Craft plasterer

This apprenticeship is in development and is subject to change

Why is this apprenticeship not ready for delivery?

An apprenticeship is only available for delivery when both the standard and assessment plan is approved and a funding band (core government contribution) has been assigned to the standard.

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If you'd like to get involved and contribute to the development of this apprenticeship, please read about developing standards and assessment plans. You can email the trailblazer contact using the details on this page.

Key information

  1. Status: In development
  2. Ticked Proposal approved
    Ticked Occupational standard approved
    Ticked End-point assessment plan approved
    Unticked Funding approved
  3. Reference: ST1385
  4. Level: 3
  5. Typical duration to gateway: 18 months
  6. Typical EPA period: 3 months
  7. Route: Construction and the built environment
  8. Date updated: 16/04/2024
  9. EQA provider: Ofqual is the intended EQA provider
  10. Review:

    This apprenticeship standard will be reviewed after three years

Occupational standard EPA plan

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Details of the occupational standard

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in the construction sector on a wide range of projects including new build, refurbishment of existing buildings, heritage buildings and external rendering projects. They are also often found in the creative industries producing and installing bespoke mouldings for film sets. Projects vary in size, scale, and duration, ranging from creation of specialist features, restoration of heritage and listed buildings, carrying out small repairs to a wall or ceiling to working on new build housing and large-scale commercial projects. Craft plasterers are masters in their field and when they have gained sufficient onsite experience they often provide technical leadership and supervision of the work to others. Employers and contractors of craft plasterers vary in size from small local family companies to major commercial contractors and some could specialise in one aspect of the occupation in particular. For example, plasterers could specialise in heritage work only working with organisations like National Trust and English Heritage. They become dedicated to the care, repair, conservation and restoration of old houses, churches and historic monuments and use traditional methods and materials such as lime plastering or rendering to restore ornamental plasterwork or plaster finishes to achieve authenticity.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to complete work of a complex work to both fibrous and solid plastering which can include such things as arches and decorative work. Craft plasterers with sufficient experience can plan and organise the work on site, both for themselves and others and also verify the quality of the work done within their team. They are also technical experts in their team, providing direction and advice to others and advise on work approach and problem solving. They are responsible for ensuring the plastering element of the construction programme is delivered to specification, time and in a safe and sustainable manner. Craft plasterers work both indoors and outdoors on construction sites including often working at height.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with their immediate team and often the site management team. They also liaise with other construction trades such as site carpenters, dry liners and bricklayers who could work for their own organisation or another contractor. As the technical lead for plastering they are also expected to communicate with other construction professionals for example the site manager and in the case of smaller specialist projects, the client and architect.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for ensuring the products or finishes they and their team create are of a high quality and meet standards, specifications and design plans. They are expected to do this with due regard to all safety aspects involved with working on a construction site, ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others at all times. With sustainable construction at the forefront of all projects, it is expected they would also give consideration to and advise others on the environment and the sustainability of materials, waste awareness and recycling. Solid plastering involves applying a range of plastering systems on to different background surfaces using traditional and modern materials. Background surfaces can include plain walls, walls with openings and returns, ceilings, partitions, beams and piers that are attached or independent of walls. Solid plastering work includes preparing solid backgrounds by hand and mechanical means and installing sheet materials such as expanded metal lath, rib lath, various types of beads and reinforcements for the application of one, two or three coat plastering or rendering systems. A solid plasterer would mainly be installing products on site. Fibrous plastering involves creating plaster components with either a modern contemporary design or with an ornamental enrichment to a classical design. These components could include in-situ, arches, decorative features, lighting troughs, beam and column casings, ceiling roses, complete ceilings, enriched cornices, panel mouldings and many others. They are produced using plaster that is reinforced with hessian canvas and timber laths (fibrous) or artificial fibres (glass fibre reinforced gypsum). A fibrous plasterer would produce work in a workshop in addition to installing products on site. External rendering involves using manual and mechanical methods to apply render based products to both homes and commercial buildings. It is a popular method for finishing the outside of buildings, that comes with a plethora of finishes, colours, decorative finishes and textures.

Typical job titles include:

External renderer Fibrous plasterer Heritage plasterer Plasterer

Core occupation duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Work in compliance with occupational health, safety and environmental requirements to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of self and others at all times

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K18 K19

S1 S2 S3 S4 S10

B1 B6

Duty 2 Proactively collaborate with stakeholders including clients and other construction trades in respect to programming and technical requirements

K16 K19

S7 S9 S11 S12 S13

B1 B2 B3 B4

Duty 3 Plan and organise the work site including work planning, pricing, preparing substrates and the selection of materials and tools appropriate to the project for self and others

K3 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K20

S2 S3 S6 S7 S8 S9 S11 S13

B4

Duty 4 Lead the plastering team in the delivery of construction programme including interpreting technical specifications, instructions and drawings, including digital information

K1 K3 K8 K12 K13 K16 K17 K19

S3 S7 S9 S11 S13

B1 B2 B3 B4

Duty 5 Ensure work of self and others conforms to all current and relevant building regulations, quality standards and work instructions

K1 K5 K6 K7 K10 K11

S3 S5 S9 S10

B1 B3

Duty 6 Plan the work to obtain optimum environmental, quality and schedule performance from the team, tools and associate equipment.

K4 K5 K6 K8 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K20

S4 S5 S6 S7 S9 S11

B1 B3

Duty 7 Maintain a clear and safe worksite at all times, disposing of waste and promoting sustainable practices to others

K1 K2 K3 K4 K6

S1 S2 S3 S4

B6

Duty 8 Carry out continuous professional development to maintain knowledge of current and future developments affecting the role, sharing with others where appropriate

K7 K8 K9 K18 K19

S11 S12

B2 B5

Option duties

Craft Solid Plasterer duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 9 Prepare non-standard internal background surfaces, such as composite or low suction, to receive plaster

K24 K26 K27 K29 K32

S14 S17 S18 S23

Duty 10 Select and mix appropriate plasters suitable for non-standard internal plastering projects

K21 K22 K23 K25 K29 K30

S14 S15 S18

Duty 11 Produce complex internal plastering work to specifications and industry standards

K22 K24 K29

S14 S15 S18 S23

Duty 12 Use the appropriate tools and equipment to apply one, two and three coat plastering systems to industry standards

K21 K25 K28 K29 K34

S14 S15 S18

Duty 13 Prepare a range of background surfaces to receive external rendering

K21 K23 K26 K29 K31 K32 K33

S16 S19 S21 S22 S23

Duty 14 Select and mix materials suitable for application as external rendering

K22 K23 K30 K31 K33

S16 S19 S22

Duty 15 Use the appropriate tools and equipment to apply one, two and three coat rendering systems to industry standards

K22 K30 K31 K33

S16 S19 S20 S21 S22

Duty 16 Use appropriate methods, including both manual and mechanical, to apply external rendering finishes to specification

K31 K33

S16 S19 S20 S22 S23

Craft Fibrous Plasterer duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 17 Prepare bench and background surfaces to receive complex plaster components and in-situ mouldings

K43 K44 K49

S24 S25 S26 S28 S29 S30 S31 S33 S34 S35

Duty 18 Mix plasters suitable for complex components and in situ mouldings

K36 K37 K43 K45 K46 K48 K49

S24 S25 S26 S28 S29 S30 S31 S32 S33 S34 S35

Duty 19 Produce complex plaster components and mouldings to specifications and industry standard

K35 K36 K38 K39 K40 K42 K43 K44 K46 K47 K48 K49

S24 S25 S26 S28 S29 S30 S31 S34 S35

Duty 20 Use the appropriate tools and equipment to fix complex components and in situ mouldings on site

K40 K41 K47 K48

S26 S27 S34

Duty 21 Construct positive and negative moulds to include taking a squeeze according to specifications and drawings

K38 K39 K42 K43 K44 K45 K48

S24 S25 S26 S28 S29 S30 S33 S34 S35

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Awareness of health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance and impact on role of the team and other construction trades. Employer and employee responsibilities. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH). Building safety act. Fire safety. Health and Safety at Work Act. Asbestos awareness. Manual handling. signage, fire extinguishers. Safety signage. Situational awareness. Slips, trips, and falls. Working in confined spaces. Working at height. Electrical safety respiratory protective equipment (RPE), dust suppression. Reporting injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations (RIDDOR), Provision and use of work equipment regulations (PUWER) & near miss reporting, signage and meaning. Back to Duty

K2: Types incidents - accidents, near misses. Mitigation methods. Incident management techniques. Back to Duty

K3: Safe systems of work, control measure implementation and monitoring techniques. Back to Duty

K4: Environmental management systems and standards. Environmental Protection Act. Environmental signage and notices. Types of pollution and environmental control measures: noise, smells, spills, waste and disposal of hazardous waste. Types of pollution: Water, noise and air pollution. Back to Duty

K5: The importance and considerations of the environment: Thermal bridging achieving U-values, condensation, interstitial and surface and applicable building regulations. Back to Duty

K6: Insulation products and their energy efficiencies: mineral wool, foil, fibre glass, polyisocyanurate, expanded polystyrene. Back to Duty

K7: Modern Methods of Construction: Timber frame, steel frame, Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), modular and concrete frames and cross laminated timber frames. Back to Duty

K8: The principles of building construction: Fire safety, Building information modelling (BIM), Computer aided design (CAD) and environmental and sustainability considerations Construction Design Management (CDM) regulations. Back to Duty

K9: The principles of heritage building, considerations and techniques applicable to the traditional and heritage plastering including haired lime plasters. Back to Duty

K10: Standards and regulations associated with craft plastering: British standards, building regulations, warranty provider standards, manufacturers instructions. Back to Duty

K11: Quality assurance principles and techniques. Back to Duty

K12: Methods of interpreting information from drawings, specifications and the production plan and producing work instructions, utilising traditional and digital methods. Back to Duty

K13: Planning, work scheduling, and time management techniques for self and others. Back to Duty

K14: Resource quantity calculation techniques, costing, wastage and recycling allowance. Back to Duty

K15: Stock, material stock and considerations: availability, stock lead times. stock value. faulty stock and returns process and quality control. Back to Duty

K16: Written communication techniques. Plain English principles. Back to Duty

K17: Documentation methods and requirements - digital and paper based. Back to Duty

K18: Well-being: mental and physical health considerations in self and others and how to access support. Back to Duty

K19: Inclusion, equity and diversity in the workplace. Back to Duty

K20: Plastering power tools, use and storage techniques. Back to Duty

K21: Craft solid: Types, characteristics and use of non-standard of plasterboard, acoustic, fire retarding, moisture resistant, thermal, impact, vapour control. Back to Duty

K22: Craft solid: Types, characteristics and use of specialised plasters and renders, sands, limes, cements, acrylic, monocouche, spray plaster and render and additives. Back to Duty

K23: Craft solid: Mitigating factors that impact setting, curing, and hardening times for plaster and renders. Back to Duty

K24: Craft solid: Setting out techniques for plastered curved surfaces: concave and convex surfaces. Back to Duty

K25: Craft solid: Hand application techniques for plastered curved surfaces: concave and convex surfaces. Back to Duty

K26: Craft solid: Preparation techniques for composite and non-standard backgrounds: existing rib lath metal, textured back grounds and lime-based. Back to Duty

K27: Craft solid: Fixing techniques for insulated plaster board. Back to Duty

K28: Craft Solid: Techniques for forming non- standard (non 90 degree) angles in plaster and render: obtuse and acute angles. Back to Duty

K29: Craft solid: Setting out and beading application techniques for multiple beams and piers, plaster and render Back to Duty

K30: Craft solid: Machine application techniques for plaster and render, internal and external. Back to Duty

K31: Craft solid: Polymer based thin coat render hand application techniques. Back to Duty

K32: Craft solid: Polymer based render: Priming, base coat, reinforcement, finish coat and background surfaces, including EWI (external wall insulation) and cement particle board. Back to Duty

K33: Craft solid: Complex render finishing techniques : Plain ashlar, raised ashlar, dry dash, wet dash, rough casting, cottage, scraped texture, pebble dashing and tyrolean. Back to Duty

K34: Craft solid: Complex plastering components, type and fixing techniques: plastic trims, expanded metal lath (EML) and rib lath. Back to Duty

K35: Craft fibrous: Types, characteristics and use of Geometric fibrous plastering techniques: classical orders of architecture, Roman profiles, arches and arch components Grecian profiles, domes, vaults, lunettes, circular work, and columns. Back to Duty

K36: Craft fibrous: Types of complex reverse moulds: run reverse mould with undercut, piece mould, case mould, flood mould and run loose piece mould. Back to Duty

K37: Craft Fibrous: Mitigating factors that impact setting, curing, and hardening times for fibrous plasters and adhesives. Back to Duty

K38: Craft fibrous: Setting out techniques for fibrous arch components: curves and stepped. Back to Duty

K39: Craft fibrous: Positive mould curved and stepped arch component formation techniques. Back to Duty

K40: Craft fibrous: Centre point production techniques: gig sticks, trammel, plasters oval and peg mould. Back to Duty

K41: Craft fibrous: Complex fixing techniques: wad and wire, metal reinforcement, fibre strands and tie wires. Back to Duty

K42: Craft fibrous: Bench preparation techniques for positive moulds. Back to Duty

K43: Craft fibrous: Positive mould preparation techniques for cold pour compounds. Back to Duty

K44: Craft fibrous: Gauging and mixing techniques for cold pour compounds. Back to Duty

K45: Craft fibrous: Mould coring out and muffling techniques. Back to Duty

K46: Craft fibrous: Complex decorative fibrous components production techniques: uplighters, panel mouldings, niches, column capitals, brackets and corbels. Back to Duty

K47: Craft fibrous: Techniques for producing complex moulds: turning mould, double hinged moulds, twin slippered mould and rebated mould piece. Back to Duty

K48: Craft fibrous: Fibrous plaster repair techniques: in-situ moulding (taking a squeeze) and pattern matching. Back to Duty

K49: Craft fibrous: Methods of producing enriched cornicing and cornice model. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Comply with health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance. Back to Duty

S2: Use safety control equipment for example, RPE, dust suppression and PPE. Back to Duty

S3: Implement and monitor safe systems of work and control measures. Back to Duty

S4: Apply environmental and sustainable principles in compliance with environmental regulations standards and systems. Back to Duty

S5: Apply quality assurance principles and techniques. Back to Duty

S6: Monitor, obtain and check stock and supplies. Back to Duty

S7: Interpret and extract information using paper based or digital techniques from drawings, specifications and provide work instructions. Back to Duty

S8: Calculate resource and cost quantities from site measurements. Back to Duty

S9: Apply planning, work scheduling and time management techniques to identify and agree production plan targets. Back to Duty

S10: Check, use and store power tools. Back to Duty

S11: Complete documentation - paper based and digital. For example, job sheets, time sheets, risk assessments, method statements, equipment service records, handover documents, work sheets, checklists, incident reports, requisition sheets and quality records. Back to Duty

S12: Communicate and report issues against the production plan and contribute to the solutions. Back to Duty

S13: Core: Communicate in written form. Back to Duty

S14: Craft Solid: Set out for concave and convex plaster curved surfaces. Back to Duty

S15: Craft solid: Form concave and convex plastered curved surfaces, including floating coat and finishing coat. Back to Duty

S16: Craft solid: Prepare composite and non-standard backgrounds, for example existing rib lath metal, textured back grounds and lime-based. Back to Duty

S17: Craft solid: Fix insulated plasterboard to solid backgrounds. Back to Duty

S18: Craft solid: Form non- standard (non 90 degree obtuse and acute angles), in plaster and render. Back to Duty

S19: Craft Solid: Set out and apply beads for plaster or render to multiple piers and beams. Back to Duty

S20: Craft solid: Machine apply plaster and render. Back to Duty

S21: Craft solid: Apply polymer based thin coat render systems to EWI and cement particle board back ground surface, Back to Duty

S22: Craft Solid : Form complex render finishes for example, Plain ashlar, raised ashlar, dry dash, wet dash, rough casting, cottage, scraped texture, pebble dashing and tyrolean. Back to Duty

S23: Craft solid: Install complex plastering components, including plastic trims, expanded metal lath and (EML) rib lath Back to Duty

S24: Craft fibrous: Set out curved and stepped arch components. Back to Duty

S25: Craft fibrous: Form curved and stepped fibrous arch components using positive mould. Back to Duty

S26: Craft fibrous: Use centre points, for example gig sticks, trammel, plasters oval and peg mould. Back to Duty

S27: Craft fibrous: Fix fibrous components, using complex techniques for example, wad and wire, metal reinforcement, fibre strands and tie wires. Back to Duty

S28: Craft fibrous: Prepare bench for positive mould. Back to Duty

S29: Craft fibrous: Prepare positive mould for cold pour components. Back to Duty

S30: Craft fibrous: Mix and gauge cold pour compounds. Back to Duty

S31: Craft fibrous: Core out and muffle fibrous moulds. Back to Duty

S32: Craft fibrous: Produce complex decorative fibrous plaster components. For example uplighters, panel mouldings niches, column capitals, brackets and corbels. Back to Duty

S33: Craft fibrous: Construct ridged and flexible complex plaster reverse moulds. For example turning mould, double hinged moulds, twin slippered mould, rebated mould, piece mould and waste mould. Back to Duty

S34: Craft fibrous: Repair complex fibrous plaster components including in situ moulding (take a squeeze) and pattern match. Back to Duty

S35: Craft fibrous: Produce an enriched cornice model and enriched cornicing. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Take personal responsibility for their own health and safety. Back to Duty

B2: Support an inclusive culture. Back to Duty

B3: Take responsibility for the quality of work and encourage others to work to high standards. Back to Duty

B4: Collaborate and promote teamwork across disciplines and external stakeholders. Back to Duty

B5: Committed to continued professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice. Back to Duty

B6: Promotes health, safety, environment and sustainability principles to others. Back to Duty

Qualifications

English and Maths

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.

Print EPA plan

End-point assessment plan

Introduction and overview

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the craft plasterer apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Craft plasterer 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:

  • Craft Solid Plasterer
  • Craft Fibrous Plasterer

A full-time craft plasterer apprentice typically spends 18 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:

  • fail
  • pass
  • distinction

Assessment method 2 - practical assessment with questions:

  • fail
  • pass
  • distinction

Assessment method 3 - interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

  • fail
  • pass
  • distinction

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

  • fail
  • pass
  • merit
  • distinction

EPA summary table

On-programme - typically 18 months

The apprentice must:

  • complete training to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) outlined in this apprenticeship’s standard
  • complete training towards English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

  • compile a portfolio of evidence
End-point assessment gateway

The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice is occupationally competent.

The apprentice must:

  • confirm they are ready to take the EPA
  • have achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

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:

  • fail

  • pass

  • distinction

Practical assessment with questions:

  • fail

  • pass

  • distinction

Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

  • fail

  • pass

  • distinction

Overall EPA and apprenticeship can be graded:

    • fail
    • pass
    • merit
    • distinction
Re-sits and re-takes
  • re-take and re-sit grade cap: pass
  • re-sit timeframe: typically 3 months
  • re-take timeframe: typically 6 months

Duration of end-point assessment period

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.

EPA gateway

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:

  • confirm they are ready to take the EPA
  • have achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

  • submit a portfolio of evidence for the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Portfolio of evidence requirements:

The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by 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:

  • workplace documentation and records
  • workplace policies and procedures
  • witness statements
  • annotated photographs
  • video clips with a maximum total duration 10 minutes; the apprentice must be in view and identifiable

This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.

The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance, for example, witness statements, rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.

The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the interview . The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the interview. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.

Gateway evidence must be submitted to the EPAO, along with any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO.

Order of assessment methods

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.

Multiple-choice test

Overview

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 and skill mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

  • it can assess knowledge it is easy to administer
  • it can be conducted remotely and administered to multiple apprentices at the same time, potentially reducing cost

Delivery


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

The 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 14 days’ notice of the date and time of the test.

Test administration

The apprentice must have 70 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 following equipment is allowed to be used during the test:

  • scientific calculator
  • pen and paper

The test administrator should provide this equipment in readiness for 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.

Marking

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.

Assessment location

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.

Question and resource development

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:

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

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Practical assessment with questions

Overview

In a practical assessment 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.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

  • this is a practical role, which can be demonstrated through completing tasks
  • it allows for consistency of opportunity for apprentices to demonstrate their competence against the mapped KSBs
  • it assesses KSBs holistically and objectively
  • it is a valid assessment because it involves direct testing under controlled conditions

Delivery

The practical assessment 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 assessment with questions.

The independent assessor must only observe up to four apprentices at a time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice of the . practical assessment with questions

The practical assessment with questions must take 12 hours.

The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical assessment 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 practical assessment with questions may take place in parts but must be completed over 2 working day. A working day is typically considered to be 7.5 hours long. The reason for this split is to allow apprentices to complete all aspects of the practical assessment.

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 assessment with questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.

The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical assessment:

Craft solid plasterer option:

Task 1:

Setting out and application of plaster to form a concave or convex curved surface. The curve must include floating coat and setting coat. The curve must be a minimum radius of 0.5m and 2m in length..

Optional criteria – incorporate a non-standard (non 90 degree) acute or obtuse angle in plaster

Task 2:

Application of a polymer-based thin coat render system to EWI (external wall insulation) or cement particle board, including a mimimum of one anomaly, for example a window with reveals, doorway with reveal, protruding pipework and service boxes. The application should include priming, base coat, reinforcement and complex render finish. The area to render must be a minimum of 4 metres squared excluding anomalies.

Optional criteria – incorporate a non-standard (non 90 degree) acute or obtuse angle in render

The apprentice must carry out one of the optional criteria in task 1 or task 2

To ensure reliable assessment the tasks will vary but must provide equal challenge. The EPAO will provide the apprentice with a practical assessment specification. Where more than one apprentice is being observed in the same location, each apprentice must be provided with a different practical assessment specification.

Preparation for the EPA:

Where the EPA is administered at the employers or training provider's premises, the EPAO may liaise with the employer or training provider to provide resources, set up and equipment requirement information in preparation for the practical activity. Where this is the case, the EPAO must put measures in place to prevent malpractice and reduce predictability.

Practical areas and resources required for the practical assessment such as EWI or cement particle board and curved timber profiles must be pre made or pre-installed by the EPAO or on behalf of the EPAO prior to the assessment.

The EPAO is ultimately responsible for the preparation and quality of installations, resources and equipment to ensure fair assessment.

Tolerances and criteria

Task 1:

  • curve length and height to specification: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1mm
  • curve plumb or level: Pass, + or – 4mm or Distinction, + or - 2mm
  • curve radius to specification across length: Pass, + or - 4mm or Distinction, + or - 2mm
  • setting coat plaster visual discrepancies: Pass, no more than 3 or Distinction, no more than 1

(Note a visual discrepancy should be measured as a defect greater than 15mm in diameter or length, such as trowel marks, fat marks, gauls, or blemishes.)

Task 2:

  • render finish applied to specification: Pass only
  • thickness of polymer floating coat to manufacturer’s instruction: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1mm
  • reinforcement installed to manufacturer’s instructions: Pass only
  • thickness of polymer finishing coat to manufacturer’s instruction: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1mm
  • polymer finishing coat render visual discrepancies: Pass, no more than 3 or Distinction, no more than 1

(Note a visual discrepancy should be measured as a defect greater than 15mm in diameter or length, such as trowel marks, gauls,, blemishes or irregularities in finish.)

Optional criteria:

  • angle to specification: Pass, + or – 4 degrees or Distinction , + or – 2 degrees
  • angle visual discrepancies: Pass, no more than 3, Distinction, no more than 1

(Note a visual discrepancy should be measured as a defect greater than 15mm in diameter or length, such as trowel marks, fat marks, gauls,blemishes or irregularities in finish.)

Craft fibrous Plasterer option:

Setting out, formation and fixing of a fibrous plaster arch, The arch must be a single centre point arch with keystone or an arch with two or more centre points.

The arch task must:

  • minimum of 900mm in span
  • minimum 300mm rise
  • minimum width of architrave 100mm
  • architrave stepped profiled with minimum depth of 25mm
  • finished to stepped capping mould with mitred returns
  • use cold pour and coring and muffling techniques

To ensure reliable assessment the tasks will vary but must provide equal challenge. The EPAO will provide the apprentice with a practical assessment specification. Where more than one apprentice is being observed in the same location, each apprentice must be provided with a different practical assessment specification.

Preparation for the EPA:

Where the EPA is administered at the employers or training providers premises, the EPAO may liaise with the employer or training provider to provide resource, set up and equipment requirement information in preparation for the practical activity. Where this is the case, the EPAO must put measures in place to prevent malpractice and reduce predictability.

Resources required for the practical assessment such as moulds and centre point production resources must be pre-fabricated by the EPAO or on behalf of the EPAO prior to the assessment and provided to the apprentice on the day.

The EPAO is ultimately responsible for the preparation and quality of resources and equipment to ensure fair assessment.

Tolerances and criteria:

  • arch span to specification: Pass, + or - 4mm at any point or Distinction, + or - 2mm
  • arch rise to specification: Pass, + or - 4mm at any point or Distinction, + or - 2mm
  • setting out of radius to specification: Pass, + or - 4mm at any point or Distinction, + or - 2mm
  • external mitres are aligned with true mitre line: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1 mm
  • mitres flush: Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1 mm
  • stopping in completed with no gaps exceeding Pass, + or - 3mm or Distinction, + or - 1 mm
  • arch visual discrepancies: Pass, no more than 3 or Distinction, no more than 1:

(Note a visual discrepancy should be measured as a defect greater than 10mm in diameter or length, such as chattering, scratch lines, blemishes, tears or misses)

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

The independent assessor must ask questions.

The purpose of the questions is:

  • to seek clarification where required
  • to assess the level of competence against the grading descriptors

Questioning must occur during the practical assessment. The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time.

The independent assessor must ask at least 3 questions during the practical assessment. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessor should ask questions during natural breaks in work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training.

The independent assessor can ask follow-up questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice. These questions are in addition to the above set number of questions for the practical assessment with questions.

The apprentice may choose to end the 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 the 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 the assessment early.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must assess the practical assessment and responses to questions holistically when deciding the grade.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

  • the KSBs observed
  • the apprentice’s answers to questions
  • KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
  • the grade achieved

Assessment location

The practical assessment 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 assessment with questions must be confirmed to be available by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these. They must be in good and safe working condition.

Question and resource development

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 assessment with questions:

  • independent assessor assessment materials which include:
    • training materials
    • administration materials
    • moderation and standardisation materials
    • guidance materials
    • grading guidance
    • question bank
  • EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Overview

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.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

  • it assesses KSBs holistically and objectively
  • it allows for the assessment of KSBs that do not occur on a predictable or regular basis
  • it allows for assessment of responses where there are a range of potential answers
  • it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost

Delivery

The interview must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the interview.

  • (core) safe systems of work
  • (core) environment and sustainability
  • (core) interpreting information and planning
  • (core) documentation
  • (core) stock
  • (core) power tools
  • (craft solid plasterer) complex solid plastering techniques
  • (craft fibrous plasterer) complex fibrous plastering techniques
  • (core) quality assurance
  • (core) wellbeing, inclusion and CPD

The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' 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 90 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the interview by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.

The independent assessor must ask at least 9 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.

The apprentice may choose to end the 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 the 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 the assessment early.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

  • the apprentice’s answers to questions
  • the KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
  • the grade achieved 

Assessment location

The interview must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.

The interview should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Question and resource development

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:

  • independent assessor assessment materials which include:
    • training materials
    • administration materials
    • moderation and standardisation materials
    • guidance materials
    • grading guidance
    • question bank
  • EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Grading

Practical assessment with questions

Fail - does not meet pass criteria

Theme
KSBs
Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors
Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
(Core) Health and safety
S1 S2 B1

Takes responsibility for their own health and safety and works in compliance with regulations, standards and guidance. (S1, B1)

Uses safety control equipment in line with manufacturer’s instructions, organisational and statutory requirements. (S2)

 

Explains the benefits for individuals and the business of compliance with health and safety regulations and standards and the consequences of non-compliance. (S1)
(Craft Solid Plasterer) Solid
K24 K25 K28 K31 K32 K33 S14 S15 S18 S21 S22

Applies techniques to set out and form a plaster concave or convex curved surface including floating coat and finishing coat in line with task requirements and pass tolerances and criteria. (K24, K25, S14, S15)

Applies a polymer based thin coat render system including complex render finish in line with task requirements and pass tolerances and criteria. (K31, K32, K33, S21, S22)

Applies techniques to form a non-standard (non-90 degree) acute or obtuse angle in plaster or render in line with task requirements and pass tolerances and criteria. (K28, S18)

 

Optimises the quality of the craft solid plastering tasks by completing the tasks in line with distinction tolerances and criteria. (S14, S15, S18, S21, S22)
(Craft Fibrous Plasterer) Fibrous
K38 K39 K40 K41 K42 K43 K44 K45 S24 S25 S26 S27 S28 S29 S30 S31

Applies setting out techniques and uses centre points to set out curved and stepped fibrous arch components in line with task requirements and pass tolerances and criteria. (K38, K40, S24, S26)

Prepares bench and positive moulds for cold pour compunds including mould coring and muffling in line with task requirements. (K42, K43, K45, S28, S29, S31)

Applies techniques to mix and gauge cold pour components in line with manufacturer’s instructions and task requirements. (K44, S30)

Forms stepped and curved complex arch components usng positive mould in line with task requirements and pass tolerances and criteria. (K39, S25)

Applies complex fixing techniques to fix fibrous components in line with task requirements andpass tolerances and criteria. (K41, S27)

 

Optimises the quality of the craft fibrous plastering task by completing the task in line with distinction tolerances and criteria. (S24, S25, S26, S27)

Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Fail - does not meet pass criteria

Theme
KSBs
Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors
Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
(Core) Safe systems of work
K3 S3

Describes how they implement and monitor safe systems of work and control measures for plastering tasks to ensure they are fulfilled and applied continuously throughout the task. (K3, S3)

Explains how chosen control measures and safe systems of work have the potential to minimise risks or hazards to themself and others. (K3, S3)
(Core) Environmental and sustainability
S4

Describes how they apply environmental and sustainability principles to plastering tasks in compliance with environmental regulations and standards. (S4)

Explains how their application of environmental and sustainability principles contribute to reducing the impact of construction works on the environment. (S4)
(Core) Interpreting information and planning
K12 K13 S7 S9 S12 B4 B6

Describes how they interpret and extract information from drawings, specifications and the production plan via paper based or digital means. Explains how they use the information gathered to provide clear work instructions which promote health and safety and environmental and sustainability principles to the team. (K12, S7, B6)

Explains how they apply planning, work scheduling and time management techniques to identify and agree targets for themselves and others, in line with the production plan. (K13, S9)

Describes how they communicate and report issues in the production plan. Explains how they promote teamwork by collaborating across disciplines and external stakeholders to find solutions to issues. (S12, B4)

None.
(Core) Documentation
K16 K17 S11 S13

Explains how they apply written communication techniques to complete paper based or digital documentation relevant to the plastering role, in plain English and in line with organisational requirements. (K16, K17, S11, S13)

None.
(Core) Stock
K15 S6

Describes how they obtain, monitor and rotate stock and supplies in line with organisational procedures. Explains stock value, lead times and their organisational process for returning faulty stock. (K15, S6)

Explains how they would manage a difficulty with sourcing stock or supplies in a typical plastering based scenario provided by the independent assessor. (K15, S6)
(Core) Power tools
K20 S10

Describes how they check, use and store power tools in line with task requirements, manufacturer’s instructions and organisational procedures. (K20, S10)

None.
(Craft Solid Plasterer) Complex solid plastering techniques
K26 K27 K29 K30 K34 S16 S17 S19 S20 S23

Describes how they install complex plastering components, for example plastic trims, expanded metal lath (EML) rib lath in line with task requirements. (K34, S23)

Describes how they machine apply plaster or render in line with task requirements. (K30, S20)

Describes how they fix insulated plasterboard to solid backgrounds in line with task requirements. (K27, S17)

Describes how they prepare composite and non-standard back grounds in readiness for plastering or rendering in line with task requirements. (S16, K26)

Describes how they set out and apply beading in readiness for plastering or rendering multiple beams or piers in line with task requirements. (K29, S19)

 

None.
(Craft Fibrous Plasterer) Complex fibrous plastering techniques
K46 K47 K48 K49 S32 S33 S34 S35

Describes how they produce complex decorative fibrous plaster components for example, uplighters, panel mouldings, niches, column capitals, brackets and corbels in line with task requirements. (K46, S32)

Describes how they construct rigid and flexible complex moulds in line with task requirements. (K47, S33)

Describes how they produce enriched cornicing including enriched cornice models in line with task requirements. (K49, S35)

Describes how they apply techniques to repair and match fibrous components in line with task requirements. (K48, S34)

 

None.
(Core) Quality assurance
K11 S5 B3

Describes how they take responsibility for the quality of work and encourage others to work to high standards by the application of quality assurance principles and techniques in line with organisational procedures. (K11, S5, B3)

Justifies the importance of quality assurance procedures when carrying out plastering tasks, identifying potential issues that could arise and how the use of quality assurance procedures prevents them. (K11, S5)
(Core) Wellbeing, inclusion and CPD
K18 K19 B2 B5

Describes mental and physical health considerations of themselves and others and identifies sources of support available for themselves and others. (K18)

Explains the learning they have completed and recorded to support competence in their role, showing a commitment to future. CPD. (B5)

Explains how they are supportive of the needs and concerns of others, especially where this relates to equity, diversity and inclusion. (K19, B2).

None.

Multiple-choice test

Grade Minimum marks required Maximum marks required
Fail 0 23
Pass 24 31
Distinction 32 40

Overall EPA grading

Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:

  • fail

  • pass

  • merit

  • distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the practical assessment 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 EPA merit, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in the practical assessment as well as a distinction in one other method and a pass in the other method. To achieve an EPA distinction, the apprentice must gain a distinction in all the assessment methods.

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

Multiple-choice test Practical assessment with questions Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence Overall Grading
Any grade Fail Any grade Fail
Any grade Any grade Fail Fail
Fail Any grade Any grade Fail
Pass Pass Pass Pass
Distinction Pass Pass Pass
Pass Distinction Pass Pass
Pass Pass Distinction Pass
Distinction Pass Distinction Pass
Pass Distinction Distinction Merit
Distinction Distinction Pass Merit
Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction

Re-sits and re-takes

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 3 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 6 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 and responsibilities

Roles Responsibilities

Apprentice

As a minimum, the apprentice should:

  • complete on-programme training to meet the KSBs as outlined in the apprenticeship standard for a minimum of 12 months
  • complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules and as arranged by the employer and training provider
  • understand the purpose and importance of EPA
  • prepare for and undertake the EPA including meeting all gateway requirements

Employer

As a minimum, the apprentice's employer must:

  • select the training provider 
  • work with the training provider to select the EPAO 
  • work with the training provider, where applicable, to support the apprentice in the workplace and to provide the opportunities for the apprentice to develop the KSBs
  • arrange and support off-the-job training to be undertaken by the apprentice 
  • decide when the apprentice is working at or above the apprenticeship standard and is ready for EPA
  • ensure the apprentice is prepared for the EPA
  • ensure that all supporting evidence required at the gateway is submitted in line with this EPA plan
  • confirm arrangements with the EPAO for the EPA in a timely manner, including who, when, where
  • provide the EPAO with access to any employer-specific documentation as required for example, company policies
  • ensure that the EPA is scheduled with the EPAO for a date and time which allows appropriate opportunity for the apprentice to meet the KSBs
  • ensure the apprentice is given sufficient time away from regular duties to prepare for, and complete the EPA
  • ensure that any required supervision during the EPA period, as stated within this EPA plan, is in place
  • ensure the apprentice has access to the resources used to fulfil their role and carry out the EPA for workplace based assessments
  • remain independent from the delivery of the EPA
  • pass the certificate to the apprentice upon receipt

EPAO

As a minimum, the EPAO must:

  • conform to the requirements of this EPA plan and deliver its requirements in a timely manner
  • conform to the requirements of the apprenticeship provider and assessment register
  • conform to the requirements of the external quality assurance provider (EQAP)
  • understand the apprenticeship including the occupational standard and EPA plan 
  • make all necessary contractual arrangements including agreeing the price of the EPA
  • develop and produce assessment materials including specifications and marking materials, for example mark schemes, practice materials, training material
  • maintain and apply a policy for the declaration and management of conflict of interests and independence. This must ensure, as a minimum, there is no personal benefit or detriment for those delivering the EPA or from the result of an assessment. It must cover:
    • apprentices
    • employers
    • independent assessors
    • any other roles involved in delivery or grading of the EPA
  • have quality assurance systems and procedures that ensure fair, reliable and consistent assessment and maintain records of internal quality assurance (IQA) activity for external quality assurance (EQA) purposes
  • appoint independent, competent, and suitably qualified assessors in line with the requirements of this EPA plan
  • appoint administrators, invigilators and any other roles where required to facilitate the EPA
  • deliver induction, initial and on-going training for all their independent assessors and any other roles involved in the delivery or grading of the EPA as specified within this EPA plan. This should include how to record the rationale and evidence for grading decisions where required 
  • conduct standardisation with all their independent assessors before allowing them to deliver an EPA, when the EPA is updated, and at least once a year 
  • conduct moderation across all of their independent assessors’ decisions once EPAs have started according to a sampling plan, with associated risk rating of independent assessors 
  • monitor the performance of all their independent assessors and provide additional training where necessary 
  • develop and provide assessment recording documentation to ensure a clear and auditable process is in place for providing assessment decisions and feedback to all relevant stakeholders 
  • use language in the development and delivery of the EPA that is appropriate to the level of the apprenticeship
  • arrange for the EPA to take place in a timely manner, in consultation with the employer
  • provide information, advice, and guidance documentation to enable apprentices, employers and training providers to prepare for the EPA
  • confirm the gateway requirements have been met before they start the EPA for an apprentice
  • arrange a suitable venue for the EPA
  • maintain the security of the EPA including, but not limited to, verifying the identity of the apprentice, invigilation and security of materials
  • where the EPA plan permits assessment away from the workplace, ensure that the apprentice has access to the required resources and liaise with the employer to agree this if necessary
  • confirm the overall grade awarded
  • maintain and apply a policy for conducting appeals

Independent assessor

As a minimum, an independent assessor must: 

  • be independent, with no conflict of interest with the apprentice, their employer or training provider, specifically, they must not receive a personal benefit or detriment from the result of the assessment
  • have, maintain and be able to evidence up-to-date knowledge and expertise of the occupation
  • have the competence to assess the EPA and meet the requirements of the IQA section of this EPA plan
  • understand the apprenticeship’s occupational standard and EPA plan
  • attend induction and standardisation events before they conduct an EPA for the first time, when the EPA is updated, and at least once a year
  • use language in the delivery of the EPA that is appropriate to the level of the apprenticeship
  • work with other personnel, where used, in the preparation and delivery of assessment methods
  • conduct the EPA to assess the apprentice against the KSBs and in line with the EPA plan
  • make final grading decisions in line with this EPA plan
  • record and report assessment outcome decisions
  • comply with the IQA requirements of the EPAO
  • comply with external quality assurance (EQA) requirements

Training provider

As a minimum, the training provider must: 

  • conform to the requirements of the apprenticeship provider and assessment register
  • ensure procedures are in place to mitigate against any conflict of interest
  • work with the employer and support the apprentice during the off-the-job training to provide the opportunities to develop the KSBs as outlined in the occupational standard
  • deliver training to the apprentice as outlined in their apprenticeship agreement
  • monitor the apprentice’s progress during any training provider led on-programme learning
  • ensure the apprentice is prepared for the EPA
  • work with the employer to select the EPAO 
  • advise the employer, upon request, on the apprentice’s readiness for EPA
  • ensure that all supporting evidence required at the gateway is submitted in line with this EPA plan
  • remain independent from the delivery of the EPA

Marker

As a minimum, the marker must:

  • attend induction training as directed by the EPAO 
  • have no direct connection or conflict of interest with the apprentice, their employer or training provider
  • mark test answers in line with the EPAO’s mark scheme and procedures 

Invigilator

As a minimum, the invigilator must: 

  • attend induction training as directed by the EPAO  
  • not invigilate an assessment, solely, if they have delivered the assessed content to the apprentice 
  • invigilate and supervise the apprentice during tests and in breaks during assessment methods to prevent malpractice in line with the EPAO’s invigilation procedures 

An additional person required during the practical assessment

As a minimum, the competent person must:

  • be occupationally competent to perform the required role
  • follow a brief provided by the independent assessor which confirms what is required
  • be at the assessment venue and be in situ prior to the assessment
  • adhere to confidentiality about all aspects of the assessment
  • not provide guidance or influence the assessment outcome in any way
  • provide a written statement to confirm that the task is attributable to the apprentice

Reasonable adjustments

The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

  • how an apprentice qualifies for a reasonable adjustment
  • what reasonable adjustments may be made

Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Special considerations

The EPAO must have special consideration arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

  • how an apprentice qualifies for a special consideration
  • what special considerations will be given

Special considerations must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Internal quality assurance

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:

  • have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 3 gained in the last 3 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector

Value for money

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

  • utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods
  • conducting assessment methods on the same day

Professional recognition

This apprenticeship is not aligned to professional recognition.

KSB mapping table

Knowledge Assessment methods
K1: Core.

Awareness of health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance and impact on role of the team and other construction trades. Employer and employee responsibilities. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH). Building safety act. Fire safety. Health and Safety at Work Act. Asbestos awareness. Manual handling. signage, fire extinguishers. Safety signage. Situational awareness. Slips, trips, and falls. Working in confined spaces. Working at height. Electrical safety respiratory protective equipment (RPE), dust suppression. Reporting injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations (RIDDOR), Provision and use of work equipment regulations (PUWER) & near miss reporting, signage and meaning.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K2: Core.

Types incidents - accidents, near misses. Mitigation methods. Incident management techniques.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K3: Core.

Safe systems of work, control measure implementation and monitoring techniques.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K4: Core.

Environmental management systems and standards. Environmental Protection Act. Environmental signage and notices. Types of pollution and environmental control measures: noise, smells, spills, waste and disposal of hazardous waste. Types of pollution: Water, noise and air pollution.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K5: Core.

The importance and considerations of the environment: Thermal bridging achieving U-values, condensation, interstitial and surface and applicable building regulations.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K6: Core.

Insulation products and their energy efficiencies: mineral wool, foil, fibre glass, polyisocyanurate, expanded polystyrene.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K7: Core.

Modern Methods of Construction: Timber frame, steel frame, Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), modular and concrete frames and cross laminated timber frames.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K8: Core.

The principles of building construction: Fire safety, Building information modelling (BIM), Computer aided design (CAD) and environmental and sustainability considerations Construction Design Management (CDM) regulations.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K9: Core.

The principles of heritage building, considerations and techniques applicable to the traditional and heritage plastering including haired lime plasters.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K10: Core.

Standards and regulations associated with craft plastering: British standards, building regulations, warranty provider standards, manufacturers instructions.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K11: Core.

Quality assurance principles and techniques.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K12: Core.

Methods of interpreting information from drawings, specifications and the production plan and producing work instructions, utilising traditional and digital methods.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K13: Core.

Planning, work scheduling, and time management techniques for self and others.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K14: Core.

Resource quantity calculation techniques, costing, wastage and recycling allowance.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K15: Core.

Stock, material stock and considerations: availability, stock lead times. stock value. faulty stock and returns process and quality control.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K16: Core.

Written communication techniques. Plain English principles.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K17: Core.

Documentation methods and requirements - digital and paper based.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K18: Core.

Well-being: mental and physical health considerations in self and others and how to access support.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K19: Core.

Inclusion, equity and diversity in the workplace.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K20: Core.

Plastering power tools, use and storage techniques.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K21: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Types, characteristics and use of non-standard of plasterboard, acoustic, fire retarding, moisture resistant, thermal, impact, vapour control.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K22: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Types, characteristics and use of specialised plasters and renders, sands, limes, cements, acrylic, monocouche, spray plaster and render and additives.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K23: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Mitigating factors that impact setting, curing, and hardening times for plaster and renders.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K24: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Setting out techniques for plastered curved surfaces: concave and convex surfaces.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
K25: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Hand application techniques for plastered curved surfaces: concave and convex surfaces.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
K26: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Preparation techniques for composite and non-standard backgrounds: existing rib lath metal, textured back grounds and lime-based.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K27: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Fixing techniques for insulated plaster board.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K28: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft Solid: Techniques for forming non- standard (non 90 degree) angles in plaster and render: obtuse and acute angles.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
K29: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Setting out and beading application techniques for multiple beams and piers, plaster and render

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K30: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Machine application techniques for plaster and render, internal and external.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K31: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Polymer based thin coat render hand application techniques.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
K32: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Polymer based render: Priming, base coat, reinforcement, finish coat and background surfaces, including EWI (external wall insulation) and cement particle board.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
K33: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Complex render finishing techniques : Plain ashlar, raised ashlar, dry dash, wet dash, rough casting, cottage, scraped texture, pebble dashing and tyrolean.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
K34: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Complex plastering components, type and fixing techniques: plastic trims, expanded metal lath (EML) and rib lath.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K35: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Types, characteristics and use of Geometric fibrous plastering techniques: classical orders of architecture, Roman profiles, arches and arch components Grecian profiles, domes, vaults, lunettes, circular work, and columns.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K36: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Types of complex reverse moulds: run reverse mould with undercut, piece mould, case mould, flood mould and run loose piece mould.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K37: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft Fibrous: Mitigating factors that impact setting, curing, and hardening times for fibrous plasters and adhesives.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
K38: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Setting out techniques for fibrous arch components: curves and stepped.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
K39: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Positive mould curved and stepped arch component formation techniques.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
K40: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Centre point production techniques: gig sticks, trammel, plasters oval and peg mould.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
K41: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Complex fixing techniques: wad and wire, metal reinforcement, fibre strands and tie wires.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
K42: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Bench preparation techniques for positive moulds.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
K43: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Positive mould preparation techniques for cold pour compounds.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
K44: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Gauging and mixing techniques for cold pour compounds.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
K45: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Mould coring out and muffling techniques.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
K46: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Complex decorative fibrous components production techniques: uplighters, panel mouldings, niches, column capitals, brackets and corbels.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K47: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Techniques for producing complex moulds: turning mould, double hinged moulds, twin slippered mould and rebated mould piece.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K48: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Fibrous plaster repair techniques: in-situ moulding (taking a squeeze) and pattern matching.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K49: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Methods of producing enriched cornicing and cornice model.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Skill Assessment methods
S1: Core.

Comply with health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S2: Core.

Use safety control equipment for example, RPE, dust suppression and PPE.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S3: Core.

Implement and monitor safe systems of work and control measures.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S4: Core.

Apply environmental and sustainable principles in compliance with environmental regulations standards and systems.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S5: Core.

Apply quality assurance principles and techniques.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S6: Core.

Monitor, obtain and check stock and supplies.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S7: Core.

Interpret and extract information using paper based or digital techniques from drawings, specifications and provide work instructions.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S8: Core.

Calculate resource and cost quantities from site measurements.

Back to Grading 		Multiple-choice test
S9: Core.

Apply planning, work scheduling and time management techniques to identify and agree production plan targets.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S10: Core.

Check, use and store power tools.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S11: Core.

Complete documentation - paper based and digital. For example, job sheets, time sheets, risk assessments, method statements, equipment service records, handover documents, work sheets, checklists, incident reports, requisition sheets and quality records.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S12: Core.

Communicate and report issues against the production plan and contribute to the solutions.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S13: Core.

Core: Communicate in written form.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S14: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft Solid: Set out for concave and convex plaster curved surfaces.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S15: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Form concave and convex plastered curved surfaces, including floating coat and finishing coat.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S16: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Prepare composite and non-standard backgrounds, for example existing rib lath metal, textured back grounds and lime-based.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S17: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Fix insulated plasterboard to solid backgrounds.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S18: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Form non- standard (non 90 degree obtuse and acute angles), in plaster and render.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S19: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft Solid: Set out and apply beads for plaster or render to multiple piers and beams.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S20: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Machine apply plaster and render.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S21: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Apply polymer based thin coat render systems to EWI and cement particle board back ground surface,

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S22: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft Solid : Form complex render finishes for example, Plain ashlar, raised ashlar, dry dash, wet dash, rough casting, cottage, scraped texture, pebble dashing and tyrolean.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S23: Craft Solid Plasterer.

Craft solid: Install complex plastering components, including plastic trims, expanded metal lath and (EML) rib lath

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S24: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Set out curved and stepped arch components.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S25: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Form curved and stepped fibrous arch components using positive mould.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S26: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Use centre points, for example gig sticks, trammel, plasters oval and peg mould.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S27: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Fix fibrous components, using complex techniques for example, wad and wire, metal reinforcement, fibre strands and tie wires.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S28: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Prepare bench for positive mould.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S29: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Prepare positive mould for cold pour components.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S30: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Mix and gauge cold pour compounds.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S31: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Core out and muffle fibrous moulds.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
S32: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Produce complex decorative fibrous plaster components. For example uplighters, panel mouldings niches, column capitals, brackets and corbels.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S33: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Construct ridged and flexible complex plaster reverse moulds. For example turning mould, double hinged moulds, twin slippered mould, rebated mould, piece mould and waste mould.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S34: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Repair complex fibrous plaster components including in situ moulding (take a squeeze) and pattern match.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S35: Craft Fibrous Plasterer.

Craft fibrous: Produce an enriched cornice model and enriched cornicing.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Behaviour Assessment methods
B1: Core.

Take personal responsibility for their own health and safety.

Back to Grading 		Practical assessment with questions
B2: Core.

Support an inclusive culture.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
B3: Core.

Take responsibility for the quality of work and encourage others to work to high standards.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
B4: Core.

Collaborate and promote teamwork across disciplines and external stakeholders.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
B5: Core.

Committed to continued professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
B6: Core.

Promotes health, safety, environment and sustainability principles to others.

Back to Grading 		Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Mapping of KSBs to grade themes

Practical assessment with questions

KSBS GROUPED BY THEME Knowledge Skills Behaviour
(Core) Health and safety

S1 S2
B1

None

Comply with health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance. (S1)

Use safety control equipment for example, RPE, dust suppression and PPE. (S2)

Take personal responsibility for their own health and safety. (B1)
(Craft Solid Plasterer) Solid
K24 K25 K28 K31 K32 K33
S14 S15 S18 S21 S22

Craft solid: Setting out techniques for plastered curved surfaces: concave and convex surfaces. (K24)

Craft solid: Hand application techniques for plastered curved surfaces: concave and convex surfaces. (K25)

Craft Solid: Techniques for forming non- standard (non 90 degree) angles in plaster and render: obtuse and acute angles. (K28)

Craft solid: Polymer based thin coat render hand application techniques. (K31)

Craft solid: Polymer based render: Priming, base coat, reinforcement, finish coat and background surfaces, including EWI (external wall insulation) and cement particle board. (K32)

Craft solid: Complex render finishing techniques : Plain ashlar, raised ashlar, dry dash, wet dash, rough casting, cottage, scraped texture, pebble dashing and tyrolean. (K33)

Craft Solid: Set out for concave and convex plaster curved surfaces. (S14)

Craft solid: Form concave and convex plastered curved surfaces, including floating coat and finishing coat. (S15)

Craft solid: Form non- standard (non 90 degree obtuse and acute angles), in plaster and render. (S18)

Craft solid: Apply polymer based thin coat render systems to EWI and cement particle board back ground surface, (S21)

Craft Solid : Form complex render finishes for example, Plain ashlar, raised ashlar, dry dash, wet dash, rough casting, cottage, scraped texture, pebble dashing and tyrolean. (S22)

None
(Craft Fibrous Plasterer) Fibrous
K38 K39 K40 K41 K42 K43 K44 K45
S24 S25 S26 S27 S28 S29 S30 S31

Craft fibrous: Setting out techniques for fibrous arch components: curves and stepped. (K38)

Craft fibrous: Positive mould curved and stepped arch component formation techniques. (K39)

Craft fibrous: Centre point production techniques: gig sticks, trammel, plasters oval and peg mould. (K40)

Craft fibrous: Complex fixing techniques: wad and wire, metal reinforcement, fibre strands and tie wires. (K41)

Craft fibrous: Bench preparation techniques for positive moulds. (K42)

Craft fibrous: Positive mould preparation techniques for cold pour compounds. (K43)

Craft fibrous: Gauging and mixing techniques for cold pour compounds. (K44)

Craft fibrous: Mould coring out and muffling techniques. (K45)

Craft fibrous: Set out curved and stepped arch components. (S24)

Craft fibrous: Form curved and stepped fibrous arch components using positive mould. (S25)

Craft fibrous: Use centre points, for example gig sticks, trammel, plasters oval and peg mould. (S26)

Craft fibrous: Fix fibrous components, using complex techniques for example, wad and wire, metal reinforcement, fibre strands and tie wires. (S27)

Craft fibrous: Prepare bench for positive mould. (S28)

Craft fibrous: Prepare positive mould for cold pour components. (S29)

Craft fibrous: Mix and gauge cold pour compounds. (S30)

Craft fibrous: Core out and muffle fibrous moulds. (S31)

None

Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

KSBS GROUPED BY THEME Knowledge Skills Behaviour
(Core) Safe systems of work
K3
S3

Safe systems of work, control measure implementation and monitoring techniques. (K3)

Implement and monitor safe systems of work and control measures. (S3)

None
(Core) Environmental and sustainability

S4

None

Apply environmental and sustainable principles in compliance with environmental regulations standards and systems. (S4)

None
(Core) Interpreting information and planning
K12 K13
S7 S9 S12
B4 B6

Methods of interpreting information from drawings, specifications and the production plan and producing work instructions, utilising traditional and digital methods. (K12)

Planning, work scheduling, and time management techniques for self and others. (K13)

Interpret and extract information using paper based or digital techniques from drawings, specifications and provide work instructions. (S7)

Apply planning, work scheduling and time management techniques to identify and agree production plan targets. (S9)

Communicate and report issues against the production plan and contribute to the solutions. (S12)

Collaborate and promote teamwork across disciplines and external stakeholders. (B4)

Promotes health, safety, environment and sustainability principles to others. (B6)
(Core) Documentation
K16 K17
S11 S13

Written communication techniques. Plain English principles. (K16)

Documentation methods and requirements - digital and paper based. (K17)

Complete documentation - paper based and digital. For example, job sheets, time sheets, risk assessments, method statements, equipment service records, handover documents, work sheets, checklists, incident reports, requisition sheets and quality records. (S11)

Core: Communicate in written form. (S13)

None
(Core) Stock
K15
S6

Stock, material stock and considerations: availability, stock lead times. stock value. faulty stock and returns process and quality control. (K15)

Monitor, obtain and check stock and supplies. (S6)

None
(Core) Power tools
K20
S10

Plastering power tools, use and storage techniques. (K20)

Check, use and store power tools. (S10)

None
(Craft Solid Plasterer) Complex solid plastering techniques
K26 K27 K29 K30 K34
S16 S17 S19 S20 S23

Craft solid: Preparation techniques for composite and non-standard backgrounds: existing rib lath metal, textured back grounds and lime-based. (K26)

Craft solid: Fixing techniques for insulated plaster board. (K27)

Craft solid: Setting out and beading application techniques for multiple beams and piers, plaster and render (K29)

Craft solid: Machine application techniques for plaster and render, internal and external. (K30)

Craft solid: Complex plastering components, type and fixing techniques: plastic trims, expanded metal lath (EML) and rib lath. (K34)

Craft solid: Prepare composite and non-standard backgrounds, for example existing rib lath metal, textured back grounds and lime-based. (S16)

Craft solid: Fix insulated plasterboard to solid backgrounds. (S17)

Craft Solid: Set out and apply beads for plaster or render to multiple piers and beams. (S19)

Craft solid: Machine apply plaster and render. (S20)

Craft solid: Install complex plastering components, including plastic trims, expanded metal lath and (EML) rib lath (S23)

None
(Craft Fibrous Plasterer) Complex fibrous plastering techniques
K46 K47 K48 K49
S32 S33 S34 S35

Craft fibrous: Complex decorative fibrous components production techniques: uplighters, panel mouldings, niches, column capitals, brackets and corbels. (K46)

Craft fibrous: Techniques for producing complex moulds: turning mould, double hinged moulds, twin slippered mould and rebated mould piece. (K47)

Craft fibrous: Fibrous plaster repair techniques: in-situ moulding (taking a squeeze) and pattern matching. (K48)

Craft fibrous: Methods of producing enriched cornicing and cornice model. (K49)

Craft fibrous: Produce complex decorative fibrous plaster components. For example uplighters, panel mouldings niches, column capitals, brackets and corbels. (S32)

Craft fibrous: Construct ridged and flexible complex plaster reverse moulds. For example turning mould, double hinged moulds, twin slippered mould, rebated mould, piece mould and waste mould. (S33)

Craft fibrous: Repair complex fibrous plaster components including in situ moulding (take a squeeze) and pattern match. (S34)

Craft fibrous: Produce an enriched cornice model and enriched cornicing. (S35)

None
(Core) Quality assurance
K11
S5
B3

Quality assurance principles and techniques. (K11)

Apply quality assurance principles and techniques. (S5)

Take responsibility for the quality of work and encourage others to work to high standards. (B3)
(Core) Wellbeing, inclusion and CPD
K18 K19

B2 B5

Well-being: mental and physical health considerations in self and others and how to access support. (K18)

Inclusion, equity and diversity in the workplace. (K19)

None

Support an inclusive culture. (B2)

Committed to continued professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice. (B5)

Contact us about this apprenticeship

Employers involved in creating the standard: Cambridge Regional College, Barratt Developments PLC, Bordercraft Construction, Bordercraft Group, Carlisle College, City and Guilds, Construction EPA, George Cook, Kilwaughter, Langton, Lyons & Annoot Ltd, Manchester United, McCarthy and Stone, Plasterace, Saint Gobain, West Dale Services, Leeds College of building

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