Installing large-scale environmental system components for heating and cooling industrial and commercial buildings.
This occupation is found both on construction sites and in existing buildings. Building services engineering ensures that buildings function properly. It is a specialised branch of engineering in the construction industry.
Installers follow instructions to plan and install pipework, bracketry and components of systems such as heating, chilled water, hot water, and cold-water systems. These systems are used within a variety of locations, including workplaces, businesses, schools, and hospitals.
The systems operate by circulating temperature-controlled water throughout the buildings. This provides heating and cooling. They could be powered by either fossil fuels or renewable energy sources.
Installers will have a fundamental understanding of the systems and their components.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to complete assigned work tasks to install pipework and fit components. The installer will assist in pre-commissioning testing, and be responsible for testing installed pipework and components, and the de-commissioning and dismantling of the system pipework and components.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other members of the installation team and site managers.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for, under close but not constant supervision, health, and safety appropriate to their work. They will take charge of the quality of their job and will take into account environmental concerns.
Disclaimer: the definition of the term "system" relates to the pipework and the components and does not include the energy source. A building services engineering installer is not responsible for connection to the energy source.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 6 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.
Practical test with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a task or a series of tasks. It will last 6 hours. They will ask you at least 5 questions.
The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This occupation is found both on construction sites and in existing buildings. Building services engineering ensures that buildings function properly. It is a specialised branch of engineering in the construction industry.
Installers follow instructions to plan and install pipework, bracketry and components of systems such as heating, chilled water, hot water, and cold-water systems. These systems are used within a variety of locations, including workplaces, businesses, schools, and hospitals.
The systems operate by circulating temperature-controlled water throughout the buildings. This provides heating and cooling. They could be powered by either fossil fuels or renewable energy sources.
Installers will have a fundamental understanding of the systems and their components.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to complete assigned work tasks to install pipework and fit components. The installer will assist in pre-commissioning testing, and be responsible for testing installed pipework and components, and the de-commissioning and dismantling of the system pipework and components.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other members of the installation team and site managers.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for, under close but not constant supervision, health, and safety appropriate to their work. They will take charge of the quality of their job and will take into account environmental concerns.
Disclaimer: the definition of the term "system" relates to the pipework and the components and does not include the energy source. A building services engineering installer is not responsible for connection to the energy source.
Duty | KSBs |
---|---|
Duty 1 Comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations; building regulations; industry guidance notes and relevant codes of practice. |
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K9 K12 K13 K14 K16 K18 K25 K30 K31 |
Duty 2 Plan, and organise to undertake the installation of industrial and commercial systems pipework, components and fittings, in ways which uses resources to complete allocated work tasks |
K6 K7 K8 K11 K12 K15 K19 K20 K29 K30 K31 K33 K36 K38 S9 S13 S14 S16 S21 S23 S24 S27
|
Duty 3 Prepare work areas to undertake allocated pipework, components and fittings installation work tasks |
|
Duty 4 Apply pipework fabrication, installation and jointing techniques |
K3 K10 K15 K17 K18 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 |
Duty 5 Undertake allocated work tasks in the testing of pipework installed |
K3 K7 K8 K13 K14 K17 K18 K21 K22 K23 K24 K26 K27 K28 K29 |
Duty 6 Communicate and liaise with own project team, and those in other teams, such as clients or specialist contractors. |
K1 K2 K7 K8 K19 K20 K24 K30 K31 K32 K33 K34 K35 K36 K37 K38 S14 S23 S24 S27 S28 S29 S30 S31
|
Duty 7 Restore work area to a safe and reliable condition, to prescribed standards of cleanliness on completion of installation work. |
|
Duty 8 Complete relevant work documentation in accordance with organisation policy and procedures |
K2 K19 K20 K21 K24 K30 K31 K33 K34 K35
|
Duty 9 Develop and maintain skills in using a range of practical and workshop techniques |
K3 K15 K17 K19 K21 K22 K23 K25 K26 K27 K28 K29 K37 K38 |
K1: Hierarchy of a construction team and the roles within the building services industry.
Back to Duty
K2: Health and safety regulations, relevance to the occupation and the installers responsibilities. Health and Safety at Work Act Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). Working at height. Working in confined spaces. Situational awareness. Isolation and emergency stop procedures, Emergency evacuation procedures, slips, trips, and falls. Safety equipment: guards, signage and fire extinguishers.
Back to Duty
K3: Hazards and risks that occur in the workplace.
Back to Duty
K4: Purpose of standard operating procedures (SOP), company, site induction and toolbox talks.
Back to Duty
K5: Safe systems of work, risk assessments, method statements and control measures.
Back to Duty
K6: Building service engineering installation: regulations and legislation, purpose, and compliance.
Back to Duty
K7: Principles of building services engineering: measurements, force and pressure, heat, and power.
Back to Duty
K8: Properties and principles of materials used in building service engineering installations including limitations.
Back to Duty
K9: Building fire safety legislation: purpose, application, and impact.
Back to Duty
K10: Environmental and sustainability regulations and guidance. Recycling reuse and safe disposal of waste.
Back to Duty
K11: Energy sources: low carbon (Combined heat and power (CHP), biomass ground source heat pumps (GSHP)) zero carbon heat and power, wind, solar photovoltaic or thermal and hydro aiming for net zero energy in use. System efficiencies.
Back to Duty
K12: Operating principles of energy sources: low carbon (combined heat and power (CHP), biomass ground source heat pumps (GSHP)) zero carbon heat and power, wind, solar photovoltaic or thermal and hydro aiming for net zero energy in use.
Back to Duty
K13: Manual handling techniques including material handling equipment (MHE).
Back to Duty
K14: Health and safety control equipment: personal protective equipment (PPE).
Back to Duty
K15: Hand tools, power tools and equipment: use and storage techniques.
Back to Duty
K16: Work area preparation and setting out techniques.
Back to Duty
K17: Materials, system components and bracketry used in pipework system installations.
Back to Duty
K18: Work planning and pre work checking, requirements, and techniques.
Back to Duty
K19: Pre commissioning practices and techniques applicable to building service engineering installations.
Back to Duty
K20: Commissioning practices and techniques applicable to building service engineering installations.
Back to Duty
K21: Principles and techniques for pipework fabrication including bending and jointing.
Back to Duty
K22: Principles and techniques for pipework installation and testing.
Back to Duty
K23: Decommissioning practices and techniques applicable to building service engineering installations.
Back to Duty
K24: Handover procedures for commissioned systems.
Back to Duty
K25: Quality management standards. Quality assurance principles and practice.
Back to Duty
K26: Heating system installation techniques: low temperature and medium temperature systems.
Back to Duty
K27: Water system installation techniques: hot - open vented, unvented, indirect, secondary circulation, instantaneous. Cold - indirect and direct. Air conditioning, heat rejection, chilled beams, fan coil units and air handling units.
Back to Duty
K28: Fire protection system installation techniques: wet and dry risers. Hose reel assemblies.
Back to Duty
K29: Electrical safety procedures in building services systems.
Back to Duty
K30: Verbal communication techniques. Giving and receiving information. Adapting style to audience. Barriers in communication and how to overcome them. Sector specific terminology.
Back to Duty
K31: Written communication techniques: paper based and digital. Plain English principles. Sector specific terminology.
Back to Duty
K32: Collaborative working techniques: customers, colleagues, internal and external stakeholders and other trades
Back to Duty
K33: Methods of interpreting relevant information from drawings, specifications and system schematics.
Back to Duty
K34: Information technology and digital systems used to support building service engineering operations. General data protection regulation (GDPR). Cyber security.
Back to Duty
K35: Documentation: methods and requirements – electronic and paper, for example, text, data, job card, work instructions, risk assessments, method statements, operation manuals, permits to work.
Back to Duty
K36: Principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Back to Duty
K37: Limits of authority and escalation procedures.
Back to Duty
K38: Team working and wellbeing principles.
Back to Duty
S1: Comply with building services engineering industry regulations, standards, and guidance.
Back to Duty
S2: Comply with health and safety regulations, standards, and practices.
Back to Duty
S3: Identify and report hazards and risks in the workplace. Take action to mitigate hazards and risks.
Back to Duty
S4: Comply with safe systems of work and apply control measures.
Back to Duty
S5: Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Back to Duty
S6: Follow environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal.
Back to Duty
S7: Move, lift, and handle materials.
Back to Duty
S8: Select and use personal protective equipment (PPE).
Back to Duty
S9: Use and store hand tools, power tools and equipment.
Back to Duty
S10: Prepare work area and complete set out requirements.
Back to Duty
S11: Maintain a safe working area.
Back to Duty
S12: Select materials, components, and fittings required to complete the work tasks.
Back to Duty
S13: Plan order of works and carry out pre-work checks.
Back to Duty
S14: Carry out pre commissioning activities for building service engineering installations.
Back to Duty
S15: Fabricate system pipework including pipe bending.
Back to Duty
S16: Test fabricated pipework system.
Back to Duty
S17: Install pipework system, including pipework, bracketry and components of pipework systems, not including the energy source.
Back to Duty
S18: Use pipework jointing techniques.
Back to Duty
S19: Test installed pipework.
Back to Duty
S20: Apply decommissioning practices, for example draining pipework system.
Back to Duty
S21: Complete system handover activities.
Back to Duty
S22: Complete a final quality inspection.
Back to Duty
S23: Communicate with others verbally including internal and external customers, colleagues using sector specific terminology.
Back to Duty
S24: Communicate with others in a written context including internal and external customers, colleagues using sector specific terminology.
Back to Duty
S25: Interpret drawings from drawings, specifications, and system schematics.
Back to Duty
S26: Record or enter information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.
Back to Duty
S27: Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and polices.
Back to Duty
S28: Follow equity, diversity, and inclusion policies.
Back to Duty
S29: Work within limits of authority and escalate issues.
Back to Duty
S30: Collaborate with others including customers, colleagues, internal and external stakeholders and other trades.
Back to Duty
S31: Apply team working and wellbeing principles.
Back to Duty
B1: Prioritise health, safety, and wellbeing.
Back to Duty
B2: Considers the environment and sustainability.
Back to Duty
B3: Contributes to equity, diversity, and inclusivity in the workplace.
Back to Duty
B4: Team-focus to meet work goals.
Back to Duty
B5: Respond and adapt to work demands and situations.
Back to Duty
B6: Committed to maintaining and enhancing competence of self through continued professional development (CPD).
Back to Duty
English and maths qualifications form a mandatory part of all apprenticeships and must be completed before an apprentice can pass through gateway. The requirements are detailed in the current version of the apprenticeship funding rules.
1.1
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the building services engineering installer apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Building services engineering installer apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
A full-time building services engineering installer apprentice typically spends 24 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 work with the training provider to select an approved EPAO from the apprenticeship providers and assessment register (APAR).
This EPA has 3 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are below.
Assessment method 1 - multiple-choice test:
Assessment method 2 - interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
Assessment method 3 - practical task with questions:
The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:
On-programme - typically 24 months
|
The apprentice must:
|
---|---|
End-point assessment gateway
|
The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice has attained sufficient KSBs to complete the apprenticeship. 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. |
End-point assessment - typically 3 months
|
The grades available for each assessment method are below
Multiple-choice test:
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
Practical task with questions:
Overall EPA and apprenticeship can be graded:
|
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 the interview. 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 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.
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 is to assess the apprentice's competence against the following themes:
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 apprentice may choose to end any assessment method early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end any assessment methods early (unless in an emergency). The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end any assessment early.
The independent assessor must ask at least 6 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 can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.
The interview should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
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 a practical task with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides in which of the simulated environments it takes place. The assessment environment must closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
This assessment method is being used because:
The practical task 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 practical task 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 an apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the . practical task with questions
The practical task with questions must take 6 hours.
The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical task 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 apprentice may choose to end any assessment method early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end any assessment methods early (unless in an emergency). The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end any assessment early.
The practical task with questions cannot be split, other than for comfort breaks or to allow apprentices to move from one location to another. Where breaks occur, they will not count towards the total EPA time.
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 practical task with questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.
The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical task:
These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
Task 1 - planning, preparation and set out task
This task requires the apprentice to interpret and follow a written brief detailing the planning and setting out of materials, components and bracketry from which a pipework system will be fabricated in preparation for installation.
The work area must contain, as a minimum:
The apprentice will be observed carrying out preparation activities including:
Task 2 - fabrication task
This task requires the apprentice to combine components, bracketry and materials to fabricate the pipework system to be installed.
The work area must contain, as a minimum:
The apprentice will be observed carrying out fabrication activities including:
Task 3 - installation task
This task requires the apprentice to install their fabricated pipework system in a designated work area.
The work area must contain, as a minimum:
The apprentice will be observed carrying out installation activities including:
Task 4 - testing task
This task requires the apprentice to test the fabricated and installed pipework, components and fittings.
The work area must contain, as a minimum:
The apprentice will be observed carrying out testing activities including:
Task 5 - decommissioning and disassembling task
This task requires the apprentice to carry out decommissioning practices to remove the installation from the work area and disassemble the installed pipework, bracketry and components.
The work area must contain, as a minimum:
The apprentice will be observed carrying out decommissioning and disassembling activities including:
The independent assessor must ask questions.
The purpose of the questions is:
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The practical task with questions must take place in a simulated environment selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s premises, a training provider’s premises, a training facility in the employer’s premises, a test centre or a similar simulated environment. This simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the practical task with questions must be provided by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these.
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 tasks and questions in the case of re-sits and retakes, to minimise predictability.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the practical task with questions:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
Theme
KSBs
|
Pass
Health and safety
|
Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
|
---|---|---|
Health and safety, regulations, and legislation
K3 K4 K6 K13 S1 S3 S5 S7 |
Describes how they identify and report hazards and risks in the workplace and take actions in their work to mitigate these. Explains the importance of following standard operating procedures, company and site inductions and attending toolbox talks. (K3, K4, S3, S5) Explains how they comply with building services engineering installation regulations and legislation, standards and guidance in their role. (K6, S1) Describes how they use manual handling techniques including manual handling equipment to move, lift and handle materials used in their role. (K13, S7) |
Explains the importance to themselves and the business of identifying and reporting hazards and risks in the workplace. (K3, S3) |
Sustainability and the environment
K10 S6 B2 |
Describes how they follow procedures in compliance with environmental and sustainability regulations standards, organisational procedures, and guidelines and consider the environment through the use and recycling of resources and the disposal of waste. (K10, S6, B2) |
Explains the impact to themselves and the business of non-compliance with environmental and sustainability regulations standards, organisational procedures, and guidelines. (K10, S6) |
Materials and installation
K19 S14 |
Describes how they carry out pre-commissioning activities in line with organisational procedures and industry guidance and regulations. (K19, S14)
|
Explains the importance to themselves and the business of following organisational procedures and manufacturer's instructions for pre-commissioning. (K19, S14) |
Quality assurance and handover
K20 K24 K25 S21 S22 |
Describes how they apply commissioning techniques and practices and complete final quality inspections and handover activities of systems, in line with industry regulations and organisational procedures. (K20, K24, K25, S21, S22) |
None. |
Collaboration and teamwork
K1 K32 K37 K38 S29 S30 S31 B4 B5 |
Describes the hierarchy of a construction team and roles within the building industry. Explains how their role fits into this structure and how they work within their limits of authority and how they escalate issues beyond their limits. (K1, K37, S29) Describes how they respond and adapt to work demands and situations and collaborate with others including customers, colleagues, internal and external stakeholders and other trades to support task completion. (K32, S30, B5) Describes how they apply team working and wellbeing principles to meet teamwork goals. (K38, S31, B4) |
Explains how their team focus supports wider teams to meet their goals (K38, S31) |
Customer service
K30 K31 S23 S24 |
Describes how they use verbal communication techniques suitable for the context, adapting style to overcome barriers to communication and how they use terminology to suit the audience. (K30, S23) Describes how they communicate information to others using written techniques, paper based or electronic, to complete documentation that is suitable for the context and supports task completion. (K31, S24) |
None. |
Digital and communication
K34 K35 S26 S27 |
Describes how they comply with GDPR and organisational cyber security policies when using information technology and digital systems in their role. (K34, S27) Describes how they record or enter information for work tasks in line with procedures in full - paper-based or electronic. (K35, S26) |
Explains the importance to themselves and the business of recording information and completing documentation correctly. (K35, S26) |
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)
K36 S28 B3 |
Describes how they follow and contribute to the equity, diversity, and inclusion policies in their role in the workplace. (K36, S28, B3) |
None. |
Continuing professional development (CPD)
B6 |
Describes learning and development they have completed and recorded to support competence in their role. (B6) |
None. |
Theme
KSBs
|
Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors
|
---|---|
Working safely
K5 K14 S2 S4 S8 B1 |
Prioritises health, safety and wellbeing and complies with risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work, following procedures in line with health and safety regulations, regulatory standards, and quality guidance. (K5, S2, S4, B1) Selects and uses health and safety control equipment and personal protective equipment in line with task requirements and Health and safety regulations. (K14, S8)
|
Preparation, planning and setting out
K16 K17 K18 K33 S10 S12 S13 S25 |
Plans the order of work and completes pre-work checks, prepares the work area, and set out requirements in line with the practical task requirements. Selects materials, components, and bracketry required to complete the practical task. (K16, K17, K18, S10, S12, S13) Interprets information from drawings, specifications and system schematics as required for the practical task. (K33, S25)
|
Fabrication, installation, and testing of systems pipework, components and fittings
K15 K21 K22 S9 S11 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 |
Fabricates system pipework including the creation of bends and joints in Iine with regulations and task requirements. (K21, S15, S18) Installs the fabricated pipework system, bracketry and components in line with regulations and task requirements. Carries out a test of the installed pipework system in line with working pressure testing requirements, and produces a result which shows no leaks in the system for the duration of the test. (K22, S16, S17, S19) Uses and stores hand tools, power tools and equipment in line with manufacturer’s guidance and maintains a safe working area throughout the practical task. (K15, S9, S11)
|
Decommissioning
K23 S20 |
Applies practices and techniques to decommission the pipework system and disassemble the system pipework, components and fittings, in line with industry standards, regulations, and task requirements. (K23, S20)
|
Grade | Minimum marks required | Maximum marks required |
---|---|---|
Fail | 0 | 26 |
Pass | 27 | 33 |
Distinction | 34 | 40 |
Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:
An independent assessor must individually grade the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence and practical task with questions 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 distinction the apprentice must achieve a distinction within the multiple-choice test, a distinction within the interview and a pass within the practical.
Grades from individual assessment methods must be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA overall.
Multiple-choice test | Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence | Practical task with questions | Overall Grading |
---|---|---|---|
Any grade | Any grade | Fail | Fail |
Any grade | Fail | Any grade | Fail |
Fail | Any grade | Any grade | Fail |
Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass |
Pass | Distinction | Pass | Pass |
Distinction | Pass | Pass | Pass |
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 3 months of the EPA outcome notification.
Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.
Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.
The apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of pass for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.
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.
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 is not aligned to professional recognition.
Knowledge | Assessment methods |
---|---|
K1
Hierarchy of a construction team and the roles within the building services industry. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K2
Health and safety regulations, relevance to the occupation and the installers responsibilities. Health and Safety at Work Act Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). Working at height. Working in confined spaces. Situational awareness. Isolation and emergency stop procedures, Emergency evacuation procedures, slips, trips, and falls. Safety equipment: guards, signage and fire extinguishers. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
K3
Hazards and risks that occur in the workplace. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K4
Purpose of standard operating procedures (SOP), company, site induction and toolbox talks. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K5
Safe systems of work, risk assessments, method statements and control measures. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
K6
Building service engineering installation: regulations and legislation, purpose, and compliance. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K7
Principles of building services engineering: measurements, force and pressure, heat, and power. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
K8
Properties and principles of materials used in building service engineering installations including limitations. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
K9
Building fire safety legislation: purpose, application, and impact. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
K10
Environmental and sustainability regulations and guidance. Recycling reuse and safe disposal of waste. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K11
Energy sources: low carbon (Combined heat and power (CHP), biomass ground source heat pumps (GSHP)) zero carbon heat and power, wind, solar photovoltaic or thermal and hydro aiming for net zero energy in use. System efficiencies. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
K12
Operating principles of energy sources: low carbon (combined heat and power (CHP), biomass ground source heat pumps (GSHP)) zero carbon heat and power, wind, solar photovoltaic or thermal and hydro aiming for net zero energy in use. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
K13
Manual handling techniques including material handling equipment (MHE). Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K14
Health and safety control equipment: personal protective equipment (PPE). Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
K15
Hand tools, power tools and equipment: use and storage techniques. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
K16
Work area preparation and setting out techniques. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
K17
Materials, system components and bracketry used in pipework system installations. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
K18
Work planning and pre work checking, requirements, and techniques. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
K19
Pre commissioning practices and techniques applicable to building service engineering installations. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K20
Commissioning practices and techniques applicable to building service engineering installations. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K21
Principles and techniques for pipework fabrication including bending and jointing. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
K22
Principles and techniques for pipework installation and testing. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
K23
Decommissioning practices and techniques applicable to building service engineering installations. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
K24
Handover procedures for commissioned systems. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K25
Quality management standards. Quality assurance principles and practice. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K26
Heating system installation techniques: low temperature and medium temperature systems. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
K27
Water system installation techniques: hot - open vented, unvented, indirect, secondary circulation, instantaneous. Cold - indirect and direct. Air conditioning, heat rejection, chilled beams, fan coil units and air handling units. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
K28
Fire protection system installation techniques: wet and dry risers. Hose reel assemblies. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
K29
Electrical safety procedures in building services systems. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
K30
Verbal communication techniques. Giving and receiving information. Adapting style to audience. Barriers in communication and how to overcome them. Sector specific terminology. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K31
Written communication techniques: paper based and digital. Plain English principles. Sector specific terminology. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K32
Collaborative working techniques: customers, colleagues, internal and external stakeholders and other trades Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K33
Methods of interpreting relevant information from drawings, specifications and system schematics. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
K34
Information technology and digital systems used to support building service engineering operations. General data protection regulation (GDPR). Cyber security. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K35
Documentation: methods and requirements – electronic and paper, for example, text, data, job card, work instructions, risk assessments, method statements, operation manuals, permits to work. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K36
Principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K37
Limits of authority and escalation procedures. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
K38
Team working and wellbeing principles. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
Skill | Assessment methods |
---|---|
S1
Comply with building services engineering industry regulations, standards, and guidance. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S2
Comply with health and safety regulations, standards, and practices. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S3
Identify and report hazards and risks in the workplace. Take action to mitigate hazards and risks. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S4
Comply with safe systems of work and apply control measures. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S5
Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs). Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S6
Follow environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S7
Move, lift, and handle materials. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S8
Select and use personal protective equipment (PPE). Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S9
Use and store hand tools, power tools and equipment. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S10
Prepare work area and complete set out requirements. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S11
Maintain a safe working area. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S12
Select materials, components, and fittings required to complete the work tasks. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S13
Plan order of works and carry out pre-work checks. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S14
Carry out pre commissioning activities for building service engineering installations. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S15
Fabricate system pipework including pipe bending. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S16
Test fabricated pipework system. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S17
Install pipework system, including pipework, bracketry and components of pipework systems, not including the energy source. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S18
Use pipework jointing techniques. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S19
Test installed pipework. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S20
Apply decommissioning practices, for example draining pipework system. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S21
Complete system handover activities. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S22
Complete a final quality inspection. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S23
Communicate with others verbally including internal and external customers, colleagues using sector specific terminology. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S24
Communicate with others in a written context including internal and external customers, colleagues using sector specific terminology. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S25
Interpret drawings from drawings, specifications, and system schematics. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
S26
Record or enter information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S27
Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and polices. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S28
Follow equity, diversity, and inclusion policies. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S29
Work within limits of authority and escalate issues. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S30
Collaborate with others including customers, colleagues, internal and external stakeholders and other trades. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
S31
Apply team working and wellbeing principles. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
Behaviour | Assessment methods |
---|---|
B1
Prioritise health, safety, and wellbeing. Back to Grading |
Practical task with questions |
B2
Considers the environment and sustainability. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
B3
Contributes to equity, diversity, and inclusivity in the workplace. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
B4
Team-focus to meet work goals. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
B5
Respond and adapt to work demands and situations. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
B6
Committed to maintaining and enhancing competence of self through continued professional development (CPD). Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
---|---|---|---|
Health and safety, regulations, and legislation
K3 K4 K6 K13 S1 S3 S5 S7 |
Hazards and risks that occur in the workplace. (K3) Purpose of standard operating procedures (SOP), company, site induction and toolbox talks. (K4) Building service engineering installation: regulations and legislation, purpose, and compliance. (K6) Manual handling techniques including material handling equipment (MHE). (K13) |
Comply with building services engineering industry regulations, standards, and guidance. (S1) Identify and report hazards and risks in the workplace. Take action to mitigate hazards and risks. (S3) Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs). (S5) Move, lift, and handle materials. (S7) |
None |
Sustainability and the environment
K10 S6 B2 |
Environmental and sustainability regulations and guidance. Recycling reuse and safe disposal of waste. (K10) |
Follow environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal. (S6) |
Considers the environment and sustainability. (B2) |
Materials and installation
K19 S14 |
Pre commissioning practices and techniques applicable to building service engineering installations. (K19) |
Carry out pre commissioning activities for building service engineering installations. (S14) |
None |
Quality assurance and handover
K20 K24 K25 S21 S22 |
Commissioning practices and techniques applicable to building service engineering installations. (K20) Handover procedures for commissioned systems. (K24) Quality management standards. Quality assurance principles and practice. (K25) |
Complete system handover activities. (S21) Complete a final quality inspection. (S22) |
None |
Collaboration and teamwork
K1 K32 K37 K38 S29 S30 S31 B4 B5 |
Hierarchy of a construction team and the roles within the building services industry. (K1) Collaborative working techniques: customers, colleagues, internal and external stakeholders and other trades (K32) Limits of authority and escalation procedures. (K37) Team working and wellbeing principles. (K38) |
Work within limits of authority and escalate issues. (S29) Collaborate with others including customers, colleagues, internal and external stakeholders and other trades. (S30) Apply team working and wellbeing principles. (S31) |
Team-focus to meet work goals. (B4) Respond and adapt to work demands and situations. (B5) |
Customer service
K30 K31 S23 S24 |
Verbal communication techniques. Giving and receiving information. Adapting style to audience. Barriers in communication and how to overcome them. Sector specific terminology. (K30) Written communication techniques: paper based and digital. Plain English principles. Sector specific terminology. (K31) |
Communicate with others verbally including internal and external customers, colleagues using sector specific terminology. (S23) Communicate with others in a written context including internal and external customers, colleagues using sector specific terminology. (S24) |
None |
Digital and communication
K34 K35 S26 S27 |
Information technology and digital systems used to support building service engineering operations. General data protection regulation (GDPR). Cyber security. (K34) Documentation: methods and requirements – electronic and paper, for example, text, data, job card, work instructions, risk assessments, method statements, operation manuals, permits to work. (K35) |
Record or enter information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements. (S26) Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and polices. (S27) |
None |
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)
K36 S28 B3 |
Principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. (K36) |
Follow equity, diversity, and inclusion policies. (S28) |
Contributes to equity, diversity, and inclusivity in the workplace. (B3) |
Continuing professional development (CPD)
B6 |
None |
None |
Committed to maintaining and enhancing competence of self through continued professional development (CPD). (B6) |
KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
---|---|---|---|
Working safely
K5 K14 S2 S4 S8 B1 |
Safe systems of work, risk assessments, method statements and control measures. (K5) Health and safety control equipment: personal protective equipment (PPE). (K14) |
Comply with health and safety regulations, standards, and practices. (S2) Comply with safe systems of work and apply control measures. (S4) Select and use personal protective equipment (PPE). (S8) |
Prioritise health, safety, and wellbeing. (B1) |
Preparation, planning and setting out
K16 K17 K18 K33 S10 S12 S13 S25 |
Work area preparation and setting out techniques. (K16) Materials, system components and bracketry used in pipework system installations. (K17) Work planning and pre work checking, requirements, and techniques. (K18) Methods of interpreting relevant information from drawings, specifications and system schematics. (K33) |
Prepare work area and complete set out requirements. (S10) Select materials, components, and fittings required to complete the work tasks. (S12) Plan order of works and carry out pre-work checks. (S13) Interpret drawings from drawings, specifications, and system schematics. (S25) |
None |
Fabrication, installation, and testing of systems pipework, components and fittings
K15 K21 K22 S9 S11 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 |
Hand tools, power tools and equipment: use and storage techniques. (K15) Principles and techniques for pipework fabrication including bending and jointing. (K21) Principles and techniques for pipework installation and testing. (K22) |
Use and store hand tools, power tools and equipment. (S9) Maintain a safe working area. (S11) Fabricate system pipework including pipe bending. (S15) Test fabricated pipework system. (S16) Install pipework system, including pipework, bracketry and components of pipework systems, not including the energy source. (S17) Use pipework jointing techniques. (S18) Test installed pipework. (S19) |
None |
Decommissioning
K23 S20 |
Decommissioning practices and techniques applicable to building service engineering installations. (K23) |
Apply decommissioning practices, for example draining pipework system. (S20) |
None |
Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date | Latest end date |
---|---|---|---|---|
1.1 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment and funding band revised. | 01/08/2024 | Not set | Not set |
1.0 | Approved for delivery | 24/03/2016 | 31/07/2024 | Not set |
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