HM Forces first response ground troops, providing peacekeeping duties and support/assistance to the civilian community as required and directed by HM Government.
This occupation is found in the public sector only and specifically within HM Forces (Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force). The HM Forces is a large employer. The role is utilised by the ground troops of all three services, who could find their workplace to be UK based or on foreign soil, dependent on HM Government direction.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide defence to the United Kingdom, incorporating peace keeping duties such as United Nations Peacekeeping in Cyprus, support/assistance to civilian tasks for example building Nightingale Hospitals during the COVID epidemic, disaster relief for example helping to shore up river banks during major flooding within the UK, and working abroad as directed by HM Government. The HM Forces Serviceperson will be part of the first response ground troops from the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force, who will be delivered to their designated area by sea, land or air, dependent on the location and service represented. They will work individually and as a team, potentially at all hours, in all weathers and across all terrains, as is required to fulfil the requirements of the specified organisational objectives.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation typically interacts with colleagues and their line management chain from their relevant service (Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force). The HM Forces Serviceperson could be assigned to work within the wider HM Forces environment and may be required to take direction from line management of an alternative service or take direction from other nations or other government departments. This is dependent on the HM Forces Serviceperson's duties, tasks and locations.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for ensuring that all they have been taught is applied, enabling instinctive actions and reactions in appropriate controlled and measured ways. For HM Forces Servicepersons, preparation is vital. They will carry out theoretical and practical training, which will include, but not exclusively, communication methods, enhanced first aid, safe weapons handling processes and navigation methods along with testing and maintenance of equipment to ensure operational preparedness. They are responsible for consistently working in a professional manner, both individually and as a team, continually honing the requisite skills in readiness for any eventuality they may be required to fulfil. They will become embedded into a professional culture and ethos where individuals understand / are aware of how their role supports both the team and aligns to the wider organisational taskings and priorities.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 12 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Practical assessment with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 1 hours. They will ask you at least 1 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 9 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You can use it to help answer the questions.
The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This occupation is found in the public sector only and specifically within HM Forces (Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force). The HM Forces is a large employer. The role is utilised by the ground troops of all three services, who could find their workplace to be UK based or on foreign soil, dependent on HM Government direction.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide defence to the United Kingdom, incorporating peace keeping duties such as United Nations Peacekeeping in Cyprus, support/assistance to civilian tasks for example building Nightingale Hospitals during the COVID epidemic, disaster relief for example helping to shore up river banks during major flooding within the UK, and working abroad as directed by HM Government. The HM Forces Serviceperson will be part of the first response ground troops from the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force, who will be delivered to their designated area by sea, land or air, dependent on the location and service represented. They will work individually and as a team, potentially at all hours, in all weathers and across all terrains, as is required to fulfil the requirements of the specified organisational objectives.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation typically interacts with colleagues and their line management chain from their relevant service (Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force). The HM Forces Serviceperson could be assigned to work within the wider HM Forces environment and may be required to take direction from line management of an alternative service or take direction from other nations or other government departments. This is dependent on the HM Forces Serviceperson's duties, tasks and locations.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for ensuring that all they have been taught is applied, enabling instinctive actions and reactions in appropriate controlled and measured ways. For HM Forces Servicepersons, preparation is vital. They will carry out theoretical and practical training, which will include, but not exclusively, communication methods, enhanced first aid, safe weapons handling processes and navigation methods along with testing and maintenance of equipment to ensure operational preparedness. They are responsible for consistently working in a professional manner, both individually and as a team, continually honing the requisite skills in readiness for any eventuality they may be required to fulfil. They will become embedded into a professional culture and ethos where individuals understand / are aware of how their role supports both the team and aligns to the wider organisational taskings and priorities.
| Duty | KSBs |
|---|---|
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Duty 1 Participate in individual and teamwork drills and activities to develop self and others to deliver organisational objectives. |
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Duty 2 Administer first aid, use recognised methods in preserving life, move casualties utilising recognised casualty evacuation procedures. |
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Duty 3 Use, monitor and maintain physical resources, use appropriate tools and equipment in a reliable and safe manner throughout. |
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Duty 4 Use suitable methods of communication for the task, acknowledge, send and receive messages in line with procedures. |
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Duty 5 Monitor and maintain own physical fitness requirements to conform to the organisations mandated physical fitness levels. |
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Duty 6 Plan and navigate specified routes using recognised aids and techniques, in a variety of conditions and terrains. |
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Duty 7 Use safe systems of training to operate individual and team weapon systems, associated ancillaries, ammunitions and pyrotechnics. |
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Duty 8 Operate both individually and as a team member using a full range of field techniques and skills, team weapon systems and assets. |
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Duty 9 Plan and prepare personal equipment and resources, conduct simple and complex drill movements. |
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Duty 10 Carry out post action activities in accordance with organisational procedures. |
K1: Understand marksmanship principles, ammunition types and storage requirements.
Back to Duty
K2: Weapon cleaning regimes in different environments.
Back to Duty
K3: Appropriate methods of Operations Preparation, including the NATO sequence of orders, and preparation for battle procedures.
Back to Duty
K4: The principles of Service Law and the Law of Armed Conflict.
Back to Duty
K5: Navigation and map reading, across all terrains in urban and rural environments, by day and night.
Back to Duty
K6: How to carry out treatment to casualty, elementary life support and casualty handling, including battlefield casualty evacuation (CASEVAC principles). Asset deployment affecting teams and the importance of clear communications.
Back to Duty
K7: The importance of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, maintaining relevant levels of physical fitness, seeking advice on improvements to physical fitness and management with injuries.
Back to Duty
K8: Good practice in nutrition, health and hygiene.
Back to Duty
K9: Hazards, risks and control measures across a range of situations military and civilian.
Back to Duty
K10: Understand personal and specialist resource management, dress codes, maintain own equipment in line with regulations.
Back to Duty
K11: Asset deployment affecting teams and the importance of clear communications.
Back to Duty
K12: Understand the principles and practices of simple and complex drill movements for Parades and Special Events.
Back to Duty
K13: Environmental impact of military training and how to improve practices to benefit the environment.
Back to Duty
K14: How to use individual protective equipment in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear environments.
Back to Duty
S1: Take responsibility for effective performance within their role.
Back to Duty
S2: Carry out safe working practices using the individual personal weapon.
Back to Duty
S3: Operate safely and effectively in emergency situations.
Back to Duty
S4: Operate within hazardous environments using Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear individual protective equipment.
Back to Duty
S5: Apply First Aid to minor and major injuries.
Back to Duty
S6: Use fieldcraft techniques to camouflage and conceal self, equipment and location.
Back to Duty
S7: Use and maintain personal safety and specialist equipment.
Back to Duty
S8: Operate tactically in open country and wooded areas without being seen or heard.
Back to Duty
S9: Occupy tactical locations by constructing strongholds.
Back to Duty
S10: Conduct tactical patrols.
Back to Duty
S11: Indicate targets by judging distance and range cards.
Back to Duty
S12: Navigate using recognised methods, across varying terrains by day and night.
Back to Duty
S13: Conduct sentry duties within a tactical location.
Back to Duty
S14: Communicate effectively, through tactical hand signals.
Back to Duty
S15: Send and receive messages using in-service portable radios.
Back to Duty
S16: Drill movements; Dress for the event, perform foot and arms drill, show respect and courtesy to visitors.
Back to Duty
S17: Use physical resources as not to cause injury to self or others
Back to Duty
S18: Show how to prepare and maintain operational equipment and resources, ancillaries, ammunition and pyrotechnics.
Back to Duty
S19: Show understanding of Individual Weapons, purposes and characteristics.
Back to Duty
S20: Show how to operate weapons and remedy malfunctions.
Back to Duty
B1: Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, understanding other cultures, adopting a fair and ethical approach in the way you treat others.
Back to Duty
B2: Use appropriate behaviour with a range of people including colleagues, and managers. Recognise rank structure and act appropriately.
Back to Duty
B3: Adapt to a strong work ethic; reliable, punctual, diligent and flexible, in changing working environments and situations.
Back to Duty
B4: Account for actions, personal, professional equipment and understand impacts of poor accountability as well as its effects in the workplace.
Back to Duty
B5: Be motivated individually and as a team member, show you are adaptable in the role.
Back to Duty
B6: Adopt appropriate performance and initiative traits, as behaviour minimal standard.
Back to Duty
English and maths qualifications form a mandatory part of all apprenticeships and must be completed before an apprentice can pass through gateway. The requirements are detailed in the current version of the apprenticeship funding rules.
V1.1
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the HM Serviceperson (Protective Services) apprentices. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering their EPA.
HM forces serviceperson (protective services) 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 12 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a HM forces serviceperson (protective services). 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 EPA method are:
EPA method 1 - practical skills assessment:
EPA method 2 - interview:
The result from each EPA method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:
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On-programme (typically 12 months)
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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. |
|---|---|
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End-point assessment gateway
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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:
The apprentice must have achieved English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules. The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO. |
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End-point assessment (typically 3 months)
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Grades available for each method:
Practical Skills Assessment
Interview
Overall EPA and apprenticeship can be graded:
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Re-sits and re-takes
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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.
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.
This includes:
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.
In a practical assessment, the independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides where it takes place, and the test environment must closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment.
The practical and responses to questions must be assessed holistically by the independent assessor when they are deciding the grade for the practical assessment.
This EPA method is being used because this is a practical role and therefore it is important that the apprentices demonstrate that they have the skills to undertake the tasks in practice and to confirm the apprentice has the skills required to safely operate and control the standard issue basic weapon without endangering the lives of others.
The practical skills assessment must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method to the highest available grade.
The practical skills assessment will be administered by a competent person independent of the apprentice, and who has not contributed to their on-programme delivery i.e., there must be no conflict of interest and they must be independent of the apprentice's on-programme learning and training. Due to the specialist nature of the organisation and occupation, this may be someone from within the same organisation.
The independent assessor must only observe one apprentice to ensure quality and rigour they must be as unobtrusive as possible.
The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days notice of the practical assessment.
The practical skills assessment must take 1 hour.
The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical skills assessment by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary. The practical assessment and questioning must allow the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs at the highest possible grade.
The practical skills assessment cannot be split, other than for comfort breaks or to allow apprentices to move from one location to another. Where breaks occur, they will not count towards the total EPA time.
EPAOs must manage invigilation of apprentices at all times 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 practical skills assessment before it begins. This does not count towards the assessment time.
The independent assessor should observe the following during the practical assessment. These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs as shown in the mapping:
task one: weapon safety
task two: stripping and assembly
task three: magazine filling
task four: loading the weapon
task five: making the weapon ready
task six: conduct the immediate action drills
task seven: unloading the weapon
These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs as shown in the mapping.
The independent assessor conducts and assesses the practical skills assessment. They must record the KSBs observed, KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions and the grade achieved.
The independent assessor sends recommendations to the EPAO who will make all grading decisions.
The practical skills assessment will take place in a simulated environment selected by the EPAO (for example the EPAO’s or employer’s premises). The simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the practical skills assessment must be provided by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these.
EPAOs must ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are in place. For example, considering standardisation, training and moderation.
EPAOs must produce the following materials to support the practical skills assessment:
An interview consists of an independent assessor asking an apprentice a series of questions to assess their competence against KSB's. It differs from a professional discussion in that the independent assessor's role is restricted to asking set questions, and there is no scope for two-way discussion. The independent assessor leads this process to obtain information from the apprentice to enable a structured assessment decision making process. When determining whether a professional discussion or interview should be selected as an assessment method, consider how the KSBs are best assessed.
This EPA method is being used because the apprentices have been exposed to a considerable amount of knowledge-based information about serving and working within the Armed Forces and many aspects of the apprenticeship can be determined through this method and is appropriate to ensure that this knowledge, skills and behaviours are embedded.
The interview must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method to the highest available grade.
The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to check the understanding and application of the knowledge, skills and behaviours discussed.
The interview will be administered by a competent person independent of the apprentice, and who has not contributed to their on-programme delivery i.e., there must be no conflict of interest and they must be independent of the apprentice’s on-programme learning and training. Due to the specialist nature of the organisation and occupation, this may be someone from within the same organisation.
The interview consists of the independent assessor asking an apprentice a series of questions to assess their competence against the KSBs. The Independent assessor leads this process to obtain information from the apprentice to enable structured assessment decision-making to occur.
They will operate under the independent quality assurance arrangements of an EPAO. The independent assessor will make a recommendation regarding pass/fail of the EPA to the EPAO, who will make the final grading decision.
It will involve a series of scripted questions that will focus on aspects of military training, activities outlined in the KSBs. The assessment is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference any notes, books or materials.
The EPAO must give an apprentice 5 days notice of the interview.
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.
For the interview, the independent assessor must ask at least 9 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 interview must allow the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method at the highest possible grade.
The independent assessor conducts and assesses the interview.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. The records must include the KSBs met, the grade achieved and answers to questions.
The independent assessor sends recommendations to the EPAO, who will make all grading decisions.
The interview will involve a series of scripted questions that will focus on aspects of military training, activities and KSBs. The assessment is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to any notes, books or materials.
The independent assessor will provide all evidence and documentation of the apprentice’s performance to the EPAO. The EPAO will then make the grading decision based on this evidence. The evidence provided by the independent assessor should focus on direct observation of performance rather than opinions.
Assessment location
The interview must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO.
The interview should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
The interview will take place at the employer's premises.
EPAOs must write an assessment specification and question bank. The specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs shown in the mapping. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. EPAOs should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this. The assessment specification and questions must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
EPAOs must develop purpose-built question banks and ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are in place, for example, considering standardisation, training and moderation. EPAOs must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard.
EPAOs must ensure that apprentices have a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
EPAOs must produce the following materials to support the interview:
Fail - does not meet pass criteria
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Theme
KSBs
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Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors
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Weapon Maintenance
S2 S18 |
Conducts weapons handling in line with safe working practices before, during, and after the test. Conducts the removal and assembly of ancillaries and optical sights, the trigger mechanism housing, the recoil rod and bolt carrier, the gas system, hand guard and down grip, magazines, and carries out a function test. (S2, S18) |
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Weapon Preparation and Use
K2 S1 S7 S19 S20 |
Use correct weapon cleaning regimes for the weapon and maintenance kit to clean equipment and materials and explain lubrication in different environments. Shows how they take responsibility to prepare the weapon ready to use, ensuring they complete the magazine filling without causing damage to ammunition or magazines. Performs the Immediate Action and Stoppages procedures safely in an emergency situation. Demonstrates unloading the rifle, returning all magazines and rounds to the appropriate location. (K2, S1, S7, S19, S20)
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Fail - does not meet pass criteria
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Theme
KSBs
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Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors
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Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
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|---|---|---|
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Health and safety
K9 S3 S17 B5 |
Explains their approach to operate safely in emergency situations the risks inherent in carrying out tasks and control measures.
Describes how to minimise hazards within the workplace and living space by supporting team members to reduce risk to self and others. (K9, S3, S17, B5)
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n/a |
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Maintenance of self and equipment
K7 K8 K10 B1 B4 |
Describes how to maintain physical and mental fitness through nutrition, hygiene, improving physical fitness and preventing injury. Explains why it is important to maintain physical and mental fitness. States how to seek guidance and why seeking advice on improvements to physical fitness and management of injuries or weight management can be of benefit to own health. (K7, K8) Describes how to manage resources within regulations to maintain personal uniforms, own/team equipment and report defective equipment to prevent injury to self or others. Shows understanding of the impact of their actions and is accountable for its effect in the workplace. (K10, B4)
Explains their commitment to diversity and inclusion including understanding of cultural diversity and how to treat others in a way that is fair and ethical. (B1)
|
n/a |
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Navigation and mapping
K5 S12 |
Describes using navigation techniques to move from one place to another both day and night using map, silver compass and other instruments for navigation (K5, S12) |
Explains the different types of scales on maps and is able to identify features such as elevation and dead ground. Describes how they can use key features of the maps to understand topological information. (K8, S12) |
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Marksmanship
K1 |
Explains the marksmanship principles and how they use storage for different types of ammunition. (K1) |
n/a |
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First Aid
K6 S5 B6 |
Describes the principles of battlefield casualty evacuation and how to use first aid methods to treat both major and minor injuries. Describes levels of treatment for casualties and order of treatment. (K6, S5) Acts in ways to show initiative when dealing with casualties and reflect on how to improve their performance. (B6) |
Identifies types of traumas associated with gunshot wound and fragmentation and describes how to prioritise treatment when faced with a high number of casualties with minor and major injuries. Defines the Triage stages and priorities that would be treated. (K6, S5) |
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Hazardous environments
K13 K14 S4 |
Describes how to use specialist Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear protective equipment when working in hazardous environment. States the impact of military training to the environment and how to adopt practices to benefit the environment. (K13, K14, S4) |
n/a |
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Operational activities
K3 K4 K12 S6 S8 S9 S10 S11 S13 S16 B3 |
Describes how they conduct sentry duty, the importance of using a range card to detail the ground ahead, participate in infantry tactics, ambushes, foot patrols, fieldcraft techniques, harbour occupation during defensive and offensive operations. Describes awareness of tactical judgement incorporating knowledge of other team members roles. (K3, K4, S6, S8, S9, S10, S11, S13) Describes the principles and practices of simple and complex drill movements and how to use them in formal and ceremonial parades. (K12, S16) Describes how they act in ways to show they have a strong work ethic and can be reliable, punctual, diligent and flexible, in changing working environments and situations. (B3) |
n/a |
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Communication
K11 S14 S15 B2 |
Describes communication methods including in-service radios, tactical hand signals, and the benefits of different types of communication. Describes recognised behaviour when working with different people and in accordance with the rank structure. (K11, S14, S15, B2).
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Describes and evaluates the benefits and limitations of using different communication methods including in-service radios and tactical hand signals. States why asset deployment is vital to maintain communications in a variety of situations. (K11, S14, S15) |
The EPA methods contribute equally to the overall EPA grade.
Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of:
Independent assessors must individually grade the: practical skills assessment and interview 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 score a distinction in the interview and a pass in the practical skills assessment.
Grades from individual assessment methods should be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA as a whole.
| Practical Skills Assessment | Interview | Overall Grading |
|---|---|---|
| Any grade | Fail | Fail |
| Fail | Any grade | Fail |
| Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Pass | Distinction | Distinction |
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 4 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 | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
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Apprentice |
As a minimum, the apprentice should:
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Employer |
As a minimum, the apprentice's employer must:
Post-gateway, the employer must:
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EPAO |
As a minimum, the EPAO must:
Pre-gateway, the EPAO must:
At the gateway, the EPAO must:
Post-gateway, EPAOs must:
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Independent assessor |
As a minimum, an independent assessor must:
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Training provider |
As a minimum, the training provider should:
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The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.
This should include:
Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.
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:
independent assessors must be a serving officer or non-commissioned officer and hold a weapons instructor qualification
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:
Professional body recognition is not relevant to this occupational apprenticeship.
| Knowledge | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
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K1
Understand marksmanship principles, ammunition types and storage requirements. Back to Grading |
Interview |
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K2
Weapon cleaning regimes in different environments. Back to Grading |
Practical Skills Assessment |
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K3
Appropriate methods of Operations Preparation, including the NATO sequence of orders, and preparation for battle procedures. Back to Grading |
Interview |
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K4
The principles of Service Law and the Law of Armed Conflict. Back to Grading |
Interview |
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K5
Navigation and map reading, across all terrains in urban and rural environments, by day and night. Back to Grading |
Interview |
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K6
How to carry out treatment to casualty, elementary life support and casualty handling, including battlefield casualty evacuation (CASEVAC principles). Asset deployment affecting teams and the importance of clear communications. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
K7
The importance of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, maintaining relevant levels of physical fitness, seeking advice on improvements to physical fitness and management with injuries. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
K8
Good practice in nutrition, health and hygiene. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
K9
Hazards, risks and control measures across a range of situations military and civilian. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
K10
Understand personal and specialist resource management, dress codes, maintain own equipment in line with regulations. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
K11
Asset deployment affecting teams and the importance of clear communications. Back to Grading |
Interview |
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K12
Understand the principles and practices of simple and complex drill movements for Parades and Special Events. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
K13
Environmental impact of military training and how to improve practices to benefit the environment. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
K14
How to use individual protective equipment in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear environments. Back to Grading |
Interview |
| Skill | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
S1
Take responsibility for effective performance within their role. Back to Grading |
Practical Skills Assessment |
|
S2
Carry out safe working practices using the individual personal weapon. Back to Grading |
Practical Skills Assessment |
|
S3
Operate safely and effectively in emergency situations. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
S4
Operate within hazardous environments using Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear individual protective equipment. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
S5
Apply First Aid to minor and major injuries. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
S6
Use fieldcraft techniques to camouflage and conceal self, equipment and location. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
S7
Use and maintain personal safety and specialist equipment. Back to Grading |
Practical Skills Assessment |
|
S8
Operate tactically in open country and wooded areas without being seen or heard. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
S9
Occupy tactical locations by constructing strongholds. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
S10
Conduct tactical patrols. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
S11
Indicate targets by judging distance and range cards. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
S12
Navigate using recognised methods, across varying terrains by day and night. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
S13
Conduct sentry duties within a tactical location. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
S14
Communicate effectively, through tactical hand signals. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
S15
Send and receive messages using in-service portable radios. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
S16
Drill movements; Dress for the event, perform foot and arms drill, show respect and courtesy to visitors. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
S17
Use physical resources as not to cause injury to self or others Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
S18
Show how to prepare and maintain operational equipment and resources, ancillaries, ammunition and pyrotechnics. Back to Grading |
Practical Skills Assessment |
|
S19
Show understanding of Individual Weapons, purposes and characteristics. Back to Grading |
Practical Skills Assessment |
|
S20
Show how to operate weapons and remedy malfunctions. Back to Grading |
Practical Skills Assessment |
| Behaviour | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
B1
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, understanding other cultures, adopting a fair and ethical approach in the way you treat others. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
B2
Use appropriate behaviour with a range of people including colleagues, and managers. Recognise rank structure and act appropriately. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
B3
Adapt to a strong work ethic; reliable, punctual, diligent and flexible, in changing working environments and situations. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
B4
Account for actions, personal, professional equipment and understand impacts of poor accountability as well as its effects in the workplace. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
B5
Be motivated individually and as a team member, show you are adaptable in the role. Back to Grading |
Interview |
|
B6
Adopt appropriate performance and initiative traits, as behaviour minimal standard. Back to Grading |
Interview |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Weapon Maintenance
S2 S18 |
N/A |
Carry out safe working practices using the individual personal weapon. (S2) Show how to prepare and maintain operational equipment and resources, ancillaries, ammunition and pyrotechnics. (S18) |
N/A |
|
Weapon Preparation and Use
K2 S1 S7 S19 S20 |
Weapon cleaning regimes in different environments. (K2) |
Take responsibility for effective performance within their role. (S1) Use and maintain personal safety and specialist equipment. (S7) Show understanding of Individual Weapons, purposes and characteristics. (S19) Show how to operate weapons and remedy malfunctions. (S20) |
N/A |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Health and safety
K9 S3 S17 B5 |
Hazards, risks and control measures across a range of situations military and civilian. (K9) |
Operate safely and effectively in emergency situations. (S3) Use physical resources as not to cause injury to self or others (S17) |
Be motivated individually and as a team member, show you are adaptable in the role. (B5) |
|
Maintenance of self and equipment
K7 K8 K10 B1 B4 |
The importance of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, maintaining relevant levels of physical fitness, seeking advice on improvements to physical fitness and management with injuries. (K7) Good practice in nutrition, health and hygiene. (K8) Understand personal and specialist resource management, dress codes, maintain own equipment in line with regulations. (K10) |
N/A |
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, understanding other cultures, adopting a fair and ethical approach in the way you treat others. (B1) Account for actions, personal, professional equipment and understand impacts of poor accountability as well as its effects in the workplace. (B4) |
|
Navigation and mapping
K5 S12 |
Navigation and map reading, across all terrains in urban and rural environments, by day and night. (K5) |
Navigate using recognised methods, across varying terrains by day and night. (S12) |
N/A |
|
Marksmanship
K1 |
Understand marksmanship principles, ammunition types and storage requirements. (K1) |
N/A |
N/A |
|
First Aid
K6 S5 B6 |
How to carry out treatment to casualty, elementary life support and casualty handling, including battlefield casualty evacuation (CASEVAC principles). Asset deployment affecting teams and the importance of clear communications. (K6) |
Apply First Aid to minor and major injuries. (S5) |
Adopt appropriate performance and initiative traits, as behaviour minimal standard. (B6) |
|
Hazardous environments
K13 K14 S4 |
Environmental impact of military training and how to improve practices to benefit the environment. (K13) How to use individual protective equipment in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear environments. (K14) |
Operate within hazardous environments using Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear individual protective equipment. (S4) |
N/A |
|
Operational activities
K3 K4 K12 S6 S8 S9 S10 S11 S13 S16 B3 |
Appropriate methods of Operations Preparation, including the NATO sequence of orders, and preparation for battle procedures. (K3) The principles of Service Law and the Law of Armed Conflict. (K4) Understand the principles and practices of simple and complex drill movements for Parades and Special Events. (K12) |
Use fieldcraft techniques to camouflage and conceal self, equipment and location. (S6) Operate tactically in open country and wooded areas without being seen or heard. (S8) Occupy tactical locations by constructing strongholds. (S9) Conduct tactical patrols. (S10) Indicate targets by judging distance and range cards. (S11) Conduct sentry duties within a tactical location. (S13) Drill movements; Dress for the event, perform foot and arms drill, show respect and courtesy to visitors. (S16) |
Adapt to a strong work ethic; reliable, punctual, diligent and flexible, in changing working environments and situations. (B3) |
|
Communication
K11 S14 S15 B2 |
Asset deployment affecting teams and the importance of clear communications. (K11) |
Communicate effectively, through tactical hand signals. (S14) Send and receive messages using in-service portable radios. (S15) |
Use appropriate behaviour with a range of people including colleagues, and managers. Recognise rank structure and act appropriately. (B2) |
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