completion of built environment site and/or office processes to contribute to the coordination of construction projects (S1)

N/A

Contracts and procurement
K5 K6 K7
S4 S5 S6

The different types of built environment contracts, project documentation, technical drawings and procurement processes in order to support the production of resource lists (K5)

Appropriate digital construction processes and systems and their use in the sector such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) or other computer-based software packages (K6)

Project tendering, measurement and costing systems to assist with the planning of schedules of work and to provide early warning of problems for all contract phases on site (K7)

Interpret and abstract contract documentation to develop site solutions (S4)

Apply digital construction processes to produce resource lists from tender and contract documentation (S5)

The use of project tendering, measurement and costing systems to assist with the planning of schedules of work and to provide early warning of problems for all contract phases on site (S6)

N/A

Sustainability

S8
B2

N/A

Apply sustainable principles and low carbon processes in order to implement site environmental solutions (S8)

Takes personal responsibility for sustainable outcomes when carrying out duties, using environmental good practices (B2)

Communication
K12
S11

Written communication techniques and the production of technical reports (K12)

Communicate in written form to internal and external stakeholders using a range of techniques and reporting mechanisms in line with company policies, using construction and built environment terminology (S11)

N/A

Professional interview with a portfolio of evidence - Discussion

KSBS GROUPED BY THEME Knowledge Skills Behaviour
Health and safety
K3

Workplace health, safety and welfare requirements including site and office-based protocols and legislation. (K3)

N/A

N/A

Communication
K4
S3

Use of appropriate construction terminology during verbal communications. Tailoring communication to the audience. (K4)

Communicate verbally to internal and external stakeholders using a range of techniques in line with company policies (S3)

N/A

Ethics
K8 K10 K11 K13
S9

Equality, diversity and inclusion, and its impact on built environment solutions (K8)

The code of conduct of relevant professional bodies and institutions and their professional obligation to make a contribution to society (K10)

Ethical principles as applied to construction and the built environment (K11)

Information technology: Management Information Systems (MIS), word processing, virtual communication, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), cyber security (K13)

Use information technology. For example, for document creation, communication, and information management. Comply with GDPR and cyber security (S9)

N/A

Development

S7 S10
B3 B4

N/A

Plan, carry out and manage own work in line with management requirements, assessing tasks, scheduling work, achieving deadlines, reviewing performance and keeping records of work undertaken (S7)

Plan and undertake continued professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice (S10)

Takes ownership of own work, knowing own limitations and when to ask for support (B3)

Committed to keeping up to date with industry best practice and own professional development (B4)

Find an apprenticeship

Contact us about this apprenticeship

Employers involved in creating the standard: Engie, Barratt Developments, Persimmon Homes, BAM Nuttall, HB Projects, Laing O' Rourke, CECA, Torsion Group, Complete Utilities, Powertherm Contract Services, TrAC, En:Able Futures, TICA, JN Bentley. SMEs: PD Harris, Abbott Construction, Burgess Associates, Driscoll Insulation, John Atkinson Interiors, Bolt & Heeks, PMC Construction, Bridgewater Contracts, Plan RB Ltd, Hainslack Development, Cheetham Hill Construction, Hydrock Consultants Ltd, Phelan Construction.

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date Latest end date
1.0 Approved for delivery 11/02/2022 Not set Not set

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