Assuring that manufacturing runs smoothly in areas such as site maintenance.
This occupation is found in cross sectors such as aerospace, automotive, maritime defence, logistics, oil, gas and other processing Industries. Employers may be directly involved in these activities or as a service provider, original equipment manufacturer or approved solutions provider in large or small to medium organisations providing services such as systems integration, service, maintenance and repair or technical consultancy. The control systems contain software algorithms which monitor information about the activities under control, make decisions based on this information, and then instruct machines or equipment to modify their activities, ensuring that they are performed as required and in a controlled, safe and repeatable manner. Each control system is unique to a plant and typically consist of complex combinations of electrical or electronic hardware and dedicated software. They typically use mechanical, electrical and fluid power to drive physical machines (for example conveyors, lifters and part handling machines) or process equipment units (for example distillation columns and separators).
Within the product manufacturing industry, control system engineers are concerned with the control of automated production processes to manage the interaction of machines or robotics with the products being assembled or parts being utilised for assembly. The process manufacturing industry is concerned with the measurement and control of factors such as pressure, flow and level etc. of products in a process plant.
This occupation will give employers the ability to maintain, update, modify and continually improve their operational capacity and capability.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to be able to plan and lead projects and other relevant programmes of work that involves process improvement, problem solving and maintenance including complex fault finding activities in order to optimise control systems. Depending on the nature and size of organisation Control System Engineers may also be involved in the system design or the installation, testing and commissioning of any new or modified systems.
A control systems engineer is a multi-skilled role specialising in engineering systems that are used to monitor and control manufacturing or process operations, working across a range of equipment such as Programmable Logic Controllers, Human Machine Interfaces, Robots and Industrial Networks in discreet or process manufacturing environments. The use of physical tools, software tools and test or diagnostic instruments, are fundamental to carrying out tasks associated with designing, testing, building, installing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintaining or servicing of control systems and any associated equipment.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a multi-disciplinary team for example as a leader or member of a specialist project team, maintenance, installation or commissioning team that will work alongside other stakeholders for such as design engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, production engineers, cost engineers or procurement managers. Typically this occupation is plant based with some office work. Some sectors may require the control system engineer to work outside, such as in a processing plant.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for ensuring the optimisation of control systems, equipment integrity, reliability, availability and compliance with relevant standards and or directives. Supporting outages, shutdowns and maintenance or servicing activities and providing specialist problem solving, technical back up and support for other engineers. Monitoring of the operation of these systems can be carried out either within in-situ control rooms or in certain cases remotely such as via web based, digital, GPRS based mobile communications.
Control systems engineers will also be responsible for identifying and supporting opportunities for cost savings, efficiency and business improvement. A control systems engineer will work both autonomously and as part of a team reporting to a senior manager or director, depending on the programme of work, projects undertaken and organisation size. They will exercise considerable judgement and autonomy for the work they undertake coupled with a high-level of personal decision making and influence, setting out recommendations and potential options to the employer or customer.
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 42 months. The EPA period is typically 6 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:
For the control systems engineer (degree), the qualification required is:
BEng Honours or BSc Honours degree accredited by an Engineering Council licensed Professional Engineering Institution (PEI). Employers may use a degree that intends to get accreditation - a PEI must be involved and consulted on content from the outset.
Project with report
You will complete a project and write a report. You will be asked to complete a project. The title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. The report should be a maximum of 9000 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 20 weeks to complete the project and submit the report to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 60 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 5 questions about the project and presentation.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 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.
The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institute of Mechanical Engineers for Incorporated Engineer
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institution of Engineering Technology for Incorporated Engineer
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Royal Aeronautical Society for Incorporated Engineer
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This occupation is found in cross sectors such as aerospace, automotive, maritime defence, logistics, oil, gas and other processing Industries. Employers may be directly involved in these activities or as a service provider, original equipment manufacturer or approved solutions provider in large or small to medium organisations providing services such as systems integration, service, maintenance and repair or technical consultancy. The control systems contain software algorithms which monitor information about the activities under control, make decisions based on this information, and then instruct machines or equipment to modify their activities, ensuring that they are performed as required and in a controlled, safe and repeatable manner. Each control system is unique to a plant and typically consist of complex combinations of electrical or electronic hardware and dedicated software. They typically use mechanical, electrical and fluid power to drive physical machines (for example conveyors, lifters and part handling machines) or process equipment units (for example distillation columns and separators).
Within the product manufacturing industry, control system engineers are concerned with the control of automated production processes to manage the interaction of machines or robotics with the products being assembled or parts being utilised for assembly. The process manufacturing industry is concerned with the measurement and control of factors such as pressure, flow and level etc. of products in a process plant.
This occupation will give employers the ability to maintain, update, modify and continually improve their operational capacity and capability.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to be able to plan and lead projects and other relevant programmes of work that involves process improvement, problem solving and maintenance including complex fault finding activities in order to optimise control systems. Depending on the nature and size of organisation Control System Engineers may also be involved in the system design or the installation, testing and commissioning of any new or modified systems.
A control systems engineer is a multi-skilled role specialising in engineering systems that are used to monitor and control manufacturing or process operations, working across a range of equipment such as Programmable Logic Controllers, Human Machine Interfaces, Robots and Industrial Networks in discreet or process manufacturing environments. The use of physical tools, software tools and test or diagnostic instruments, are fundamental to carrying out tasks associated with designing, testing, building, installing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintaining or servicing of control systems and any associated equipment.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a multi-disciplinary team for example as a leader or member of a specialist project team, maintenance, installation or commissioning team that will work alongside other stakeholders for such as design engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, production engineers, cost engineers or procurement managers. Typically this occupation is plant based with some office work. Some sectors may require the control system engineer to work outside, such as in a processing plant.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for ensuring the optimisation of control systems, equipment integrity, reliability, availability and compliance with relevant standards and or directives. Supporting outages, shutdowns and maintenance or servicing activities and providing specialist problem solving, technical back up and support for other engineers. Monitoring of the operation of these systems can be carried out either within in-situ control rooms or in certain cases remotely such as via web based, digital, GPRS based mobile communications.
Control systems engineers will also be responsible for identifying and supporting opportunities for cost savings, efficiency and business improvement. A control systems engineer will work both autonomously and as part of a team reporting to a senior manager or director, depending on the programme of work, projects undertaken and organisation size. They will exercise considerable judgement and autonomy for the work they undertake coupled with a high-level of personal decision making and influence, setting out recommendations and potential options to the employer or customer.
| Duty | KSBs |
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Duty 1 Lead a safety culture in their defined work area at all times, ensuring their own safety and the safety of others. |
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Duty 2 Ensure that the organisation’s documentation and quality control processes and procedures are adhered to. |
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Duty 3 Ensure process control projects or programmes of work comply with any national and international regulatory or compliance requirements. |
K1 K2 K3 K7 K10 K12 K15 K16 K17 K19 |
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Duty 4 Take responsibility for developing and maintaining of own technical knowledge. |
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Duty 5 Work independently or as part of a team to provide specialist process control technical input, direction and leadership. |
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Duty 6 Determine the type and level of technical data and information required to complete the project or task outcome. |
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Duty 7 Plan, organise and manage resources, to monitor progress, identify risks and mitigation to meet project or task outcome. |
K1 K2 K7 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K20 K22 K23 K24 |
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Duty 8 Lead and deliver control system engineering projects, project tasks or programmes of work to the agreed schedule, performance and budget. |
K1 K2 K3 K6 K7 K10 K11 K12 K14 K15 K16 K17 K20 K22 K23 K24 |
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Duty 9 Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. |
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Duty 10 Determine the appropriate problem solving and diagnostic tools and techniques to be used and lead the problem solving activity. |
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Duty 11 Identify and lead continuous improvement activities that impact on factors such as safety, performance or cost. |
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Duty 12 Check all project or work programme documentation has been completed correctly and accurately to ensure it meets statutory and organisational compliance and traceability requirements such as safety, quality and environmental. |
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Duty 13 Produce technical documentation with applicable supporting data or information as required to inform project outcomes and decision making such as drawings, feasibility studies, quality issues, maintenance or commissioning reports. |
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Duty 14 Identify and share good practice, work collaboratively such as recording problems identified and resolution found, sharing technology solutions. |
K1: Safety, environmental and security standards associated with control systems and the environments in which they reside such as cyber security and human factors.
Back to Duty
K2: Hazardous areas and safe systems of work including how they can impact the specification of a control and safety system.
Back to Duty
K3: Applications and limitations of control systems and associated instrumentation and equipment such as valves, motors and pumps, plant layout and infrastructure.
Back to Duty
K4: Principles and applications of fluid power systems.
Back to Duty
K5: Systems programming, cyber security, network protocols, databases and software languages of various systems such as programmable logic solvers, human-machine interfaces, data acquisition systems, Profibus, Profinet, EthanetIP and HART.
Back to Duty
K6: Materials and manufacturing processes relevant to the relevant industry sector.
Back to Duty
K7: Control system life-cycle stages such as establishing requirements, technical design specification, selecting suppliers, through to project execution, commissioning, operation and eventual decommissioning.
Back to Duty
K8: Principles of mathematics and scientific methods including analytical techniques required to perform the control systems engineer role such as normalising and evaluating statistical data.
Back to Duty
K9: Principles and applications of electrical, electronic, process control and digital engineering relevant to control systems such as analogue to digital conversion, digital communications buses, and Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) algorithms.
Back to Duty
K10: Different formats for collecting, presenting and storing data such as project, technical and or financial information.
Back to Duty
K11: Commercial nature of projects or programmes of work and how any changes or delays impact on the business such as quality, cost and delivery.
Back to Duty
K12: Assessment and monitoring techniques used for improving the reliability and availability of process control and safety systems including instrumentation and associated equipment such as valves, pump and motors.
Back to Duty
K13: Troubleshooting techniques for diagnosing faults, repairing and recovering control systems from breakdowns.
Back to Duty
K14: Improvement methods and techniques, such as lean and six sigma techniques.
Back to Duty
K15: Specific processes under control and how they can automated to optimise efficiency, and performance
Back to Duty
K16: Quality management and assurance processes associated with control and safety systems such as validation, factory acceptance testing and compliance to international safety standards and technical directives.
Back to Duty
K17: Management of change (MOC) processes of requesting, determining viability, planning, implementing and evaluating changes to a control system. Understand the importance of strict adherence to MOC, and know the limitations when providing MOC approval.
Back to Duty
K18: How to support the start-up and shutdown of a process using the control and safety systems.
Back to Duty
K19: Principles of offline simulation tools such as simulated production lines or high-fidelity process models including applications, limitations and benefits.
Back to Duty
K20: Project management methods and principles of how to set out and record project or programmes of work outcomes and metrics and to track progress.
Back to Duty
K21: How advances in technology could impact organisations in the future including the integration of automation, digital systems and manufacturing engineering systems such as Industry 4.0.
Back to Duty
K22: Workload or time management techniques used to ensure that personal and team objectives are achieved.
Back to Duty
K23: Different applications and limitations of computer-based software systems or packages used such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Modelling, Data Analytics and Databases and project management software tools or programmes.
Back to Duty
K24: Benefits of working collaboratively with colleagues and sharing best practice to support business quality and performance measures or issues such as sharing ideas, solutions to problems previously encountered or benefits of implementing new technologies.
Back to Duty
S1: Translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems.
Back to Duty
S2: Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and fishbone diagrams.
Back to Duty
S3: Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation.
Back to Duty
S4: Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
Back to Duty
S5: Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and or developmental or test evidence.
Back to Duty
S6: Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria. Apply techniques and processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
Back to Duty
S7: Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating any risks identified within the control systems environment.
Back to Duty
S8: Identify resources required to complete control system projects, project tasks or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity.
Back to Duty
S9: Create a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
Back to Duty
S10: Demonstrate leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities such as system design, integration, operational simulation, installation, testing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintenance of control systems.
Back to Duty
S11: Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use.
Back to Duty
S12: Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities such as improving safety, quality, technology solutions, operational processes, training and development, equipment performance or cost key performance indicators (KPIs).
Back to Duty
S13: Perform checks on control systems documentation to ensure it meets organisational compliance and traceability requirements. Report any non-conformances using the appropriate processes and procedures.
Back to Duty
S14: Interpret key performance indicators and utilise improvement techniques or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as lean or six sigma.
Back to Duty
B1: Champions a healthy and safe working environment.
Back to Duty
B2: Has a quality and compliance mindset.
Back to Duty
B3: Uses independent judgement and takes responsibility for decisions.
Back to Duty
B4: Collaborates and promotes teamwork across discipline.
Back to Duty
B5: Is agile, resilient and motivated when faced with change.
Back to Duty
B6: Builds relationships in a respectful, collaborative and open and honest way.
Back to Duty
B7: Committed to continuous professional development.
Back to Duty
B8: Committed to upholding the organisations values, ethics, goals, codes of practice, statutory requirements and standards.
Back to Duty
B9: Leads by example by being an advocate for change and sustainable approaches.
Back to Duty
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.
Level: 6 (integrated degree)
This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:
V1.1
This document sets out the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the control systems engineer (degree) apprenticeship standard. It explains how EPA for this apprenticeship must operate.
Control systems engineer (degree) 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 apprenticeship providers and assessment register (APAR).
In an integrated degree apprenticeship standard, the degree incorporates on-programme learning and assessment with an EPA to test the occupational standard’s knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs). The degree required for this apprenticeship standard is a BEng Honours or BSc Honours degree accredited by an Engineering Council licensed Professional Engineering Institution (PEI). The BEng Honours or BSc Honours degree must be worth 360 credits, with the EPA contributing between 30-60 credits to complete both the Honours degree and the apprenticeship. Employers may use a degree that intends to get accreditation - a PEI must be involved and consulted on content from the outset.
A full-time apprentice typically spends 42 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a control systems engineer (degree). 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.
Before starting EPA, an apprentice must meet the gateway requirements. For this apprenticeship they are:
• the employer must be content that the apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard
• achieved English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules
• the employer must have agreed the subject, title and scope for the EPA work-based project with the EPAO
• apprentices must have compiled and submitted a portfolio of evidence to underpin the EPA professional discussion
• apprentices must complete and pass all credit carrying modules of the BEng Honours or BSc Honours degree accredited by an Engineering Council licensed Professional Engineering Institution (PEI), apart from the final 30-60 credits which will form the EPA. Employers may use a degree that intends to get accreditation - a PEI must be involved and consulted on content from the outset
The EPAO must confirm that all required gateway evidence has been provided and accepted as meeting the gateway requirements. The EPAO is responsible for confirming gateway eligibility. Once this has been confirmed, the EPA period starts. This EPA should then be completed within an EPA period lasting typically for 6 months.
This EPA has 2 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are:
Assessment method 1 - work-based project report with presentation and questioning:
Assessment method 2 - professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:
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On-programme - typically 42 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. The apprentice must complete training towards any other qualifications listed in the occupational standard. The qualification(s) required are: BEng Honours or BSc Honours degree accredited by an Engineering Council licensed Professional Engineering Institution (PEI). Employers may use a degree that intends to get accreditation - a PEI must be involved and consulted on content from the outset. The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence. |
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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 passed any other qualifications listed in the control systems engineer (degree) occupational standard ST0023. The qualification(s) required are: Completed and passed all credit carrying modules of the BEng Honours or BSc Honours engineering degree accredited by an Engineering Council (UK) licensed Professional Engineering Institution (PEI), apart from the final module which will form the EPA. Employers may use a degree that intends to get accreditation - a PEI must be involved and consulted on the content from the outset. The apprentice must have achieved English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules. For the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence the apprentice must submit a portfolio of evidence. For the work-based project with presentation and questioning, the project subject, title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO. The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO. |
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End-point assessment - typically 6 months
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Grades available for each assessment method: Work-based project report with presentation and questioning
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Overall EPA and apprenticeship can be graded:
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Professional recognition
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This apprenticeship aligns with Institute of Mechanical Engineers for Incorporated Engineer The apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level. This apprenticeship aligns with Institution of Engineering Technology for Incorporated Engineer The apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level. This apprenticeship aligns with Royal Aeronautical Society for Incorporated Engineer The apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level. |
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Re-sits and re-takes
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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 6 months.
The EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and the EPA should start as quickly as possible.
The apprentice should only enter the gateway once the employer is content that the apprentice is working at or above the level of the occupational standard. In making this decision, the employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider(s), but the decision must ultimately be made solely by the employer.
The EPAO determines when all other gateway requirements have been met, and the EPA period will only start once the EPAO has confirmed this.
In addition to the employer's confirmation that the apprentice is working at or above the level of the occupational standard, the apprentice must have completed the following gateway requirements prior to starting EPA:
Portfolio of evidence requirements:
This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources are possible.
The portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed. It underpins the professional discussion and therefore should not be marked by the EPAO. EPAOs should review the portfolio of evidence in preparation for the professional discussion but are not required to provide feedback after this review of the portfolio.
The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO.
The work-based project report is completed after the apprentice has gone through the gateway. This includes any work or evidence that contributes towards the project or the report.
The work-based project report should be designed to ensure that the apprentice’s work meets the needs of the business, is relevant to their role and allows the relevant KSBs to be demonstrated for the EPA. Therefore, the work-based project’s subject, title and scope will be agreed between the employer and the EPAO. The employer will ensure it has a real business application and the EPAO will ensure it meets the requirements of the EPA (including suitable coverage of the KSBs assigned to this assessment method). The EPAO should sign-off the work-based project report’s subject, title, and scope to confirm its suitability prior to the work-based project report commencing.
This assessment method has 2 components:
This assessment method is being used because:
The work-based project report with presentation and questioning 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:
To ensure the project allows the apprentice to meet the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade, the EPAO should sign-off the project’s title and scope at the gateway to confirm it is suitable.
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 20 of the EPA period.
The employer should ensure the apprentice has the time and resources, within this period, to plan and undertake their project. It is expected that the project itself will equate to approximately 300 hours of full-time work.
Whilst completing the project and the project report, the apprentice should be subject to the supervision arrangements outlined below:
• normal line management controls
The project report and accompanying appendices should be in the form of an electronic copy.
The report must include at least:
As a minimum, all project reports must include:
· executive summary
· an introduction – to explain the project purpose and activity
· the scope of the project (including key performance indicators)
· a project plan
· project research and findings
· evaluation of potential solutions
· project outcomes and how these outcomes were achieved
· recommendations and project conclusions.
The project report has a word count of 9000 words. AA tolerance of 10% above or below the word count is allowed at the apprentice's discretion. Appendices should include:
The apprentice should complete their project report unaided. When the project report is submitted, the employer and the apprentice should verify the submitted work is that of the apprentice.
The independent assessor will review and assess the work-based project report in a timely manner, as determined by the EPAO, and without extending the EPA unnecessarily. Similarly, all quality control processes will also be conducted in a timely manner, as determined by the EPAO. The work-based project report with presentation and questioning will be assessed holistically. The independent assessor will make all grading decisions.
Supporting material
EPAOs will produce the following material to support this assessment method:
The presentation involves an apprentice presenting to an independent assessor, focusing on the project work and the final project report. It will be followed by questioning from the independent assessor. Apprentices will prepare and deliver a presentation that appropriately covers the KSBs assigned to this method of assessment. The rationale for this assessment method is:
• presentation is a recognised way of presenting findings, and in the workplace, apprentices are required to present findings and information
In the presentation with questions the apprentice delivers a presentation to an independent assessor on a set subject. The independent assessor must ask questions following the presentation. This gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The apprentice must prepare and submit their presentation speaker notes and supporting materials presentation with questions and answers. The independent assessor must ask questions after the presentation. The presentations must include:
The apprentice must prepare and submit their presentation speaker notes and supporting materials to the EPAO at the same time as the report by the end of week 20 of the EPA period.
The apprentice must notify the EPAO, at that point, of any technical requirements for the presentation. During the presentation, the apprentice must have access to:
The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the project output(s) and presentation speaker notes and supporting materials, to allow them to prepare questions.
The EPAO must give the apprentices at least 10 days notice of the presentation with questions.
The apprentice must deliver their presentation to the independent assessor on a one-to-one basis.
The independent assessor must ask questions after the presentation.
The purpose of the questions is. To explore aspects of the project report, including how it was carried out and assess the apprentice’s depth of understanding, skills and behaviours..
The presentation and questions must last 60 minutes. This will typically include a presentation of 20 minutes and questioning lasting 40 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the total time of the presentation and questioning by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete their last point or respond to a question if necessary.
The independent assessor must ask at least 5 questions. They must use the questions from the 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. 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 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 presentation with questions must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO (for example the EPAO’s or employer’s premises).
The presentation with questions should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
The presentation with questioning 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 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.
EPAO must produce the following materials to support the work-based project report with presentation and questioning:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation, training, and moderation.
In the professional discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence.
This assessment method is being used because:
The professional discussion 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 professional discussion.
The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to cover the following themes:
The EPAO must give an apprentice 5 days' notice of the professional discussion.
The independent assessor must have at least 1 weeks to review the supporting documentation.
The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the professional discussion.
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 professional discussion must last for 60 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the professional discussion 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 10 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.
The professional discussion 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 professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
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 must maintain the security and confidentiality of 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 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 professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
Fail - does not meet pass criteria
|
Theme
KSBs
|
Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors
|
Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
|
|---|---|---|
|
Project Delivery
K10 K11 K20 K22 K23 S3 S4 S5 S8 S9 B9 |
Collates, uses and stores a range of data sources and supporting documentation, selecting the best method(s) to inform and present data and project outcomes (K10, S3) Interprets and produces technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines (S4) Observes, records and uses data, developmental or test evidence, within the project to draw auditable conclusions (S5) Evaluates different computer-based software systems or packages and articulates their advantages and limitations when used to deliver control system engineering projects or programmes within an agreed schedule, performance and budget (K23) Identifies the resources required to meet the requirements of the project brief, leading by example to advocate change and sustainable approaches with consideration for factors such as cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact (K11, S8, B9) Creates and implements a plan to satisfy the timescales outlined in the project brief, develops activities in a logical process and embeds mechanisms for recording outcomes and metrics, and to adapt to changing circumstances or requirements (K20, K22, S9) |
Compares and contrasts the relative value of different data sources, providing a detailed rationale for the choice of data sources utilised within the project (S3) Evaluates potential changes, alternative approaches or technologies to improve resource usage for future project outcomes within a similar project environment taking into account organisational sustainability targets or KPIs (S8) Reviews and evaluates the original project plan against actual delivery and explains what could have been done differently and potentially improve future projects. Explains the impact future technological advancements, industry changes or commercial changes may have on the project (S9) |
|
Compliance and quality
K1 K2 K16 K17 S13 B2 |
Accommodates safety, environmental, quality and security standards associated with control systems and the environments in which they reside and complies with organisational and traceability requirements for control systems documentation. Ensures any non-conformances are reported using the appropriate process (K1, K2, K16, S13, B2) Explains the management of change (MOC) processes for requesting, determining viability, planning, implementing and evaluating changes to a control system. Explains the importance of strict adherence to MOC, and the limitations when providing MOC approval (K17) |
Evaluates where national or international standards may need to be reformed or amended and how this could impact on future similar projects (K1) |
|
Leadership and management
K24 S10 B3 B4 B6 |
Demonstrates leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities to meet the requirements of the project brief by making decisions and taking responsibility for their actions. Collaborates across disciplines, building relationships and communicating in a collaborative, respectful, open and honest way (K24, S10, B3, B4, B6) |
Analyses ways of improving collaborative working and sharing best practice and evaluate their potential impact on the project outcomes (K24) Compares and contrasts different leadership and communication approaches and evaluate their likely impact on the project delivery and outcomes providing justification for the approaches selected (S10, B6) |
Fail - does not meet pass criteria
|
Theme
KSBs
|
Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors
|
Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
|
|---|---|---|
|
Principles and applications
K3 K4 K5 K8 K9 K18 K19 K21 S11 |
Articulates the application requirements and limitations of control systems and associated instrumentation and equipment (K3) Articulates the principles and different applications of fluid power systems such as air, oil or vacuum including the advantages and disadvantages of each system (K4) Explains the different applications of systems programming, cyber security, network protocols, databases and software languages of various systems (K5) Articulates the principles of mathematics and scientific methods including analytical techniques required to perform the control systems engineer role such as normalising and evaluating statistical data (K8) Articulates the principles and applications of electrical, electronic, process control and digital engineering relevant to control systems (K9) Explains how to support the start-up and shutdown of a process using the control and safety systems (K18) Evaluates the principles of offline simulation tools including their applications, limitations and benefits (K19) Explains how advances in technology could impact organisations in the future including the integration of automation, digital systems and manufacturing engineering systems such as Industry 4.0 (K21) Explains how they ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use (S11) |
Critically analyses and assesses the capabilities and limitations of systems programming, cyber security, network protocols, databases and software languages of various systems (K5) Justifies why a shutdown may be required and explain the potential impacts on the organisation (K18) Critically evaluates how advances in technology could impact their own organisation in the future (K21) |
|
Monitoring, fault finding and improvement
K12 K13 K14 K15 S2 S12 S14 |
Explains improvement methods and techniques and how they identify areas for improvement including through interpretation of KPIs and assessment and monitoring techniques, and how they lead continuous improvement activities (K12, K14, S12) Explains how they monitor specific processes under control and interpret key performance indicators to utilise improvement techniques or process to improve efficiency, and effectiveness (K15, S14) Analyses troubleshooting techniques for diagnosing faults, and recovering control systems from breakdowns and justifies how they select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions (K13, S2) |
Justifies the troubleshooting techniques used for diagnosing faults, repairing and recovering control systems from breakdowns, when identifying areas for improvement (K12, K13, S12) Analyses the impact that the efficiencies identified have had on the business (K15, S14) Compares and contrasts different problem-solving methods. Explains the risks involved and how they mitigate them. Articulates how this informs their approach to problem-solving (S2) |
|
Project Planning
K6 K7 S1 S6 S7 B1 B5 |
Articulates the different manufacturing processes used including materials relevant to the industry sector (K6) Explains the different life cycle stages of a typical control system (K7) Articulates how they translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems (S1) Articulates how they manage assigned projects to meet the required specification, including how they remain resilient and motivated when faced with changes to work requirements and how they implement escalation, query audit or risk management and risk mitigation (S6, B5) Explains how they comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments to mitigate and manage any health and safety risks identified within the control systems environment (S7, B1) |
Evaluates how future technologies or sustainability KPIs may impact on the control system life cycle stages (K7) Evaluates how they optimise conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems (S1) |
|
Values and commitment
B7 B8 |
Explains how they demonstrate drive and commitment for continuous professional development, explains the impact it has on their performance and the business (B7) Explains how they uphold a commitment to the business values, ethics, goals, codes of practice, statutory requirements and standards of the organisation Explains the impact that has on the business and customers (B8) |
None |
Performance in the EPA determines the apprenticeship grade of:
An independent assessor must individually grade the: work-based project report with presentation and questioning and professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence in line with 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 will be awarded an overall fail.
To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. To achieve an overall EPA merit, the apprentice must achieve a pass in the one of the assessment methods and a distinction in the other assessment method. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in both assessment methods.
Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.
| Work-based project report with presentation and questioning | Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence | Overall Grading |
|---|---|---|
| Fail | Any grade | Fail |
| Any grade | Fail | Fail |
| Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Pass | Distinction | Merit |
| Distinction | Pass | Merit |
| Distinction | Distinction | Distinction |
If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, 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 the EPAO should 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.
If the apprentice fails the project assessment method, they must amend the project output in line with the independent assessor’s feedback.
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.
| Roles | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Apprentice |
As a minimum, the apprentice should:
|
|
Employer |
As a minimum, the apprentice's employer must:
|
|
EPAO - HEP |
As a minimum, the EPAO (HEP) must:
|
|
Training provider - HEP |
As a minimum, the training provider (HEP) must:
|
|
Independent assessor |
As a minimum, an independent assessor must:
|
|
External examiner |
As a minimum, the external examiner must:
|
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 the EPAO ensures valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. The EPAO must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities section:
The EPAO must also:
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following practice:
This apprenticeship aligns with:
Institute of Mechanical Engineers for Incorporated Engineer
Institution of Engineering Technology for Incorporated Engineer
| Knowledge | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
K1
Safety, environmental and security standards associated with control systems and the environments in which they reside such as cyber security and human factors. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
K2
Hazardous areas and safe systems of work including how they can impact the specification of a control and safety system. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
K3
Applications and limitations of control systems and associated instrumentation and equipment such as valves, motors and pumps, plant layout and infrastructure. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K4
Principles and applications of fluid power systems. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K5
Systems programming, cyber security, network protocols, databases and software languages of various systems such as programmable logic solvers, human-machine interfaces, data acquisition systems, Profibus, Profinet, EthanetIP and HART. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K6
Materials and manufacturing processes relevant to the relevant industry sector. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K7
Control system life-cycle stages such as establishing requirements, technical design specification, selecting suppliers, through to project execution, commissioning, operation and eventual decommissioning. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K8
Principles of mathematics and scientific methods including analytical techniques required to perform the control systems engineer role such as normalising and evaluating statistical data. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K9
Principles and applications of electrical, electronic, process control and digital engineering relevant to control systems such as analogue to digital conversion, digital communications buses, and Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) algorithms. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K10
Different formats for collecting, presenting and storing data such as project, technical and or financial information. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
K11
Commercial nature of projects or programmes of work and how any changes or delays impact on the business such as quality, cost and delivery. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
K12
Assessment and monitoring techniques used for improving the reliability and availability of process control and safety systems including instrumentation and associated equipment such as valves, pump and motors. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K13
Troubleshooting techniques for diagnosing faults, repairing and recovering control systems from breakdowns. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K14
Improvement methods and techniques, such as lean and six sigma techniques. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K15
Specific processes under control and how they can automated to optimise efficiency, and performance Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K16
Quality management and assurance processes associated with control and safety systems such as validation, factory acceptance testing and compliance to international safety standards and technical directives. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
K17
Management of change (MOC) processes of requesting, determining viability, planning, implementing and evaluating changes to a control system. Understand the importance of strict adherence to MOC, and know the limitations when providing MOC approval. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
K18
How to support the start-up and shutdown of a process using the control and safety systems. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K19
Principles of offline simulation tools such as simulated production lines or high-fidelity process models including applications, limitations and benefits. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K20
Project management methods and principles of how to set out and record project or programmes of work outcomes and metrics and to track progress. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
K21
How advances in technology could impact organisations in the future including the integration of automation, digital systems and manufacturing engineering systems such as Industry 4.0. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K22
Workload or time management techniques used to ensure that personal and team objectives are achieved. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
K23
Different applications and limitations of computer-based software systems or packages used such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Modelling, Data Analytics and Databases and project management software tools or programmes. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
K24
Benefits of working collaboratively with colleagues and sharing best practice to support business quality and performance measures or issues such as sharing ideas, solutions to problems previously encountered or benefits of implementing new technologies. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
| Skill | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
S1
Translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S2
Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and fishbone diagrams. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S3
Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
S4
Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
S5
Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and or developmental or test evidence. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
S6
Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria. Apply techniques and processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S7
Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating any risks identified within the control systems environment. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S8
Identify resources required to complete control system projects, project tasks or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
S9
Create a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
S10
Demonstrate leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities such as system design, integration, operational simulation, installation, testing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintenance of control systems. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
S11
Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S12
Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities such as improving safety, quality, technology solutions, operational processes, training and development, equipment performance or cost key performance indicators (KPIs). Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S13
Perform checks on control systems documentation to ensure it meets organisational compliance and traceability requirements. Report any non-conformances using the appropriate processes and procedures. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
S14
Interpret key performance indicators and utilise improvement techniques or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as lean or six sigma. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
| Behaviour | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
B1
Champions a healthy and safe working environment. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
B2
Has a quality and compliance mindset. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
B3
Uses independent judgement and takes responsibility for decisions. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
B4
Collaborates and promotes teamwork across discipline. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
B5
Is agile, resilient and motivated when faced with change. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
B6
Builds relationships in a respectful, collaborative and open and honest way. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
|
B7
Committed to continuous professional development. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
B8
Committed to upholding the organisations values, ethics, goals, codes of practice, statutory requirements and standards. Back to Grading |
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
B9
Leads by example by being an advocate for change and sustainable approaches. Back to Grading |
Work-based project report with presentation and questioning |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Project Delivery
K10 K11 K20 K22 K23 S3 S4 S5 S8 S9 B9 |
Different formats for collecting, presenting and storing data such as project, technical and or financial information. (K10) Commercial nature of projects or programmes of work and how any changes or delays impact on the business such as quality, cost and delivery. (K11) Project management methods and principles of how to set out and record project or programmes of work outcomes and metrics and to track progress. (K20) Workload or time management techniques used to ensure that personal and team objectives are achieved. (K22) Different applications and limitations of computer-based software systems or packages used such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Modelling, Data Analytics and Databases and project management software tools or programmes. (K23) |
Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation. (S3) Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines. (S4) Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and or developmental or test evidence. (S5) Identify resources required to complete control system projects, project tasks or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity. (S8) Create a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements. (S9) |
Leads by example by being an advocate for change and sustainable approaches. (B9) |
|
Compliance and quality
K1 K2 K16 K17 S13 B2 |
Safety, environmental and security standards associated with control systems and the environments in which they reside such as cyber security and human factors. (K1) Hazardous areas and safe systems of work including how they can impact the specification of a control and safety system. (K2) Quality management and assurance processes associated with control and safety systems such as validation, factory acceptance testing and compliance to international safety standards and technical directives. (K16) Management of change (MOC) processes of requesting, determining viability, planning, implementing and evaluating changes to a control system. Understand the importance of strict adherence to MOC, and know the limitations when providing MOC approval. (K17) |
Perform checks on control systems documentation to ensure it meets organisational compliance and traceability requirements. Report any non-conformances using the appropriate processes and procedures. (S13) |
Has a quality and compliance mindset. (B2) |
|
Leadership and management
K24 S10 B3 B4 B6 |
Benefits of working collaboratively with colleagues and sharing best practice to support business quality and performance measures or issues such as sharing ideas, solutions to problems previously encountered or benefits of implementing new technologies. (K24) |
Demonstrate leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities such as system design, integration, operational simulation, installation, testing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintenance of control systems. (S10) |
Uses independent judgement and takes responsibility for decisions. (B3) Collaborates and promotes teamwork across discipline. (B4) Builds relationships in a respectful, collaborative and open and honest way. (B6) |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Principles and applications
K3 K4 K5 K8 K9 K18 K19 K21 S11 |
Applications and limitations of control systems and associated instrumentation and equipment such as valves, motors and pumps, plant layout and infrastructure. (K3) Principles and applications of fluid power systems. (K4) Systems programming, cyber security, network protocols, databases and software languages of various systems such as programmable logic solvers, human-machine interfaces, data acquisition systems, Profibus, Profinet, EthanetIP and HART. (K5) Principles of mathematics and scientific methods including analytical techniques required to perform the control systems engineer role such as normalising and evaluating statistical data. (K8) Principles and applications of electrical, electronic, process control and digital engineering relevant to control systems such as analogue to digital conversion, digital communications buses, and Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) algorithms. (K9) How to support the start-up and shutdown of a process using the control and safety systems. (K18) Principles of offline simulation tools such as simulated production lines or high-fidelity process models including applications, limitations and benefits. (K19) How advances in technology could impact organisations in the future including the integration of automation, digital systems and manufacturing engineering systems such as Industry 4.0. (K21) |
Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use. (S11) |
None |
|
Monitoring, fault finding and improvement
K12 K13 K14 K15 S2 S12 S14 |
Assessment and monitoring techniques used for improving the reliability and availability of process control and safety systems including instrumentation and associated equipment such as valves, pump and motors. (K12) Troubleshooting techniques for diagnosing faults, repairing and recovering control systems from breakdowns. (K13) Improvement methods and techniques, such as lean and six sigma techniques. (K14) Specific processes under control and how they can automated to optimise efficiency, and performance (K15) |
Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and fishbone diagrams. (S2) Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities such as improving safety, quality, technology solutions, operational processes, training and development, equipment performance or cost key performance indicators (KPIs). (S12) Interpret key performance indicators and utilise improvement techniques or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as lean or six sigma. (S14) |
None |
|
Project Planning
K6 K7 S1 S6 S7 B1 B5 |
Materials and manufacturing processes relevant to the relevant industry sector. (K6) Control system life-cycle stages such as establishing requirements, technical design specification, selecting suppliers, through to project execution, commissioning, operation and eventual decommissioning. (K7) |
Translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems. (S1) Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria. Apply techniques and processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation. (S6) Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating any risks identified within the control systems environment. (S7) |
Champions a healthy and safe working environment. (B1) Is agile, resilient and motivated when faced with change. (B5) |
|
Values and commitment
B7 B8 |
None |
None |
Committed to continuous professional development. (B7) Committed to upholding the organisations values, ethics, goals, codes of practice, statutory requirements and standards. (B8) |
Contact us about this apprenticeship
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date | Latest end date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised but funding remained the same. | 04/03/2024 | Not set | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 12/11/2014 | 03/03/2024 | Not set |
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