To guide sustainable development and stewardship of the natural and built environment.
This occupation is found in a wide range of sectors and environments. Typical settings can require the discovery, development and utilisation of natural resources, environmental protection or consideration of the built environment. Geoscientists work onshore and/ or offshore. They typically work for local authorities, government organisations, environmental consultancies, mining, quarrying, energy resources, water industry, multidisciplinary consultancies, ground investigation/engineering contractors and consultancies. Geoscientists may conduct their activities in an office, a laboratory, in the field or on site.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to guide sustainable development and stewardship of the natural and built environment. Geoscientists evaluate earth systems and advise on the viable exploration, management, development, remediation, and storage of earth resources. This advice may relate to, minerals, water, aggregates, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and radioactive waste, housing development or infrastructure alignment. Geoscientists also advise on the mitigation and management of geohazards (for example, flooding, coastal erosion, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides), the energy transition and alternative forms of energy that underpin the route to net zero carbon and sustainability. They may use engineering geology and geotechnical engineering approaches in activities that include land restoration, site investigations, geohazard assessment, waste disposal and the development of civil engineering infrastructure or construction activities.
Geoscientists investigate past climates to understand climate change and its impact on the environment and society. They manage and communicate potential risks and opportunities, with an awareness that the application of their expertise should be considered within a wider socioeconomic and environmental context. Geoscientists gather and analyse evidence to develop predictive models that assist resilience planning and safe development across a range of sectors. Data can be collected from examination of the ground surface, examination of past records (such as mapping and academic research), sub-surface investigation (for example, by drilling, probing and geophysical methods) followed by monitoring, examination and laboratory testing on the samples obtained.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with internal and external stakeholders at all levels. They are likely to deal with specialists such as scientists, engineers, other professionals, as well as project managers and society at large. Typical activities range from visiting sites to collect geological information, looking at the consistency of information collected to find anomalies and trends, for example, ore concentrations, soft ground, or contamination.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for working on projects in areas such as resource management, environmental conservation and sustainability, renewable energy, water management, and the natural and built environment. Geoscientists are responsible for conducting scientific investigations of the geological materials, processes and products of the past and present. They interpret data to assess risk, identify potential opportunities and influence and advise on present day decisions. This can inform policy direction and adaptation strategies for a changing climate. They are versed in the commercial, contractual, and legal aspect of the projects they support and manage, and they work in accordance with their employer’s processes, procedures and relevant professional and ethical standards. Geoscientists are likely to report to a senior geoscientist, manager, project managers, clients, or shareholders. They can be specialists within a business or work independently on a consultancy basis. Geoscientists will have a high level of autonomy and identify what balance of work is required for each project.
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 60 months. The EPA period is typically 9 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the geoscientist (integrated degree), the qualification required is:
Geoscience degree that fully aligns with the KSBs within the apprenticeship standard
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 90 minutes. They will ask you at least 8 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Project with report
You will complete a project and write a report. You will be asked to complete a project. The title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. The report should be a maximum of 5500 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 20 weeks to complete the project and submit the report to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 60 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 8 questions about the project and presentation.
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.
This apprenticeship aligns with Geological Society of London for Fellow
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with The Science Council for Registered Scientist (RSci). Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and upon receipt of the apprenticeship certificate, individuals are eligible to apply for RSci through a shortened application route. Individuals also need to be a member of a professional body that is licensed by the Science Council to be awarded this status. Further information is on the Science Council’s website.
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) for Member (MIMMM) as Registered Scientist
Please contact the professional body for more details.
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