Welding of metals in two welding positions, using at least 1 arc welding process, passing surface inspection.
Welders join metals in a wide range of industries, such as aerospace, construction, defence, mining, marine and structural engineering. Welding contributes to the UK economy through the creation and repair of engineered goods and assets. Welders may be employed in any size of business from small companies to large multi-nationals. They work in a range of settings including fabrication shops, assembly yards, construction and building sites, factories and operational facilities requiring maintenance and upgrade. They can be employed by supply chain companies, the direct owner, or operators.
Welders are responsible for the production of welds using manual and mechanised arc welding processes to sector standards. They will weld using a minimum of two weld process and material combinations, with at least one process being manual welding.
Manual processes can include: manual tungsten inert gas (TIG), plasma arc welding (PAW), manual metal arc (MMA), metal inert or metal active gas (MIG or MAG), flux cored arc welding (FCAW). Mechanised processes can include: submerged arc welding (SAW), tractor-mounted metal inert or metal active gas (MIG or MAG), tractor-mounted flux cored arc welding (FCAW), tractor-mounted or orbital tungsten inert gas (TIG), tractor-mounted or orbital plasma arc welding (PAW).
Material groups include: carbon steel, low alloy steel (3-7% alloy content), high alloy ferritic or martensitic steel (>7% alloy content), austenitic stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, nickel and nickel alloys, aluminium and aluminium alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, copper and copper alloys. Given their close similarity when welding, for the purpose of this standard, MIG and MAG welding will be deemed to be the same process.
The role requires production of welds in components covering two welding positions, in at least two joint layouts. These can be from butt (including seams), T-butt, fillet (including outside corners), buttering or cladding. Each welding process requires different welding equipment, assemblies, controls, skills and techniques, and represents a separate production process.
Welders work with people from other teams and functions, such as plate fabricators, steel erectors, steel workers, riggers, stores operatives, supervisors, inspectors, testing and quality control technicians. Their work may be checked to ensure continued quality of welding: this includes visual inspection and dimensional checks. It may also include non-destructive and destructive testing. They must ensure that the process and products meet quality standards and are produced to schedule. They must comply with health and safety regulations and procedures, including wearing personal protection equipment (PPE). They also need to meet environmental and sustainability regulations and procedures – reducing waste and recycling materials. They may work on their own or as part of a team. They work with minimal supervision and are responsible for the quality of their own work. They will typically report to a workplace supervisor. Welding operatives may need to work shifts and flexible work patterns. They may be required to work at height, and beside or over water.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 18 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the welder, the qualification required is:
AWS D1.1 Structural Welding - Steel: Certification: American Welding Society, OR
AWS D1.2 Structural Welding Code - Aluminium: Certification: American Welding Society, OR
ASME Section IX, OR
ISO 9606 Qualification testing of welder, OR
ISO 14732 Welding personnel - Approval of welding operator, OR
BS4872 Specification for approval testing of welders when welding procedure approval is not required
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
The test will have 30 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
Practical assessment with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 6 hours. They will ask you at least 4 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 45 minutes. They will ask you at least 6 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
Welders join metals in a wide range of industries, such as aerospace, construction, defence, mining, marine and structural engineering. Welding contributes to the UK economy through the creation and repair of engineered goods and assets. Welders may be employed in any size of business from small companies to large multi-nationals. They work in a range of settings including fabrication shops, assembly yards, construction and building sites, factories and operational facilities requiring maintenance and upgrade. They can be employed by supply chain companies, the direct owner, or operators.
Welders are responsible for the production of welds using manual and mechanised arc welding processes to sector standards. They will weld using a minimum of two weld process and material combinations, with at least one process being manual welding.
Manual processes can include: manual tungsten inert gas (TIG), plasma arc welding (PAW), manual metal arc (MMA), metal inert or metal active gas (MIG or MAG), flux cored arc welding (FCAW). Mechanised processes can include: submerged arc welding (SAW), tractor-mounted metal inert or metal active gas (MIG or MAG), tractor-mounted flux cored arc welding (FCAW), tractor-mounted or orbital tungsten inert gas (TIG), tractor-mounted or orbital plasma arc welding (PAW).
Material groups include: carbon steel, low alloy steel (3-7% alloy content), high alloy ferritic or martensitic steel (>7% alloy content), austenitic stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, nickel and nickel alloys, aluminium and aluminium alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, copper and copper alloys. Given their close similarity when welding, for the purpose of this standard, MIG and MAG welding will be deemed to be the same process.
The role requires production of welds in components covering two welding positions, in at least two joint layouts. These can be from butt (including seams), T-butt, fillet (including outside corners), buttering or cladding. Each welding process requires different welding equipment, assemblies, controls, skills and techniques, and represents a separate production process.
Welders work with people from other teams and functions, such as plate fabricators, steel erectors, steel workers, riggers, stores operatives, supervisors, inspectors, testing and quality control technicians. Their work may be checked to ensure continued quality of welding: this includes visual inspection and dimensional checks. It may also include non-destructive and destructive testing. They must ensure that the process and products meet quality standards and are produced to schedule. They must comply with health and safety regulations and procedures, including wearing personal protection equipment (PPE). They also need to meet environmental and sustainability regulations and procedures – reducing waste and recycling materials. They may work on their own or as part of a team. They work with minimal supervision and are responsible for the quality of their own work. They will typically report to a workplace supervisor. Welding operatives may need to work shifts and flexible work patterns. They may be required to work at height, and beside or over water.
| Duty | KSBs |
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Duty 1 Conduct safety checks of welding equipment and surrounding work areas |
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Duty 2 Receive and read welding data and documentation, engineering drawings and technical data |
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Duty 3 Identify, check and inspect materials to be welded and ensure they conform to quality standards. Report issues, such as incorrect grade, dimensions and thicknesses |
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Duty 4 Plan and prepare for welding activities. Ensure that consumables, work area and materials for use are correct. This applies to basic or complex welding tasks |
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Duty 5 Set up, operate and adjust welding controls for the welding equipment being used |
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Duty 6 Weld components to create an interim assembly or finished product |
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Duty 7 Inspect welds produced for dimensional and surface weld quality to ensure compliance prior to release |
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Duty 8 Identify, communicate and report issues affecting weld quality |
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Duty 9 Complete welding documentation at all stages of the work activity. For example, Production Control Cards |
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Duty 10 Restore the work area and equipment to a safe and reliable condition on completion of welding, including remediation and recycling |
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Duty 11 Ensure tools, consumables, unused materials and equipment are returned to a safe, clean and approved condition on completion of welding work |
K1: Awareness of health and safety regulations, standards and guidance and impact on role. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH). Fire safety. Health and Safety at Work Act. Safety equipment: guards, signage, fire extinguishers. Safety signage. Slips, trips, and falls. Working in confined spaces. Working at height. Manual handling.
Back to Duty
K2: Safe systems of work, hazards and risks, isolation and emergency stop procedures, situational awareness.
Back to Duty
K3: Material properties for welded materials: carbon steels, austenitic stainless steels, duplex stainless steels, nickel and nickel alloys, aluminium and aluminium alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, copper and copper alloys and associated heat treatments.
Back to Duty
K4: Welding power sources: invertor, rectifier, transformer, alternating and direct currents and positive and negative polarities.
Back to Duty
K5: Ancillary equipment: cabling and their assembly, interconnecting communications cables, torches and tongs.
Back to Duty
K6: Welding gases and equipment: cylinder colours, regulators, storage.
Back to Duty
K7: Manual and mechanised welding processes and techniques.
Back to Duty
K8: Welding positions and progressions.
Back to Duty
K9: Welded joints: types, preparation, permanent and temporary backing.
Back to Duty
K10: Technical documentation requirements. Job specifications, drawings, manufacturer's instructions and manuals, quality documents.
Back to Duty
K11: Material preparation and removal methods using both powered and non-powered tools.
Back to Duty
K12: Control of weld settings.
Back to Duty
K13: Weld visual inspection, dimensional tolerances and alignment of the welded component.
Back to Duty
K14: Causes and prevention of welding defects and distortion.
Back to Duty
K15: Common faults and issues within the welding environment. Problem solving techniques.
Back to Duty
K16: Verbal communication techniques.
Back to Duty
K17: Equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Back to Duty
K18: Impact of the activity on the environment. Efficient use of resources. Recycling, re-use and efficient disposal of waste.
Back to Duty
K19: Principles of good team working.
Back to Duty
K20: Non-destructive testing (NDT).
Back to Duty
K21: Personal protective equipment (PPE).
Back to Duty
K22: Principles and practices of restoring the work area on completion of welding.
Back to Duty
S1: Apply health and safety procedures including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Back to Duty
S2: Collect and use information - text and data. For example, manufacturer's instructions, manuals, job instructions, drawings and quality control documentation.
Back to Duty
S3: Prepare welding materials and work area: sourcing, checking and protecting.
Back to Duty
S4: Prepare welding machines or equipment and safety protection measures, for example, check calibration and maintenance dates, inspection for cable damage.
Back to Duty
S5: Check and use or operate tools and equipment.
Back to Duty
S6: Set, modify and monitor welding controls, for example, current, arc voltage, wire feed speed, gas flow rates, polarity, mechanised tractor units.
Back to Duty
S7: Identify issues and actions required. Escalate issues or concerns.
Back to Duty
S8: Use manual processes and equipment to remove material before and after welding.
Back to Duty
S9: Weld using processes, for example, tungsten inert gas (TIG), plasma arc welding (PAW), manual metal arc (MMA), metal inert or metal active gas (MIG or MAG), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), submerged arc welding (SAW), tractor-mounted metal inert or metal active gas (MIG or MAG), tractor-mounted flux cored arc welding (FCAW), tractor-mounted or orbital tungsten inert gas (TIG), tractor-mounted or orbital plasma arc welding (PAW).
Back to Duty
S10: Adapt welding technique to weld different material groups, for example, carbon steel, low alloy steel (3-7% alloy content), high alloy ferritic or martensitic steel (>7% alloy content), austenitic stainless steel, duplex stainless steels, nickel and nickel alloys, aluminium and aluminium alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, copper and copper alloys.
Back to Duty
S11: Weld materials in different joint configurations, for example, butt, T-butt, fillet, cladding or buttering.
Back to Duty
S12: Adapt welding techniques to weld materials in different positions, for example, down-hand, horizontal-vertical, horizontal, vertical-up, vertical-down, overhead, inclined.
Back to Duty
S13: Identify surface defects.
Back to Duty
S14: Apply visual inspection, dimensional and alignment checks.
Back to Duty
S15: Restore the work area on completion of the welding activity, for example, clean equipment and machinery, tidy the work area, return excess resources and consumables.
Back to Duty
S16: Communicate verbally with others, for example, internal and external customers, colleagues, supervisors and managers.
Back to Duty
S17: Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards and guidance. Segregate resources for re-use, recycling and disposal.
Back to Duty
S18: Follow equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
Back to Duty
S19: Follow work instructions - verbal or written.
Back to Duty
S20: Apply team working principles.
Back to Duty
B1: Puts health and safety first.
Back to Duty
B2: Considers the impact on the environment when using resources and carrying out work.
Back to Duty
B3: Takes ownership of given work.
Back to Duty
B4: Adapts to changing requests.
Back to Duty
English and maths qualifications form a mandatory part of all apprenticeships and must be completed before an apprentice can pass through gateway. The requirements are detailed in the current version of the apprenticeship funding rules.
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V1.2
This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the welder apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.
Welder apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.
A full-time welder 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 select an approved EPAO from the apprenticeship provider and assessment register (APAR).
This EPA has 3 assessment methods.
The grades available for each assessment method are below.
Assessment method 1 - multiple-choice test:
Assessment method 2 - practical test with questions:
Assessment method 3 - interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:
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On-programme - typically 18 months
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The apprentice must:
The qualifications required are two welder approval certificates to any of the following standards: AWS D1.1 Structural Welding - Steel: Certification: American Welding Society, OR AWS D1.2 Structural Welding Code - Aluminium: Certification: American Welding Society, OR ASME Section IX, OR ISO 9606 Qualification testing of welder, OR ISO 14732 Welding personnel - Approval of welding operator, OR BS4872 Specification for approval testing of welders when welding procedure approval is not required
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End-point assessment gateway
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The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice is occupationally competent. The apprentice must:
The welder approval certificates must be current (completed in the 6 months prior to EPA or revalidated in the 6 months prior to EPA) and match with the two welding processes that are going to be selected for the EPA. For the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, the apprentice must submit a portfolio of evidence.
Gateway evidence must be submitted to the EPAO, along with any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO. |
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End-point assessment - typically 3 months
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The grades available for each assessment method are below
Multiple-choice test:
Practical test with questions:
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
Overall EPA and apprenticeship can be graded:
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The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 3 months.
The EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and start the EPA as quickly as possible.
Gateway should only start once the employer is confident that the apprentice is occupationally competent. That is, they are deemed to be working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard and ready to undertake an 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:
The welder approval certificates must be current (completed in the 6 months prior to EPA or revalidated in the 6 months prior to EPA) and match with the two welding processes that are going to be selected for the EPA
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 during the interview. It will typically contain 8 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.
Evidence sources may include:
This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.
The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance, for example, witness statements, rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.
The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the interview. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the interview. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.
Gateway evidence must be submitted to the EPAO, along with any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO.
The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.
The result of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.
In the multiple-choice test, the apprentice answers questions in a controlled and invigilated environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method.
This assessment method is being used because:
The multiple-choice test must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
The test can be computer or paper based.
The test will consist of 30 multiple-choice questions.
Multiple-choice questions must have four options, including one correct answer.
The apprentice must be given at least 2 weeks’ notice of the date and time of the test.
The apprentice must have 60 minutes to complete the test.
The test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.
The test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator who is the responsibility of the EPAO. The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.
The EPAO must verify the apprentice’s identity and ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example, with 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.
The EPAO is responsible for the security of the test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the test.
The test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where question types support this.
A correct answer gets 1 mark.
Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.
The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the test.
The apprentice must take the test in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.
The test can take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice.
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the test:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
In 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 where it takes place. The assessment environment must closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
This assessment method is being used because:
The practical test 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 test with questions.
The independent assessor must only observe a maximum of four apprentices at a time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible.
The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the . practical test with questions
The practical test with questions must take 6 hours.
The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical test 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 test with questions may take place in parts but must be completed over 1 working day. A working day is typically considered to be 7.5 hours long. The reason for this split is to allow the apprentice to move between locations to set up different equipment and provide flexibility in delivery of the assessment process.
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 test with questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.
The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical assessment:
General:
Apprentices must complete two of the following three activities
Activity 1: Manual welding
Prepare, set up and weld a butt joint in the horizontal (PC,2G) position
Activity 2: Manual welding
Prepare, set up and weld a T fillet in the vertical (PG, PF, PH, PJ or 3F,5FF) position
Activity 3: Mechanised welding
Prepare, set up and weld plate or pipe using an orbital or mechanised tractor welding unit
Specification tolerance
Activity 1 and 2: Manual welding
The distinction criteria only need to be met once if both manual welding activities are chosen but a pass must be achieved in the second to secure a distinction.
Activity 3: Mechanised welding
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:
Questioning can occur both during and after the practical assessment. The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The independent assessor must ask at least 4 questions. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessor should ask questions during natural stops between tasks and after completion of work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training.
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 test with questions.
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 practical test with questions must take place in a simulated environment selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises. The simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the practical test with questions must be provided by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these.
Additional venue requirements that must be in place include:
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 test with questions:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
In the interview, an independent assessor asks the apprentice questions. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence.
This assessment method is being used because:
The interview must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.
An independent assessor must conduct and assess the interview.
The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the interview.
The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the supporting documentation.
The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the interview.
The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however, the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.
The interview must last for 45 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 6 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.
The independent assessor must make the grading decision.
The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:
The interview must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s or employer’s premises.
The interview can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.
The interview should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.
The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting with employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.
The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.
The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.
The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:
The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.
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Theme
KSBs
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Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors
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Distinction
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
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Health and safety
K21 S1 B1 |
Applies health and safety procedures in compliance with regulations, standards and guidance including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). (K21, S1, B1)
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Explains why it is important for themselves and the business to follow health and safety procedures and prioritise health and safety. (S1, B1)
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Preparation for welding operation
K10 K11 S2 S3 S4 S5 S8 S19 |
Collects and uses information from technical documents and follows work instructions to meet the needs of the task. (K10, S2, S19) Prepares the work area and materials for the task to be undertaken in line with the job instructions to confirm material type, specification, condition and preparation. (S3) Conducts safety checks on the welding machine or equipment, inspecting for cable damage and equipment calibration in line with operating procedures. (S4) Checks and uses or operates tools and equipment to carry out material preparation and material removal before and after welding in line with operating instructions or manufacturers’ guidelines for the task. (K11, S5, S8)
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None |
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Undertake welding operation
K7 K8 K12 S6 S9 S10 S11 S12 B3 |
Sets, monitors and modifies the welding controls during the welding operation in line with the job instructions. (K12, S6) Takes responsibility for the task and produces welds using the selected processes, ensuring that all welds meet the pass specification tolerances for the manual welding and the pass specification tolerance of the mechanical welding. (K7, S9, S10, S11, B3) Adapts techniques to weld materials in different positions to meet the task requirement. (K8, S12)
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Produces a weld that meets the distinction specification tolerance. (K7, S9, S10, S11)
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Visual inspection
K13 S14 |
Applies visual, dimensional and alignment checks of the completed welds in line with the job instructions. (K13, S14) |
None |
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Restoration of work area
K22 S15 |
Restores the work area on completion of the welding operation in line with company procedures. (K22, S15,)
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Explains the importance of ensuring the work area is restored to the original state on completion of the welding operation. (K22, S15) |
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Theme
KSBs
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Pass
Apprentices must demonstrate all of the pass descriptors
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Teamwork and communication
K16 K19 S16 S20 B4 |
Explains how they communicate with others using verbal communication techniques, in a way that is suitable for the context and supports task completion. (K16, S16) Describes how they apply team working principles and adapt to changing requests to meet their team's work goals. (K19, S20, B4)
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EDI
K17 S18 |
Describes how they follow and support equity, diversity, and inclusion in their work in line with organisational practices. (K17, S18) |
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Environment and sustainability
K18 S17 B2 |
Describes how they consider the environment when using resources and carrying out work to ensure efficient use of resources to reduce environmental impact. Describes how they identify and segregate resources for re-use, recycling and disposal in line with company procedures. (K18, S17, B2) |
|
Faults, issues and escalation procedures
K15 S7 |
Explains how they identify common faults and issues that happen during welding operations and how to escalate these issues and concerns. (K15, S7)
|
|
Welding defects
K14 S13 |
Explains how to prevent distortion in the weld and how they identify common welding defects caused during the welding operation. Explains the causes of defects, and how to mitigate against their occurrence during welding operations. (K14, S13) |
|
Health and safety
K2 |
Explains safe systems of work, hazards and risks and the need for situational awareness within their role. Describes isolation and emergency stop procedures. (K2)
|
| Grade | Minimum marks required | Maximum marks required |
|---|---|---|
| Fail | 0 | 20 |
| Pass | 21 | 30 |
Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:
An independent assessor must individually grade the practical test 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 a distinction the apprentice must achieve a distinction in the practical assessment and a pass in the other two 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 test with questions | Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence | Overall Grading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fail | Any grade | Any grade | Fail |
| Any grade | Fail | Any grade | Fail |
| Any grade | Any grade | Fail | Fail |
| Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Pass | Distinction | Pass | Distinction |
If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does. The apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.
The employer and the EPAO should agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 3 months of the EPA outcome notification.
Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.
Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.
The apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of pass for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.
| Roles | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Apprentice |
As a minimum, the apprentice should:
|
|
Employer |
As a minimum, the apprentice's employer must:
|
|
EPAO |
As a minimum, the EPAO must:
|
|
Independent assessor |
As a minimum, an independent assessor must:
|
|
Training provider |
As a minimum, the training provider must:
|
|
Marker |
As a minimum, the marker must:
|
|
Invigilator |
As a minimum, the invigilator must:
|
The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.
This should include:
Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.
Internal quality assurance refers to the strategies, policies and procedures that an EPAO must have in place to ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions.
EPAOs for this EPA must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities table.
They must also appoint independent assessors who:
Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:
This apprenticeship is not aligned to professional recognition.
| Knowledge | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
K1
Awareness of health and safety regulations, standards and guidance and impact on role. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH). Fire safety. Health and Safety at Work Act. Safety equipment: guards, signage, fire extinguishers. Safety signage. Slips, trips, and falls. Working in confined spaces. Working at height. Manual handling. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K2
Safe systems of work, hazards and risks, isolation and emergency stop procedures, situational awareness. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K3
Material properties for welded materials: carbon steels, austenitic stainless steels, duplex stainless steels, nickel and nickel alloys, aluminium and aluminium alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, copper and copper alloys and associated heat treatments. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K4
Welding power sources: invertor, rectifier, transformer, alternating and direct currents and positive and negative polarities. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K5
Ancillary equipment: cabling and their assembly, interconnecting communications cables, torches and tongs. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K6
Welding gases and equipment: cylinder colours, regulators, storage. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K7
Manual and mechanised welding processes and techniques. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
K8
Welding positions and progressions. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
K9
Welded joints: types, preparation, permanent and temporary backing. Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K10
Technical documentation requirements. Job specifications, drawings, manufacturer's instructions and manuals, quality documents. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
K11
Material preparation and removal methods using both powered and non-powered tools. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
K12
Control of weld settings. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
K13
Weld visual inspection, dimensional tolerances and alignment of the welded component. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
K14
Causes and prevention of welding defects and distortion. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K15
Common faults and issues within the welding environment. Problem solving techniques. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K16
Verbal communication techniques. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K17
Equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K18
Impact of the activity on the environment. Efficient use of resources. Recycling, re-use and efficient disposal of waste. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K19
Principles of good team working. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
K20
Non-destructive testing (NDT). Back to Grading |
Multiple-choice test |
|
K21
Personal protective equipment (PPE). Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
K22
Principles and practices of restoring the work area on completion of welding. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
| Skill | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
S1
Apply health and safety procedures including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
S2
Collect and use information - text and data. For example, manufacturer's instructions, manuals, job instructions, drawings and quality control documentation. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
S3
Prepare welding materials and work area: sourcing, checking and protecting. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
S4
Prepare welding machines or equipment and safety protection measures, for example, check calibration and maintenance dates, inspection for cable damage. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
S5
Check and use or operate tools and equipment. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
S6
Set, modify and monitor welding controls, for example, current, arc voltage, wire feed speed, gas flow rates, polarity, mechanised tractor units. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
S7
Identify issues and actions required. Escalate issues or concerns. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S8
Use manual processes and equipment to remove material before and after welding. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
S9
Weld using processes, for example, tungsten inert gas (TIG), plasma arc welding (PAW), manual metal arc (MMA), metal inert or metal active gas (MIG or MAG), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), submerged arc welding (SAW), tractor-mounted metal inert or metal active gas (MIG or MAG), tractor-mounted flux cored arc welding (FCAW), tractor-mounted or orbital tungsten inert gas (TIG), tractor-mounted or orbital plasma arc welding (PAW). Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
S10
Adapt welding technique to weld different material groups, for example, carbon steel, low alloy steel (3-7% alloy content), high alloy ferritic or martensitic steel (>7% alloy content), austenitic stainless steel, duplex stainless steels, nickel and nickel alloys, aluminium and aluminium alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, copper and copper alloys. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
S11
Weld materials in different joint configurations, for example, butt, T-butt, fillet, cladding or buttering. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
S12
Adapt welding techniques to weld materials in different positions, for example, down-hand, horizontal-vertical, horizontal, vertical-up, vertical-down, overhead, inclined. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
S13
Identify surface defects. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S14
Apply visual inspection, dimensional and alignment checks. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
S15
Restore the work area on completion of the welding activity, for example, clean equipment and machinery, tidy the work area, return excess resources and consumables. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
S16
Communicate verbally with others, for example, internal and external customers, colleagues, supervisors and managers. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S17
Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards and guidance. Segregate resources for re-use, recycling and disposal. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S18
Follow equity, diversity and inclusion procedures. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
S19
Follow work instructions - verbal or written. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
S20
Apply team working principles. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
| Behaviour | Assessment methods |
|---|---|
|
B1
Puts health and safety first. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
B2
Considers the impact on the environment when using resources and carrying out work. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
|
B3
Takes ownership of given work. Back to Grading |
Practical test with questions |
|
B4
Adapts to changing requests. Back to Grading |
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Health and safety
K21 S1 B1 |
Personal protective equipment (PPE). (K21) |
Apply health and safety procedures including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). (S1) |
Puts health and safety first. (B1) |
|
Preparation for welding operation
K10 K11 S2 S3 S4 S5 S8 S19 |
Technical documentation requirements. Job specifications, drawings, manufacturer's instructions and manuals, quality documents. (K10) Material preparation and removal methods using both powered and non-powered tools. (K11) |
Collect and use information - text and data. For example, manufacturer's instructions, manuals, job instructions, drawings and quality control documentation. (S2) Prepare welding materials and work area: sourcing, checking and protecting. (S3) Prepare welding machines or equipment and safety protection measures, for example, check calibration and maintenance dates, inspection for cable damage. (S4) Check and use or operate tools and equipment. (S5) Use manual processes and equipment to remove material before and after welding. (S8) Follow work instructions - verbal or written. (S19) |
None |
|
Undertake welding operation
K7 K8 K12 S6 S9 S10 S11 S12 B3 |
Manual and mechanised welding processes and techniques. (K7) Welding positions and progressions. (K8) Control of weld settings. (K12) |
Set, modify and monitor welding controls, for example, current, arc voltage, wire feed speed, gas flow rates, polarity, mechanised tractor units. (S6) Weld using processes, for example, tungsten inert gas (TIG), plasma arc welding (PAW), manual metal arc (MMA), metal inert or metal active gas (MIG or MAG), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), submerged arc welding (SAW), tractor-mounted metal inert or metal active gas (MIG or MAG), tractor-mounted flux cored arc welding (FCAW), tractor-mounted or orbital tungsten inert gas (TIG), tractor-mounted or orbital plasma arc welding (PAW). (S9) Adapt welding technique to weld different material groups, for example, carbon steel, low alloy steel (3-7% alloy content), high alloy ferritic or martensitic steel (>7% alloy content), austenitic stainless steel, duplex stainless steels, nickel and nickel alloys, aluminium and aluminium alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, copper and copper alloys. (S10) Weld materials in different joint configurations, for example, butt, T-butt, fillet, cladding or buttering. (S11) Adapt welding techniques to weld materials in different positions, for example, down-hand, horizontal-vertical, horizontal, vertical-up, vertical-down, overhead, inclined. (S12) |
Takes ownership of given work. (B3) |
|
Visual inspection
K13 S14 |
Weld visual inspection, dimensional tolerances and alignment of the welded component. (K13) |
Apply visual inspection, dimensional and alignment checks. (S14) |
None |
|
Restoration of work area
K22 S15 |
Principles and practices of restoring the work area on completion of welding. (K22) |
Restore the work area on completion of the welding activity, for example, clean equipment and machinery, tidy the work area, return excess resources and consumables. (S15) |
None |
| KSBS GROUPED BY THEME | Knowledge | Skills | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Teamwork and communication
K16 K19 S16 S20 B4 |
Verbal communication techniques. (K16) Principles of good team working. (K19) |
Communicate verbally with others, for example, internal and external customers, colleagues, supervisors and managers. (S16) Apply team working principles. (S20) |
Adapts to changing requests. (B4) |
|
EDI
K17 S18 |
Equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. (K17) |
Follow equity, diversity and inclusion procedures. (S18) |
None |
|
Environment and sustainability
K18 S17 B2 |
Impact of the activity on the environment. Efficient use of resources. Recycling, re-use and efficient disposal of waste. (K18) |
Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards and guidance. Segregate resources for re-use, recycling and disposal. (S17) |
Considers the impact on the environment when using resources and carrying out work. (B2) |
|
Faults, issues and escalation procedures
K15 S7 |
Common faults and issues within the welding environment. Problem solving techniques. (K15) |
Identify issues and actions required. Escalate issues or concerns. (S7) |
None |
|
Welding defects
K14 S13 |
Causes and prevention of welding defects and distortion. (K14) |
Identify surface defects. (S13) |
None |
|
Health and safety
K2 |
Safe systems of work, hazards and risks, isolation and emergency stop procedures, situational awareness. (K2) |
None |
None |
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date | Latest end date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment and funding band revised | 01/06/2024 | Not set | Not set |
| 1.1 | Approved for delivery | 24/06/2022 | 31/05/2024 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 27/04/2016 | 23/06/2022 | Not set |
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