ST0195, food and drink maintenance engineer 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 42 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.

The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• 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 interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, you must submit a portfolio of evidence

• passed any other qualifications listed in the occupational standard

For the food and drink maintenance engineer, the qualification required is:

Diploma in food and drink engineering maintenance

Assessment methods

Observation with questions

You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 4 hours. They will ask you at least 5 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.

Written test

You will complete a test requiring long written answers. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
 In the the test you can have:

• a calculator

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 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.

The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.

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.

Professional recognition

This apprenticeship aligns with The Institution of Engineering and Technology 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 Institution of Mechanical Engineers 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 document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the food and drink maintenance engineer apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Food and drink maintenance engineer 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 register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).

A full-time apprentice typically spends 42 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a food and drink maintenance engineer. 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 4 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are:

Assessment method 1 - observation with questions:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 2 - interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 3 - written test:

• fail

• pass

Assessment method 4 - multiple-choice test:

• fail

• pass

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

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 3 months.

The expectation is that the EPAO will confirm the gateway requirements have been met and the EPA starts as quickly as possible.

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

• achieved a Diploma in food and drink engineering maintenance

• for the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, the apprentice must submit a 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 10 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
• workplace policies and procedures
• witness statements
• annotated photographs
• video clips (maximum total duration 10 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.

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.

Overview

In the observation with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice in their workplace and asks questions. The apprentice completes their day-to-day duties under normal working conditions. This allows the apprentice to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method through naturally occurring evidence. Simulation is not permitted during the observation.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• this is a practical role, best demonstrated through completing tasks in a real work setting
• observation makes use of employer resources and equipment, which will be familiar to the apprentice and thus allow them to perform at their best
• tasks completed during the observation should contribute to workplace productivity and are valid
• it is a holistic assessment method

Delivery

The observation with questions 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 observation with questions.

The independent assessor must only observe one apprentice at a time to ensure quality and rigour and they must be as unobtrusive as possible.

The EPAO must give the apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the observation with questions. 

The observation with questions must take 4 hours.

The independent assessor can increase the time of the observation with questions by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.

The observation with questions may be split into discrete sections held on the same working day.

The EPAO must manage invigilation of the apprentice during the assessment, to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations. 

The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the observation with questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.

The independent assessor should observe the following during the observation:

• work preparation
• conducting planned and predictive maintenance
• completing engineering documentation related to work tasks - paper based or electronic, including a dynamic risk assessment
• ensuring availability and performance of maintenance tools and equipment

Activities may be conducted in relation to food and drink processing or packaging equipment.

Activities should cover mechanical, electrical, and fluid power equipment.

These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Questioning can occur both during and after the observation and the time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The independent assessor must ask at least 5  questions. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessor should ask questions during natural stops between tasks and after completion of work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. Follow-up questions are allowed. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training.

The independent assessor must ask questions about KSBs that were not observed to gather assessment evidence. These questions are in addition to the set number of questions (as above) for the observation and should be kept to a minimum. The independent assessor can also ask questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice.

The independent assessor must record the KSBs observed, KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions and the grade achieved. The apprentice’s answers to questions must also be recorded.

The independent assessor must make the grading decisions. The observation and responses to questions must be assessed holistically by the independent assessor when they are deciding the grade.

Assessment location

The observation with questions must take place in the apprentice’s normal place of work (for example, their employer’s premises or a customer’s premises). Equipment and resources needed for the observation must be provided by the employer and be in good working condition.   

Questioning that occurs after the observation should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must write an 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 the EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The EPAO must develop purpose-built question banks and ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are in place for example, considering standardisation, training and moderation. 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 observation with questions:

• 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

Overview

In the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, an independent assessor asks the apprentice questions. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it allows for assessment of KSBs that do not occur on a predictable or regular basis
• it allows for testing of responses where there are a range of potential answers that cannot be tested through the multiple-choice test or written test
• it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost

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 is to assess the following themes:

• food and drink maintenance engineer's role
• reliability techniques
• component manufacture
• welding
• problem solving and fault-finding
• continuous improvement
• installation, commission checks, and decommission
• engineering representations, drawings, and graphical information
• report writing
• information technology
• team working
• training and development

Assessment of the above themes must be in relation to food and drink maintenance engineering.

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

The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the supporting documentation.

The apprentice must have access to their during the interview.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their however, it is not directly assessed.

The interview must last for 90 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 12 questions. Follow-up questions are allowed. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training.

The independent assessor must record the KSBs met, the grade achieved and answers to questions.

The independent assessor must make the grading decisions.

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 write an 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 the 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 specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO will develop purpose-built question banks and ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are in place for example, considering standardisation, training and moderation. 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 interview underpinned by 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

Overview

A written test is an assessment for asking questions in a controlled and invigilated environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it allows the apprentice to demonstrate knowledge that does not lend itself to a multiple-choice test
• it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost

Delivery

The written test must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

The written test can be computer or paper based.

The written test must consist of 15 long response written questions. Long response written questions need a written response of typically 1-2 paragraphs, around 100 words.

The written test must have one question for each theme - see mapping of KSBs to themes. A question must be awarded between 4-6 marks. A test paper must have 75 marks. Each question should clearly state the marks available. Papers must have a pass mark of 52 marks. Question papers must be of equal challenge.

Individual marks can be awarded for partial responses. Half marks are not permitted. Where there is insufficient evidence to award any marks in a response, a zero mark must be given. Marks must be awarded in line with the EPAOs mark scheme. The grading descriptors must inform the mark scheme.

The apprentice must be given at least 2 weeks' notice of the date and time of the written test.

Test administration

The apprentice must have 120 minutes to complete the test.

The written test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.

The following equipment is allowed to be used during the written test:

• a calculator

The written test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator who is the responsibility of the EPAO. Specialised (proctor) software can be used if the test can be taken on-line, to ensure the security of the test.

The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the written test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.

The EPAO must verify the identity of the apprentice.

The EPAO is responsible for the security of the written test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the written test.

Marking

The written test must be marked by an independent assessor or written test marker employed by the EPAO. Written test markers must have the same occupational competence and experience as an independent assessor, as defined in the internal quality assurance section.

The EPAO must develop a marking scheme based on the grading descriptors for this assessment method. The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the written test. The EPAO must set the standard and maintain that standard over time. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and the moderation of written response tests.

Assessment location

The apprentice must take the written test in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.

The written test could take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice. The EPAO must verify the apprentice’s identity and ensure invigilation of apprentices for example with, and not limited to, 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must write a test 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 the EPA materials when consulting employers. The test specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The EPAO will develop purpose-built question banks and ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are in place for example, considering previous item performance data, item analysis, standardisation, training and moderation. 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 written test:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • test specification
  • sample test and mark schemes
  • live tests and mark schemes
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

Overview

A multiple-choice test is an assessment for asking questions in a controlled and invigilated environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it allows for the efficient testing of knowledge where there is a right or wrong answer
• it allows for flexibility in terms of when, where, and how it is taken
• it allows larger volumes of apprentices to be assessed at one time

Delivery

The multiple-choice test must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

The multiple-choice test can be computer or paper based.

The multiple-choice test must consist of 40 multiple-choice questions.

Multiple-choice questions must have four options, with one correct answer.

The apprentice must be given at least 2 weeks' notice of the date and time of the multiple-choice test.

Test administration

The apprentice must have 60 minutes to complete the test.

The multiple-choice test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.

The multiple-choice test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator who is the responsibility of the EPAO. Specialised (proctor) software can be used if the test can be taken on-line, to ensure the security of the test.

The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the multiple-choice test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.

The EPAO must verify the identity of the apprentice.

The EPAO is responsible for the security of the multiple-choice test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the multiple-choice test.

Marking

The multiple-choice test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where question types support this.

A correct answer gets 1 mark.

Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.

The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the multiple-choice test. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of the multiple-choice test.

Assessment location

The apprentice must take the multiple-choice test in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.

The multiple-choice test could take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice. The EPAO must verify the apprentice’s identity and ensure invigilation of apprentices for example with, and not limited to, 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must write a test 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 specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The EPAO must develop purpose-built question banks and ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are in place for example, considering previous item performance data, item analysis, standardisation, training and moderation. 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 test specification and questions must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

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 multiple-choice test:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • test specification
  • sample test and mark schemes
  • live tests and mark schemes
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The assessment methods contribute equally to the overall EPA grade.

Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the observation with questions and interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence according to the requirements set out in this EPA plan. An independent assessor or written test marker must individually grade the written test according to the requirements set out in this EPA plan.

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

If the apprentice fails one or more assessment methods, they are awarded an overall EPA fail.

The apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods to get an overall pass. To achieve an overall EPA merit, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in the observation with questions or interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, and a pass in the other assessment methods: written test and multiple-choice test. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in the observation with questions and interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, and a pass in the other assessment methods: written test and multiple-choice test.

Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.

If an apprentice fails one or more assessment method(s), they can take a re-sit or a re-take at their 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.

The apprentice 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 4 months of the EPA outcome notification.

Failed assessment 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 an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.

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

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 refers to how the EPAO ensures valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. The EPAO must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities section.

They must also:

• 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 3 gained in the last 3 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
  • meet the following minimum requirements:
    • hold or working towards an assessor qualification
• operate induction training for anyone involved in the delivery or assessment of the EPA
• provide training for independent assessors in good assessment practice, operating the assessment tools and making grading decisions
• provide regular training for markers and invigilators
• provide standardisation activity for this apprenticeship for an independent assessor:
  • 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

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

• completing applicable assessment methods online (for example computer-based assessment)

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

• assessing multiple apprentices simultaneously where the method of assessment permits this

• using the employer’s premises

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

This apprenticeship aligns with:

The Institution of Engineering and Technology 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.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers 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.