This apprenticeship has options. This document is currently showing the following option:
Prepare for and conduct processes in one stage of cell or battery manufacture.
Battery manufacturing technicians are found in the process manufacturing sector, producing cells and batteries.
Cells and batteries store chemical energy and convert it to electrical energy. A cell is a single unit, whereas two or more cells is a battery. They are used in transport - micro-mobility such as scooters and bikes, cars, vans, lorries, buses, trains, planes, and ships. Domestic applications such as power walls. Power industry grid balancing facilities. Mobile phones and laptops and many more. Batteries play a key role in the environmental agenda, providing storage for renewable energy generation and power to electric vehicles.
This is a core and options apprenticeship. An apprentice must be trained and assessed on the core and one option relevant to their role. The options are:
Battery manufacturing technicians prepare for and conduct processes in one stage of cell or battery manufacture. Electrode technicians produce the component that goes in battery cells. They perform processes such as mixing, coating, drying, calendering, and electrode slitting. Cell assembly technicians make individual cells performing processes such as winding, stacking, filling, and sealing. Formation technicians perform formation, ageing and testing processes and final inspection of cells, ensuring cells are charged and working. Module and pack technicians combine individual cells to make battery modules and packs, and conduct end of line testing and cell finishing. In relation to the stage that they work in, technicians conduct quality assurance and maintain process records. Maintaining workplace health, safety and environment is also key. Technicians also support other activities including continuous improvement, inventory control, and maintenance.
In their daily work, they interact with other members of the manufacturing team. They also have contact with other teams for example, process engineers, maintenance engineers, supply chain staff, and warehouse staff.
They are responsible for complying with health, safety, environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. This may include wearing specialist personal protective equipment for working in clean and dry facilities, and with high voltage and hazardous materials such as electrolyte. They must ensure that products meet quality specifications and manufacturing guidelines and are produced to schedule and cost. They may work as part of a small or large manufacturing team.
They typically report to a production manager.
Cell assembly technician
Electrode technician
Formation, ageing and testing technician
Module and pack technician
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 typically36 months. The EPA period is typically3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Observation with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 3 hours. They will ask you at least 4 questions.
Interview
You will have a interview with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 8 questions.The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Test or examination
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
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 Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) for Engineering Technician (EngTech). Upon successful completion of an IChemE approved apprenticeship and upon receipt of the apprenticeship certificate, individuals are eligible to apply through a shortened application route for registration as EngTech. The shortened application route will need to confirm that the threshold for underpinning knowledge and understanding has been met. Individuals also need to be a member of a professional body, such as IChemE, that is licensed by the Engineering Council to be awarded this status. Further information is on the Institution of Chemical Engineers website.
This apprenticeship aligns with The Science Council for Registered Science Technician (RSciTech). Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and upon receipt of the apprenticeship certificate, individuals are eligible to apply for RSciTech through a shortened application route. Individuals also need to be a member of a professional body that is licensed by the Science Council to be awarded this status. Further information is on the Science Council’s website.
Battery manufacturing technicians are found in the process manufacturing sector, producing cells and batteries.
Cells and batteries store chemical energy and convert it to electrical energy. A cell is a single unit, whereas two or more cells is a battery. They are used in transport - micro-mobility such as scooters and bikes, cars, vans, lorries, buses, trains, planes, and ships. Domestic applications such as power walls. Power industry grid balancing facilities. Mobile phones and laptops and many more. Batteries play a key role in the environmental agenda, providing storage for renewable energy generation and power to electric vehicles.
This is a core and options apprenticeship. An apprentice must be trained and assessed on the core and one option relevant to their role. The options are:
Battery manufacturing technicians prepare for and conduct processes in one stage of cell or battery manufacture. Electrode technicians produce the component that goes in battery cells. They perform processes such as mixing, coating, drying, calendering, and electrode slitting. Cell assembly technicians make individual cells performing processes such as winding, stacking, filling, and sealing. Formation technicians perform formation, ageing and testing processes and final inspection of cells, ensuring cells are charged and working. Module and pack technicians combine individual cells to make battery modules and packs, and conduct end of line testing and cell finishing. In relation to the stage that they work in, technicians conduct quality assurance and maintain process records. Maintaining workplace health, safety and environment is also key. Technicians also support other activities including continuous improvement, inventory control, and maintenance.
In their daily work, they interact with other members of the manufacturing team. They also have contact with other teams for example, process engineers, maintenance engineers, supply chain staff, and warehouse staff.
They are responsible for complying with health, safety, environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. This may include wearing specialist personal protective equipment for working in clean and dry facilities, and with high voltage and hazardous materials such as electrolyte. They must ensure that products meet quality specifications and manufacturing guidelines and are produced to schedule and cost. They may work as part of a small or large manufacturing team.
They typically report to a production manager.
Cell assembly technician
Electrode technician
Formation, ageing and testing technician
Module and pack technician
Employers may require candidates to have a health screening before working in a clean room.
| Duty | KSBs |
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Duty 1 Maintain workplace health, safety and environment following safety, environmental and risk management systems. |
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Duty 2 Conduct handover responsibilities for example, receive information from or pass information to other shifts or departments. |
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Duty 3 Complete process manufacturing records. For example, production records. |
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Duty 4 Undertake quality control processes. |
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Duty 5 Support inventory control. Ensure the required materials and consumables are available for production. Assist with the internal movement of materials. |
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Duty 6 Support maintenance activities. For example, help engineering in set-up and calibration tasks, report faults, conduct routine preventative maintenance such as inspecting machinery. |
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Duty 7 Support continuous improvement activities. For example, developing methods and procedures to control or modify the manufacturing process to increase product quality and competitiveness. Identifying ways to contribute to sustainability by reducing energy use and waste. Collecting data to use to analyse and improve the process. |
K1 K14 K15 K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K26 K27 K28 |
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Duty 8 Support internal and external audits. For example, supply information. |
| Duty | KSBs |
|---|---|
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Duty 9 Prepare for electrode manufacturing. |
K1 K2 K10 K11 K14 K19 K20 K21 K22 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K36 K38 K39 K40 K41 K42 |
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Duty 10 Perform electrode manufacturing processes for example: mixing, coating, drying, calendering, and electrode slitting. |
K1 K2 K10 K11 K14 K19 K20 K21 K22 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K36 K38 K39 K40 K41 K42 |
| Duty | KSBs |
|---|---|
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Duty 11 Prepare for cell assembly manufacturing. |
K1 K2 K10 K11 K14 K19 K20 K21 K22 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K36 K43 K44 K45 K46 K47 K48 |
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Duty 12 Perform cell assembly processes for example: winding, stacking, filling, and sealing. |
K1 K2 K10 K11 K14 K19 K20 K21 K22 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K36 K43 K44 K45 K46 K47 K48 |
| Duty | KSBs |
|---|---|
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Duty 13 Prepare for formation, ageing and testing manufacturing. |
K1 K2 K10 K11 K14 K19 K20 K21 K22 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K36 K49 K50 K51 K52 K53 K54 |
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Duty 14 Perform formation, ageing and testing processes and final inspection. |
K1 K2 K10 K11 K14 K19 K20 K21 K22 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K36 K49 K50 K51 K52 K53 K54 |
| Duty | KSBs |
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Duty 15 Prepare for module and pack manufacturing. |
K1 K2 K10 K11 K14 K19 K20 K21 K22 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K36 K55 K56 K57 K58 K59 K60 K61 K62 |
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Duty 16 Perform module and pack processes for example: final assembly, end of line testing, and cell finishing. |
K1 K2 K10 K11 K14 K19 K20 K21 K22 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K36 K56 K57 K58 K59 K60 K61 K62 |
K1: Battery manufacturing industry awareness: manufacturing environments, types of employers, types of customers. Business: Industrial strategy, ethical sourcing, and battery supply chain practice.
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K2: Battery manufacturing technician’s role. Limits of responsibility. Escalation procedures.
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K3: Health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance. ATEX - safety requirements for workplaces and equipment used in explosive atmospheres. The Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations (COMAH). Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR). Electrical safety and compliance. Fire safety. Health and Safety at Work Act – responsibilities. Legionella. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER). Lone working. Management of health and safety at work. Noise regulation. Permits to work. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). REACH — Regulation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. Safety signage and purpose. spill response handling Slips trips and falls. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). Working at Height. Working in confined spaces.
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K4: Health and safety practice - Lock out, tag out (LOTO). Manual handling. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements. Risk assessment and safe systems of work.
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K5: Incident and near miss reporting. Emergency procedures.
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K6: Battery health and safety. Battery manufacturing safety guidance. Battery failures and faults – causes and consequences. Battery manufacturing safety hazards – risks they pose and management. Responding to battery fires, chemical spillages, gas leakages, and incidents.
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K7: Environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance: Environmental Management Systems standard, Environmental Protection Act, Climate Change Act, Energy Act, Control of Pollution Act. Principles of control and management of emissions and waste. Environmental signage and notices.
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K8: Sustainability practice: energy efficiency, reuse of resources, recycling procedures.
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K9: The environmental benefits of batteries in the move towards net zero emissions. Sustainability and carbon footprint of different types of batteries and materials used in production: how that can be mitigated for by selection and whole of lifecycle considerations.
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K10: Production requirements: product specification, processing specification, rate of production. Material safety data sheet, product labelling and product codes; the importance of identifying non-conforming materials and products. Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Stock control principles.
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K11: Process control systems and their constituent components.
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K12: Need and requirements for clean and dry rooms in battery manufacturing – protocols for entering, working in, exiting. Safe working within a clean and dry room: risks.
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K13: Quality assurance vs quality control; key differences. Quality standards. Consequences of not achieving quality standards. Line side and lab quality control. Purpose of audits.
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K14: Operational procedures and on-going quality assurance requirements.
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K15: Development and review of operational procedures.
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K16: Documentation requirements: documentation control, auditable records.
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K17: Representative sampling. Common methods of analysis. Principles of quality procedures in the laboratory.
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K18: Maintenance practices. Preventative maintenance requirements.
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K19: Numerical approximations and unit conversion tables. Areas, volumes, and flow rates calculations. Statistical data. Basic rules of algebra to solve problems.
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K20: British standards for engineering representations, drawings, and graphical information.
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K21: Application of digital systems to support manufacture: CAD (computer-aided design), CAM (computer-aided manufacturing), CMM (coordinate measuring machine), 3D printing, Human Machine Interface (HMI).
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K22: Problem solving and fault-finding techniques: root cause analysis.
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K23: Continuous improvement (CI) systems and techniques.
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K24: Digital technologies. General data protection regulation (GDPR). Cyber security.
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K25: Industry 4.0.
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K26: Verbal communication techniques.
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K27: Written communication techniques. Technical report writing techniques.
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K28: Principles of team working. Equality, diversity, and inclusion.
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K29: Planning, prioritising, and time management techniques.
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K30: Battery manufacturing terminology: cell, battery, anodes, and cathodes.
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K31: Different types of battery and their technologies: pouch, cylindrical, prismatic, solid state, and monobloc, new technologies. Primary and secondary batteries. Developments in battery manufacturing.
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K32: Cell materials: solvents, and electrolyte.
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K33: Batteries and their applications.
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K34: Basic chemistry awareness: the Periodic Table, ionic and covalent bonding, the different current types of battery chemistry and their uses.
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K35: Battery standards and market certification.
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K36: Battery structure: cells, packs, anodes, cathodes, battery management systems.
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K37: Requirements for transportation of lithium cells and batteries.
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K38: Option 1. Formulations of materials - what they are and importance of following them. Manual and automated mixing methods.
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K39: Option 1. Materials used in electrode slurries: binder, solvents and active materials. Types of mixing equipment; pros and cons.
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K40: Option 1. Electrode process procedures.
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K41: Option 1. The purpose of electrode processes: mixing (semi continuous, continuous and batch), coating (continuous and intermittent or skip coating, extrusion methods), calendering (hot and cold), electrode slitting and cutting.
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K42: Option 1. Potential issues in electrode processing and defect identification.
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K43: Option 2. Formulations of materials - what they are and importance of following them. Manual and automated mixing methods.
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K44: Option 2. Cell assembly processes procedures.
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K45: Option 2. Cell assembly purpose of processes: preparation (drying), winding (manual and automated approaches), can insertion, electrode slitting (cylindrical cells) and cutting (pouch cells), stacking, and assembly (deep draw and heat sealing).
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K46: Option 2. Potential issues in cell assembly and defect identification.
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K47: Option 2. Different types of cells: pouch, cylindrical, prismatic, solid state, monobloc, and new technologies.
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K48: Option 2. Cell finishing monitoring and recording requirements.
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K49: Option 3. Formulations of materials - what they are and importance of following them. Manual and automated mixing methods.
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K50: Option 3. Electrical components in physics: voltage, current, resistance, power, charge and discharge – definition and calculation. The relationship between resistance, heat and cell chemistry. Kirchhoff’s Laws, Ohm’s Law. Flow of electrons.
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K51: Option 3. Formation, ageing and testing company processes procedures.
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K52: Option 3. Formation, ageing and testing purpose of processes: formation (current methods), ageing (current methods) and testing (open-circuit voltage, end of line, grading).
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K53: Option 3. Data techniques: data recording, analysis, and translation.
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K54: Option 3. Potential issues in formation, ageing and testing and defect identification methods.
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K55: Option 4. Stock control requirements.
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K56: Option 4. Engineering and design documentation application considerations.
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K57: Option 4. Module and pack assembly processes procedures.
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K58: Option 4. Implications of hazardous voltage.
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K59: Option 4. Live pack handling requirements.
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K60: Option 4. Module and pack purpose of processes: preparation, bonding, welding manual and automated methods (nickel tabs, bus bars), soldering, crimping, encapsulation and final assembly.
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K61: Option 4. Potential issues in module and pack and defect identification.
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K62: Option 4. Module and pack finishing - monitoring and recording requirements (traceability).
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S1: Obtain and read instructions or information to understand task.
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S2: Plan task. Identify and organise resources with consideration for safety, security, environmental impact, cost, and quality.
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S3: Identify hazards and risks in the workplace.
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S4: Apply health, safety and environmental procedures in compliance with regulations, standards and codes of practice for example lock out tag out (LOTO).
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S5: Reinstate work area: housekeeping, replacing tools and equipment.
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S6: Segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and handling.
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S7: Apply sustainability principles for example, in choice of materials, minimising waste.
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S8: Follow operational procedures including on-going quality checks: visual, tolerances, and non-conformances.
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S9: Transfer product, intermediate or final, to next stage.
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S10: Follow preventative maintenance practices. For example, cleaning electrodes, ensuring tooling is within calibration date, checking guarding, lubrication of tooling, safety checks, and inspection for wear and tear.
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S11: Record or enter information - paper based or electronic. For example, process and production records, traceability records, and quality assurance records.
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S12: Apply problem solving techniques. Make suggestions to resolve problems.
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S13: Interpret data for example, process data, quality control and test procedure data. Use data to validate suggestions.
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S14: Apply continuous improvement techniques for example, lean, 6 Sigma, KAIZEN.
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S15: Devise suggestions for improvement. For example, improving the energy consumption or waste profile of processes and procedures to improve the sustainability or carbon footprint of a product, process or task.
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S16: Apply team working principles.
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S17: Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
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S18: Communicate in writing in the workplace for example, handover notes or emails, non-conformances, design change requests.
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S19: Escalate issues outside limits of responsibility.
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S20: Use digital technologies. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
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S21: Plan how to meet personal development needs. Carry out and record planned and unplanned continued professional development (CPD) activities. Evaluate CPD against plans made.
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S22: Option 1. Receive and check electrode manufacturing materials.
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S23: Option 1. Follow specialist PPE procedures for over suits, overshoes, boots, gloves, masks, eyewear, and self-contained breathing apparatus.
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S24: Option 1. Operate Human Machine Interface (HMI).
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S25: Option 1. Run, monitor and adjust HMI settings within permissions.
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S26: Option 2. Follow specialist PPE procedures for over suits, overshoes, boots, gloves, masks, and eyewear.
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S27: Option 2. Apply electrolyte safety precautions.
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S28: Option 2. Receive and check cell assembly manufacturing materials.
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S29: Option 2. Operate Human Machine Interface (HMI).
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S30: Option 2. Run, monitor and adjust HMI settings within permissions.
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S31: Option 3. Receive and check formation, ageing and testing manufacturing materials.
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S32: Option 3. Load and handle cells.
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S33: Option 3. Operate Human Machine Interface (HMI): set up, shut down, and cleaning modes.
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S34: Option 3. Identify trends in data.
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S35: Option 3. Run, monitor and adjust HMI settings within permissions.
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S36: Option 3. Monitor fire risks.
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S37: Option 4. Apply anti-static procedures for example, earth straps, rubber matting.
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S38: Option 4. Obtain and check module and pack manufacturing materials.
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S39: Option 4. Interpret engineering and design documentation.
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S40: Option 4. Prepare materials.
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S41: Option 4. Check hand tools and equipment.
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S42: Option 4. Uses hand tools and equipment. For example, crimping machines, soldering ions, and heat guns.
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S43: Option 4. Complete end-of-process check.
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S44: Option 4. Monitor fire risks.
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B1: Prioritise health, safety and environment.
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B2: Consider sustainability when using resources and carrying out processes.
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B3: Take responsibility for the quality of own work.
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B4: Responsive to constructive feedback.
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B5: Team-focus to meet work goals including a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
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B6: Respond and adapt to work demands.
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B7: Committed to continued professional development.
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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.
This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:
V1.0
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the battery manufacturing technician apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Battery manufacturing technician apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
This is a core and options apprenticeship. An apprentice must be trained and assessed against the core and one option. The options are:
A full-time battery manufacturing technician apprentice typically spends 36 months on-programme. The apprentice must spend at least 12 months on-programme and complete the required amount of off-the-job training in line with the apprenticeship funding rules.
The EPA should be completed within an EPA period lasting typically 3 months.
The apprentice must complete their training and meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA. The EPA will assess occupational competence.
An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the apprenticeship provider and assessment register (APAR).
This EPA has 3 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are below.
Assessment method 1 - observation with questions:
Assessment method 2 - interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
Assessment method 3 - multiple-choice test:
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 36 months
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The apprentice must:
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End-point assessment gateway
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The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice is occupationally competent. The apprentice must:
For the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, the apprentice must submit a portfolio of evidence.
Gateway evidence must be submitted to the EPAO, along with any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO. |
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End-point assessment - typically 3 months
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The grades available for each assessment method are below
Observation with questions:
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
Multiple-choice test:
Overall EPA and apprenticeship can be graded:
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Professional recognition
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This apprenticeship aligns with:
This apprenticeship aligns with:
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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 3 months.
The EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and start the EPA as quickly as possible.
The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice is occupationally competent. That is, they are deemed to be working at or above the level set out in the apprenticeship standard and ready to undertake the EPA. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider, but the employer must make the decision. The apprentice will then enter the gateway.
The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.
They must:
Portfolio of evidence requirements
The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. It will typically contain 10 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.
Evidence sources may include:
This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.
The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance for example, witness statements rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.
The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the interview. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the interview. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.
Gateway evidence must be submitted to the EPAO, along with any organisation specific policies and procedures 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 the observation with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice in their workplace and asks questions. The apprentice completes their day-to-day duties under normal working conditions. Simulation is not allowed. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
This assessment method is being used because:
The observation with questions must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the observation with questions.
The independent assessor must only observe one apprentice at a time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible.
The EPAO must give the apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the observation with questions.
The observation must take 3 hours.
The independent assessor can increase the time of the observation with questions by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.
The observation may be split into discrete sections held on the same working day.
The EPAO must manage invigilation of the apprentice during the assessment, to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations.
The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the observation with questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.
The independent assessor should observe the following during the observation:
Core
Electrode technician
Cell assembly technician
Formation, ageing and testing technician
Module and pack technician.
These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The independent assessor must ask questions. Questioning can occur both during and after the observation.
The purpose of the questions is to assess the apprentice's level of competence against the grading descriptors.
The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The independent assessor must ask at least 4 questions. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessor should ask questions during natural stops between tasks and after completion of work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. 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. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
The independent assessor must ask questions about KSBs that were not observed to gather assessment evidence. These questions are in addition to the above set number of questions for the observation with questions and should be kept to a minimum.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must assess the observation and responses to questions holistically when deciding the grade.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The observation with questions must take place in the apprentice’s normal place of work for example, their employer’s premises or a customer’s premises. Equipment and resources needed for the observation must be provided by the employer and be in good and safe working condition.
Questioning that occurs after the observation should take place in a suitable environment, for example 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 produce the following materials to support the observation with questions:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
In the interview, an independent assessor asks the apprentice questions. 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 interview must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the interview.
The purpose of the independent assessor's questions is to assess the apprentice's competence against the following themes:
Core
Electrode technician
Cell assembly technician
Formation, ageing and testing technician
Module and pack technician
The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the interview.
The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the supporting documentation.
The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the interview.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however, the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.
The interview must last for 60 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the interview by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.
The independent assessor must ask at least 8 questions. 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. 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 interview must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.
The interview 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 interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
In the multiple-choice test, the apprentice answers questions in a controlled and invigilated environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method.
This assessment method is being used because:
The multiple-choice test must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
The test can be computer or paper based.
The test will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions.
Multiple-choice questions must have four options, including one correct answer.
The apprentice must be given at least 2 weeks’ notice of the date and time of the test.
The apprentice must have 60 minutes to complete the test.
The test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.
The test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator who is the responsibility of the EPAO. The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.
The EPAO must verify the apprentice’s identity and ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example, with 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.
The EPAO is responsible for the security of the test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the test.
The test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where question types support this.
A correct answer gets 1 mark.
Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.
The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the test.
The apprentice must take the test in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.
The test can take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice.
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 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 test:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
|
Theme
KSBs
|
Pass
The apprentice must demonstrate all the pass descriptors for the core and their option
|
Distinction
The apprentice must demonstrate all the pass and distinction descriptors for the core and their option
|
|---|---|---|
|
(Core) Work organisation
K29 S1 S2 |
Obtains and reads instructions or information to understand the task's requirements. (S1) Plans the task and identifies and organises resources required to complete it using planning, prioritising, and time management techniques with consideration for safety, security, environmental impact, cost, and quality. (K29, S2) |
Justifies the balance of safety, security, environmental factors, cost, and quality in planning decisions. (K29, S2) |
|
(Core) Maintain the work area: health, safety, and environment
K4 S3 S4 S5 S6 B1 |
Identifies hazards and risks in the workplace in line with company procedures. Prioritises and applies health, safety, and environmental procedures in compliance with regulations, standards and codes of practice mitigating against risks including lock out, tag out (LOTO), manual handling, personal protective equipment (PPE), risk assessment and safe systems of work. (K4, S3, S4, B1) Reinstates work area including housekeeping and replacing tools and equipment in line with company procedures. (S5) Segregates resources for reuse, recycling, and waste handling in line with company procedures. (S6) |
Justifies complying with and prioritising health, safety, and environmental procedures in their work. (K4, S3, S4, B1) |
|
(Core) Quality control
K14 S8 B3 |
Takes responsibility for the quality of their own work by following their company's operational procedures and on-going quality assurance (visual, tolerances, and non-conformances) requirements. (K14, S8, B3) |
Justifies their application of operational procedures and on-going quality assurance in battery manufacturing. (K14, S8, B3) |
|
(Core) Transfer to next stage
S9 |
Transfers product (intermediate or final) to next stage in line with company procedures or instructions. (S9) |
None |
|
(Core) Verbal communication
K26 S17 |
Uses verbal communication techniques with others suitable for the context. (K26, S17) |
None |
|
(Core) Complete documentation
K16 S11 |
Records or enters data for work tasks - paper based or electronic - in line with company procedures for documentation control and auditable records. (K16, S11) |
None |
|
(Electrode technician) Prepare for electrode processing
S22 S23 |
Receives and checks electrode manufacturing materials required for the process in line with company procedures. (S22) Follows specialist PPE procedures for over suits, overshoes, boots, gloves, masks, eyewear, and self-contained breathing apparatus required for the process in line with company procedures. (S23) |
None |
|
(Electrode technician) Perform electrode processes
K40 S24 S25 |
Operates Human Machine Interface (HMI) to meet process requirements in line with company procedures. (S24) Runs, monitors and adjusts HMI settings within permissions for electrode processes in line with company procedures. (K40, S25) |
Justifies their application of the processes in line with procedures with reference to impact down-line. (K40, S24, S25) |
|
(Cell assembly technician) Prepare for cell assembly processes
S26 S28 |
Follows specialist PPE procedures for over suits, overshoes, boots, gloves, masks, and eyewear required for the process in line with company procedures. (S26) Receives and checks cell assembly manufacturing materials required for the process in line with company procedures. (S28) |
None |
|
(Cell assembly technician) Perform cell assembly processes
K44 S27 S29 S30 |
Applies electrolyte safety precautions required for the process in line with company procedures. (S27) Operates HMI to meet process requirements in line with company procedures. (S29) Runs, monitors and adjusts HMI settings within permissions for cell assembly processes in line with company procedures. (K44, S30) |
Justifies their application of the processes in line with procedures with reference to impact down-line. (K44, S27, S29, S30) |
|
(Formation, ageing and testing technician) Prepare for formation, ageing and testing processes
S31 |
Receives and checks formation, ageing and testing manufacturing materials required for the process in line with company procedures. (S31)
|
None |
|
(Formation, ageing and testing technician) Perform formation, ageing and testing processes
K51 K53 S32 S33 S34 S35 S36 |
Loads and handles cells required for the process in line with company procedures. (S32) Operates HMI to meet process requirements in line with company procedures. (S33) Identifies trends in data using data analysis techniques (data recording, analysis, and translation). (K53, S34) Runs, monitors and adjusts settings HMI within permissions for formation, ageing, and testing processes in line with company procedures. (K51, S35) Monitors fire risks in line with company procedures. (S36) |
Justifies their application of the processes in line with procedures with reference to impact down-line. (K51, S32, S33, S35, S36) |
|
(Module and pack technician) Prepare for module and pack processes
K55 S37 S38 |
Applies anti-static procedures required for the task in line with company procedures. (S37) Obtains and checks module and pack manufacturing materials required for the task in line with stock control requirements. (K55, S38) |
None |
|
(Module and pack technician) Perform module and pack processes
K56 K57 K59 S39 S40 S41 S42 S43 S44 |
Interprets engineering and design documentation required for the task. (K56, S39) Prepares materials required for the task requirements in line with company procedures. (S40) Checks and uses hand tools and equipment required for the task to conduct module and pack processes in line with company procedures and live pack handling requirements. (K57, K59, S41, S42) Completes end-of-process check required for the task in line with company procedures. (S43) Monitors fire risks in line with company procedures. (S44) |
Justifies their application of the processes in line with procedures with reference to impact down-line. (K57, S40, S41, S42, S43, S44) |
|
Theme
KSBs
|
Pass
The apprentice must demonstrate all the pass descriptors for the core and their option
|
Distinction
The apprentice must demonstrate all the pass and distinction descriptors for the core and their option
|
|---|---|---|
|
(Core) Battery technician's role and responsibilities
K2 K5 S19 B6 |
Outlines their role as a cell or battery manufacturing technician including their limits of responsibility, describing how they escalate issues, and how they respond and adapt to work demands in line with organisational requirements. (K2, S19, B6) Outlines their company's procedures for incident and near miss reporting and emergencies. (K5) |
None |
|
(Core) Sustainability
K8 S7 B2 |
Describes how they consider and apply the principles of sustainability including energy efficiency, reuse of resources, and recycling procedures in their work. (K8, S7, B2) |
Supports the development of environmental and sustainability practice in the workplace for example, through promoting good practice to others, or identifying improvement to practice. (K8, S7, B2) |
|
(Core) Preventative maintenance
K18 S10 |
Describes how they apply preventative maintenance procedures in line with company requirements to support wider maintenance practices. (K18, S10) |
Justifies the benefits of applying preventative maintenance practices. (K18, S10) |
|
(Core) Problem solving
K22 S12 S13 |
Describes how they apply problem solving techniques to identify root cause and how they have made suggestions to solve problems in their work, including the interpretation and use of data to validate suggestions. (K22, S12, S13) |
Justifies the suggestion in terms of potential impact. (S13) |
|
(Core) Continuous improvement
K15 K23 S14 S15 |
Describes how they have applied continuous improvement techniques to devise a suggestion for improvement to a battery manufacturing related issue or process. (K23, S14, S15) Outlines how operational procedures are developed and reviewed in their workplace to support continuous improvement. (K15) |
Justifies the improvement suggestion in terms of potential impact. (S15)
|
|
(Core) Digital technologies
K24 S20 |
Describes how they use digital technologies in work tasks in compliance with general data protection regulation (GDPR) and organisational cyber security regulations and policies. (K24, S20) |
None |
|
(Core) Written communication
K27 S18 |
Describes how they apply written communication and technical report writing techniques to produce communications in their work suitable for context. (K27, S18) |
None |
|
(Core) Team working
K28 S16 B5 |
Describes how they apply team working principles to meet work goals in line with their company's policy on equality, diversity, and inclusion. (K28, S16, B5) |
Explains how their team focus and commitment to inclusivity extends to wider teams or stakeholders. (K28, S16, B5) |
|
(Core) Continued professional development
S21 B4 B7 |
Describes the planned and unplanned continued professional development (CPD) activities they have carried out and recorded to meet personal development needs, being responsive to constructive feedback and showing a commitment to future CPD. Evaluates what the impact of their CPD has been and how it has benefited the business. (S21, B4, B7) |
None |
|
(Electrode technician) Electrode processing potential issues
K42 |
Explains potential issues in electrode processing and how defect identification operates in their company. (K42) |
None |
|
(Electrode technician) Formulation of materials
K38 |
Outlines what formations of materials are and explains the importance of following them in battery manufacturing, with reference to manual and automated methods. (K38) |
None |
|
(Cell assembly technician) Cell assembly potential issues
K46 |
Explains potential issues in cell assembly and how defect identification operates in their company. (K46) |
None |
|
(Cell assembly technician) Formulation of materials
K43 |
Outlines what formations of materials are and explains the importance of following them in battery manufacturing, with reference to manual and automated methods. (K43) |
None |
|
(Cell assembly technician) Cell finishing requirements
K48 |
Explains how cell finishing monitoring and recording operates in their company. (K48) |
None |
|
(Formation, ageing and testing technician) Formation, ageing and testing potential issues
K54 |
Explains potential issues in formation, ageing and testing and how defect identification operates in their company. (K54)
|
None |
|
(Formation, ageing and testing technician) Formulation of materials
K49 |
Outlines what formations of materials are and explains the importance of following them in battery manufacturing, with reference to manual and automated methods. (K49) |
None |
|
(Module and pack technician) Module and pack potential issues
K61 |
Explains potential issues in module and pack production and how defect identification operates in their company. (K61) |
None |
|
(Module and pack technician) Module and pack finishing
K62 |
Explains how module and pack finishing monitoring and recording operates in their company. (K62) |
None |
| Grade | Minimum marks required | Maximum marks required |
|---|---|---|
| Fail | 0 | 27 |
| Pass | 28 | 40 |
Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:
An independent assessor must individually grade the observation with questions and interview 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 assessment method or more, 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 distinction in the observation with questions, a pass in the interview underpinned by portfolio of evidence, and a pass in the multiple-choice test. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in the observation with questions and the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, and a pass in the multiple-choice test.
Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.
| Observation with questions | Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence | Multiple-choice test | Overall Grading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fail | Any grade | Any grade | Fail |
| Any grade | Fail | Any grade | Fail |
| Any grade | Any grade | Fail | Fail |
| Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Pass | Distinction | Pass | Pass |
| Distinction | Pass | Pass | Merit |
| Distinction | Distinction | Pass | 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.
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 if pass they need to re-sit or re-take one or more assessment methods, 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 |
As a minimum, the EPAO must:
|
|
Independent assessor |
As a minimum, an independent assessor must:
|
|
Training provider |
As a minimum, the training provider must:
|
|
Marker |
As a minimum, the marker must:
|
|
Invigilator |
As a minimum, the invigilator 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.
Special considerations
The EPAO must have special consideration arrangements for the EPA.
This should include:
Special considerations must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.
Internal quality assurance refers to the strategies, policies and procedures that an EPAO must have in place to ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions.
EPAOs for this EPA must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities table.
They must also appoint independent assessors who:
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:
This apprenticeship aligns with:
This apprenticeship aligns with:
| Knowledge | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
K1: Core.
Battery manufacturing industry awareness: manufacturing environments, types of employers, types of customers. Business: Industrial strategy, ethical sourcing, and battery supply chain practice. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K2: Core.
Battery manufacturing technician’s role. Limits of responsibility. Escalation procedures. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K3: Core.
Health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance. ATEX - safety requirements for workplaces and equipment used in explosive atmospheres. The Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations (COMAH). Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR). Electrical safety and compliance. Fire safety. Health and Safety at Work Act – responsibilities. Legionella. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER). Lone working. Management of health and safety at work. Noise regulation. Permits to work. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). REACH — Regulation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. Safety signage and purpose. spill response handling Slips trips and falls. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). Working at Height. Working in confined spaces. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K4: Core.
Health and safety practice - Lock out, tag out (LOTO). Manual handling. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements. Risk assessment and safe systems of work. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
K5: Core.
Incident and near miss reporting. Emergency procedures. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K6: Core.
Battery health and safety. Battery manufacturing safety guidance. Battery failures and faults – causes and consequences. Battery manufacturing safety hazards – risks they pose and management. Responding to battery fires, chemical spillages, gas leakages, and incidents. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K7: Core.
Environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance: Environmental Management Systems standard, Environmental Protection Act, Climate Change Act, Energy Act, Control of Pollution Act. Principles of control and management of emissions and waste. Environmental signage and notices. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K8: Core.
Sustainability practice: energy efficiency, reuse of resources, recycling procedures. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K9: Core.
The environmental benefits of batteries in the move towards net zero emissions. Sustainability and carbon footprint of different types of batteries and materials used in production: how that can be mitigated for by selection and whole of lifecycle considerations. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K10: Core.
Production requirements: product specification, processing specification, rate of production. Material safety data sheet, product labelling and product codes; the importance of identifying non-conforming materials and products. Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Stock control principles. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K11: Electrode technician,Cell assembly technician,Formation, ageing and testing technician,Module and pack technician.
Process control systems and their constituent components. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K12: Core.
Need and requirements for clean and dry rooms in battery manufacturing – protocols for entering, working in, exiting. Safe working within a clean and dry room: risks. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K13: Core.
Quality assurance vs quality control; key differences. Quality standards. Consequences of not achieving quality standards. Line side and lab quality control. Purpose of audits. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K14: Core.
Operational procedures and on-going quality assurance requirements. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
K15: Core.
Development and review of operational procedures. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K16: Core.
Documentation requirements: documentation control, auditable records. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
K17: Core.
Representative sampling. Common methods of analysis. Principles of quality procedures in the laboratory. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K18: Core.
Maintenance practices. Preventative maintenance requirements. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K19: Core.
Numerical approximations and unit conversion tables. Areas, volumes, and flow rates calculations. Statistical data. Basic rules of algebra to solve problems. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K20: Core.
British standards for engineering representations, drawings, and graphical information. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K21: Core.
Application of digital systems to support manufacture: CAD (computer-aided design), CAM (computer-aided manufacturing), CMM (coordinate measuring machine), 3D printing, Human Machine Interface (HMI). Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K22: Core.
Problem solving and fault-finding techniques: root cause analysis. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K23: Core.
Continuous improvement (CI) systems and techniques. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K24: Core.
Digital technologies. General data protection regulation (GDPR). Cyber security. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K25: Electrode technician,Cell assembly technician,Formation, ageing and testing technician,Module and pack technician.
Industry 4.0. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K26: Core.
Verbal communication techniques. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
K27: Core.
Written communication techniques. Technical report writing techniques. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K28: Core.
Principles of team working. Equality, diversity, and inclusion. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K29: Core.
Planning, prioritising, and time management techniques. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
K30: Electrode technician,Cell assembly technician,Formation, ageing and testing technician,Module and pack technician.
Battery manufacturing terminology: cell, battery, anodes, and cathodes. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K31: Electrode technician,Cell assembly technician,Formation, ageing and testing technician,Module and pack technician.
Different types of battery and their technologies: pouch, cylindrical, prismatic, solid state, and monobloc, new technologies. Primary and secondary batteries. Developments in battery manufacturing. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K32: Electrode technician,Cell assembly technician,Formation, ageing and testing technician,Module and pack technician.
Cell materials: solvents, and electrolyte. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K33: Electrode technician,Cell assembly technician,Formation, ageing and testing technician,Module and pack technician.
Batteries and their applications. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K34: Electrode technician,Cell assembly technician,Formation, ageing and testing technician,Module and pack technician.
Basic chemistry awareness: the Periodic Table, ionic and covalent bonding, the different current types of battery chemistry and their uses. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K35: Core.
Battery standards and market certification. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K36: Electrode technician,Cell assembly technician,Formation, ageing and testing technician,Module and pack technician.
Battery structure: cells, packs, anodes, cathodes, battery management systems. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K37: Core.
Requirements for transportation of lithium cells and batteries. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K38: Electrode technician.
Option 1. Formulations of materials - what they are and importance of following them. Manual and automated mixing methods. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K39: Electrode technician.
Option 1. Materials used in electrode slurries: binder, solvents and active materials. Types of mixing equipment; pros and cons. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K40: Electrode technician.
Option 1. Electrode process procedures. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
K41: Electrode technician.
Option 1. The purpose of electrode processes: mixing (semi continuous, continuous and batch), coating (continuous and intermittent or skip coating, extrusion methods), calendering (hot and cold), electrode slitting and cutting. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K42: Electrode technician.
Option 1. Potential issues in electrode processing and defect identification. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K43: Cell assembly technician.
Option 2. Formulations of materials - what they are and importance of following them. Manual and automated mixing methods. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K44: Cell assembly technician.
Option 2. Cell assembly processes procedures. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
K45: Cell assembly technician.
Option 2. Cell assembly purpose of processes: preparation (drying), winding (manual and automated approaches), can insertion, electrode slitting (cylindrical cells) and cutting (pouch cells), stacking, and assembly (deep draw and heat sealing). Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K46: Cell assembly technician.
Option 2. Potential issues in cell assembly and defect identification. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K47: Cell assembly technician.
Option 2. Different types of cells: pouch, cylindrical, prismatic, solid state, monobloc, and new technologies. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K48: Cell assembly technician.
Option 2. Cell finishing monitoring and recording requirements. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K49: Formation, ageing and testing technician.
Option 3. Formulations of materials - what they are and importance of following them. Manual and automated mixing methods. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K50: Formation, ageing and testing technician.
Option 3. Electrical components in physics: voltage, current, resistance, power, charge and discharge – definition and calculation. The relationship between resistance, heat and cell chemistry. Kirchhoff’s Laws, Ohm’s Law. Flow of electrons. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K51: Formation, ageing and testing technician.
Option 3. Formation, ageing and testing company processes procedures. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
K52: Formation, ageing and testing technician.
Option 3. Formation, ageing and testing purpose of processes: formation (current methods), ageing (current methods) and testing (open-circuit voltage, end of line, grading). Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K53: Formation, ageing and testing technician.
Option 3. Data techniques: data recording, analysis, and translation. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
K54: Formation, ageing and testing technician.
Option 3. Potential issues in formation, ageing and testing and defect identification methods. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K55: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Stock control requirements. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
K56: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Engineering and design documentation application considerations. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
K57: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Module and pack assembly processes procedures. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
K58: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Implications of hazardous voltage. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K59: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Live pack handling requirements. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
K60: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Module and pack purpose of processes: preparation, bonding, welding manual and automated methods (nickel tabs, bus bars), soldering, crimping, encapsulation and final assembly. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K61: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Potential issues in module and pack and defect identification. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K62: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Module and pack finishing - monitoring and recording requirements (traceability). Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
| Skill | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
S1: Core.
Obtain and read instructions or information to understand task. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S2: Core.
Plan task. Identify and organise resources with consideration for safety, security, environmental impact, cost, and quality. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S3: Core.
Identify hazards and risks in the workplace. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S4: Core.
Apply health, safety and environmental procedures in compliance with regulations, standards and codes of practice for example lock out tag out (LOTO). Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S5: Core.
Reinstate work area: housekeeping, replacing tools and equipment. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S6: Core.
Segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and handling. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S7: Core.
Apply sustainability principles for example, in choice of materials, minimising waste. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S8: Core.
Follow operational procedures including on-going quality checks: visual, tolerances, and non-conformances. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S9: Core.
Transfer product, intermediate or final, to next stage. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S10: Core.
Follow preventative maintenance practices. For example, cleaning electrodes, ensuring tooling is within calibration date, checking guarding, lubrication of tooling, safety checks, and inspection for wear and tear. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S11: Core.
Record or enter information - paper based or electronic. For example, process and production records, traceability records, and quality assurance records. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S12: Core.
Apply problem solving techniques. Make suggestions to resolve problems. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S13: Core.
Interpret data for example, process data, quality control and test procedure data. Use data to validate suggestions. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S14: Core.
Apply continuous improvement techniques for example, lean, 6 Sigma, KAIZEN. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S15: Core.
Devise suggestions for improvement. For example, improving the energy consumption or waste profile of processes and procedures to improve the sustainability or carbon footprint of a product, process or task. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S16: Core.
Apply team working principles. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S17: Core.
Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S18: Core.
Communicate in writing in the workplace for example, handover notes or emails, non-conformances, design change requests. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S19: Core.
Escalate issues outside limits of responsibility. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S20: Core.
Use digital technologies. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S21: Core.
Plan how to meet personal development needs. Carry out and record planned and unplanned continued professional development (CPD) activities. Evaluate CPD against plans made. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S22: Electrode technician.
Option 1. Receive and check electrode manufacturing materials. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S23: Electrode technician.
Option 1. Follow specialist PPE procedures for over suits, overshoes, boots, gloves, masks, eyewear, and self-contained breathing apparatus. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S24: Electrode technician.
Option 1. Operate Human Machine Interface (HMI). Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S25: Electrode technician.
Option 1. Run, monitor and adjust HMI settings within permissions. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S26: Cell assembly technician.
Option 2. Follow specialist PPE procedures for over suits, overshoes, boots, gloves, masks, and eyewear. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S27: Cell assembly technician.
Option 2. Apply electrolyte safety precautions. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S28: Cell assembly technician.
Option 2. Receive and check cell assembly manufacturing materials. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S29: Cell assembly technician.
Option 2. Operate Human Machine Interface (HMI). Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S30: Cell assembly technician.
Option 2. Run, monitor and adjust HMI settings within permissions. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S31: Formation, ageing and testing technician.
Option 3. Receive and check formation, ageing and testing manufacturing materials. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S32: Formation, ageing and testing technician.
Option 3. Load and handle cells. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S33: Formation, ageing and testing technician.
Option 3. Operate Human Machine Interface (HMI): set up, shut down, and cleaning modes. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S34: Formation, ageing and testing technician.
Option 3. Identify trends in data. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S35: Formation, ageing and testing technician.
Option 3. Run, monitor and adjust HMI settings within permissions. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S36: Formation, ageing and testing technician.
Option 3. Monitor fire risks. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S37: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Apply anti-static procedures for example, earth straps, rubber matting. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S38: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Obtain and check module and pack manufacturing materials. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S39: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Interpret engineering and design documentation. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S40: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Prepare materials. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S41: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Check hand tools and equipment. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S42: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Uses hand tools and equipment. For example, crimping machines, soldering ions, and heat guns. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S43: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Complete end-of-process check. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
S44: Module and pack technician.
Option 4. Monitor fire risks. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
| Behaviour | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
B1: Core.
Prioritise health, safety and environment. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
B2: Core.
Consider sustainability when using resources and carrying out processes. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
B3: Core.
Take responsibility for the quality of own work. Back to Grading |
Observation with questions |
|
B4: Core.
Responsive to constructive feedback. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
B5: Core.
Team-focus to meet work goals including a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
B6: Core.
Respond and adapt to work demands. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
B7: Core.
Committed to continued professional development. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
|
(Core) Work organisation
K29 S1 S2 |
Planning, prioritising, and time management techniques. (K29) |
Obtain and read instructions or information to understand task. (S1) Plan task. Identify and organise resources with consideration for safety, security, environmental impact, cost, and quality. (S2) |
None |
|
(Core) Maintain the work area: health, safety, and environment
K4 S3 S4 S5 S6 B1 |
Health and safety practice - Lock out, tag out (LOTO). Manual handling. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements. Risk assessment and safe systems of work. (K4) |
Identify hazards and risks in the workplace. (S3) Apply health, safety and environmental procedures in compliance with regulations, standards and codes of practice for example lock out tag out (LOTO). (S4) Reinstate work area: housekeeping, replacing tools and equipment. (S5) Segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and handling. (S6) |
Prioritise health, safety and environment. (B1) |
|
(Core) Quality control
K14 S8 B3 |
Operational procedures and on-going quality assurance requirements. (K14) |
Follow operational procedures including on-going quality checks: visual, tolerances, and non-conformances. (S8) |
Take responsibility for the quality of own work. (B3) |
|
(Core) Transfer to next stage
S9 |
None |
Transfer product, intermediate or final, to next stage. (S9) |
None |
|
(Core) Verbal communication
K26 S17 |
Verbal communication techniques. (K26) |
Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders. (S17) |
None |
|
(Core) Complete documentation
K16 S11 |
Documentation requirements: documentation control, auditable records. (K16) |
Record or enter information - paper based or electronic. For example, process and production records, traceability records, and quality assurance records. (S11) |
None |
|
(Electrode technician) Prepare for electrode processing
S22 S23 |
None |
Option 1. Receive and check electrode manufacturing materials. (S22) Option 1. Follow specialist PPE procedures for over suits, overshoes, boots, gloves, masks, eyewear, and self-contained breathing apparatus. (S23) |
None |
|
(Electrode technician) Perform electrode processes
K40 S24 S25 |
Option 1. Electrode process procedures. (K40) |
Option 1. Operate Human Machine Interface (HMI). (S24) Option 1. Run, monitor and adjust HMI settings within permissions. (S25) |
None |
|
(Cell assembly technician) Prepare for cell assembly processes
S26 S28 |
None |
Option 2. Follow specialist PPE procedures for over suits, overshoes, boots, gloves, masks, and eyewear. (S26) Option 2. Receive and check cell assembly manufacturing materials. (S28) |
None |
|
(Cell assembly technician) Perform cell assembly processes
K44 S27 S29 S30 |
Option 2. Cell assembly processes procedures. (K44) |
Option 2. Apply electrolyte safety precautions. (S27) Option 2. Operate Human Machine Interface (HMI). (S29) Option 2. Run, monitor and adjust HMI settings within permissions. (S30) |
None |
|
(Formation, ageing and testing technician) Prepare for formation, ageing and testing processes
S31 |
None |
Option 3. Receive and check formation, ageing and testing manufacturing materials. (S31) |
None |
|
(Formation, ageing and testing technician) Perform formation, ageing and testing processes
K51 K53 S32 S33 S34 S35 S36 |
Option 3. Formation, ageing and testing company processes procedures. (K51) Option 3. Data techniques: data recording, analysis, and translation. (K53) |
Option 3. Load and handle cells. (S32) Option 3. Operate Human Machine Interface (HMI): set up, shut down, and cleaning modes. (S33) Option 3. Identify trends in data. (S34) Option 3. Run, monitor and adjust HMI settings within permissions. (S35) Option 3. Monitor fire risks. (S36) |
None |
|
(Module and pack technician) Prepare for module and pack processes
K55 S37 S38 |
Option 4. Stock control requirements. (K55) |
Option 4. Apply anti-static procedures for example, earth straps, rubber matting. (S37) Option 4. Obtain and check module and pack manufacturing materials. (S38) |
None |
|
(Module and pack technician) Perform module and pack processes
K56 K57 K59 S39 S40 S41 S42 S43 S44 |
Option 4. Engineering and design documentation application considerations. (K56) Option 4. Module and pack assembly processes procedures. (K57) Option 4. Live pack handling requirements. (K59) |
Option 4. Interpret engineering and design documentation. (S39) Option 4. Prepare materials. (S40) Option 4. Check hand tools and equipment. (S41) Option 4. Uses hand tools and equipment. For example, crimping machines, soldering ions, and heat guns. (S42) Option 4. Complete end-of-process check. (S43) Option 4. Monitor fire risks. (S44) |
None |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
|
(Core) Battery technician's role and responsibilities
K2 K5 S19 B6 |
Battery manufacturing technician’s role. Limits of responsibility. Escalation procedures. (K2) Incident and near miss reporting. Emergency procedures. (K5) |
Escalate issues outside limits of responsibility. (S19) |
Respond and adapt to work demands. (B6) |
|
(Core) Sustainability
K8 S7 B2 |
Sustainability practice: energy efficiency, reuse of resources, recycling procedures. (K8) |
Apply sustainability principles for example, in choice of materials, minimising waste. (S7) |
Consider sustainability when using resources and carrying out processes. (B2) |
|
(Core) Preventative maintenance
K18 S10 |
Maintenance practices. Preventative maintenance requirements. (K18) |
Follow preventative maintenance practices. For example, cleaning electrodes, ensuring tooling is within calibration date, checking guarding, lubrication of tooling, safety checks, and inspection for wear and tear. (S10) |
None |
|
(Core) Problem solving
K22 S12 S13 |
Problem solving and fault-finding techniques: root cause analysis. (K22) |
Apply problem solving techniques. Make suggestions to resolve problems. (S12) Interpret data for example, process data, quality control and test procedure data. Use data to validate suggestions. (S13) |
None |
|
(Core) Continuous improvement
K15 K23 S14 S15 |
Development and review of operational procedures. (K15) Continuous improvement (CI) systems and techniques. (K23) |
Apply continuous improvement techniques for example, lean, 6 Sigma, KAIZEN. (S14) Devise suggestions for improvement. For example, improving the energy consumption or waste profile of processes and procedures to improve the sustainability or carbon footprint of a product, process or task. (S15) |
None |
|
(Core) Digital technologies
K24 S20 |
Digital technologies. General data protection regulation (GDPR). Cyber security. (K24) |
Use digital technologies. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies. (S20) |
None |
|
(Core) Written communication
K27 S18 |
Written communication techniques. Technical report writing techniques. (K27) |
Communicate in writing in the workplace for example, handover notes or emails, non-conformances, design change requests. (S18) |
None |
|
(Core) Team working
K28 S16 B5 |
Principles of team working. Equality, diversity, and inclusion. (K28) |
Apply team working principles. (S16) |
Team-focus to meet work goals including a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. (B5) |
|
(Core) Continued professional development
S21 B4 B7 |
None |
Plan how to meet personal development needs. Carry out and record planned and unplanned continued professional development (CPD) activities. Evaluate CPD against plans made. (S21) |
Responsive to constructive feedback. (B4) Committed to continued professional development. (B7) |
|
(Electrode technician) Electrode processing potential issues
K42 |
Option 1. Potential issues in electrode processing and defect identification. (K42) |
None |
None |
|
(Electrode technician) Formulation of materials
K38 |
Option 1. Formulations of materials - what they are and importance of following them. Manual and automated mixing methods. (K38) |
None |
None |
|
(Cell assembly technician) Cell assembly potential issues
K46 |
Option 2. Potential issues in cell assembly and defect identification. (K46) |
None |
None |
|
(Cell assembly technician) Formulation of materials
K43 |
Option 2. Formulations of materials - what they are and importance of following them. Manual and automated mixing methods. (K43) |
None |
None |
|
(Cell assembly technician) Cell finishing requirements
K48 |
Option 2. Cell finishing monitoring and recording requirements. (K48) |
None |
None |
|
(Formation, ageing and testing technician) Formation, ageing and testing potential issues
K54 |
Option 3. Potential issues in formation, ageing and testing and defect identification methods. (K54) |
None |
None |
|
(Formation, ageing and testing technician) Formulation of materials
K49 |
Option 3. Formulations of materials - what they are and importance of following them. Manual and automated mixing methods. (K49) |
None |
None |
|
(Module and pack technician) Module and pack potential issues
K61 |
Option 4. Potential issues in module and pack and defect identification. (K61) |
None |
None |
|
(Module and pack technician) Module and pack finishing
K62 |
Option 4. Module and pack finishing - monitoring and recording requirements (traceability). (K62) |
None |
None |
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date | Latest end date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 30/11/2023 | Not set | Not set |
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