Power industry distribution cable jointer

ST1332, power industry distribution cable jointer level 3

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.

What is an end-point assessment and why it happens

An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the apprenticeship standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor and employer 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 and quality assure 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 30 months. The EPA period is typically 6 months.

The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.

EPA gateway

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:

• achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

• for the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, you must submit a portfolio of evidence

• passed any other qualifications listed in the apprenticeship standard

For the power industry distribution cable jointer, the qualification required is an Emergency first aid 1 day course.

Assessment methods

Multiple-choice test

You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials. The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.

Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 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.

Trade test practical assessment with questions

You will be observed by an employer assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last at least 30 hours. They will ask you at least 10 questions.

Trade test technical interview

You will have an interview with an employer assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 6 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation.

The EPAO or your employer will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.

Who to contact for help or more information

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.

Professional recognition

This apprenticeship aligns with The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for Engineering Technician (EngTech). The experience gained and responsibility held by the apprentice on completion of the apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level. Please contact the professional body for more details.

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the power industry distribution cable jointer apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and apprentices' employers must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Power industry distribution cable jointer apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

A full-time power industry distribution cable jointer apprentice typically spends 30 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 apprentice must complete their training and meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA. The EPA will assess occupational competence.

An approved EPAO and the apprentice's employer must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the apprenticeship provider and assessment register (APAR).

The EPA incorporates a trade test practical assessment with questions and a trade test technical interview that are conducted by the apprentice's employer. These assessments are established practice in the power industry. They are used to support the regulatory requirements set by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

This EPA has 4 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are below.

Assessment method 1 - multiple-choice test:

• fail

• pass

Assessment method 2 - interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 3 - trade test practical assessment with questions:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 4 - trade test technical interview:

• fail

• pass

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

• fail

• pass

• distinction

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 6 months.

The EPAO should confirm the gateway requirements have been met and start the EPA as quickly as possible.

The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice is occupationally competent. That is, they are deemed to be working at or above the level set out in the apprenticeship standard and ready to undertake the EPA. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider, but the employer must make the decision. The apprentice will then enter the gateway.

The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.

They must:

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

• have passed Emergency first aid 1 day course

• 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 underpinned by a portfolio of evidence. 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 of 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.

The assessment methods must be delivered in the following order.

The multiple-choice test and interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence must be completed and passed before the trade test practical assessment with questions and trade test technical interview.

The rationale for the order of the assessment methods is to help ensure that apprentices complete the EPA.

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 mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it can assess responses that have a right or wrong answer
• 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 mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

The test can be computer or paper based.

The test will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions.

Multiple-choice questions must have four options, including one correct answer.

The apprentice must be given at least 2 weeks’ notice of the date and time of the test.

Test administration

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.

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.

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 the 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.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions is to assess the apprentice's competence against the following themes:

• sustainability
• plant or vehicle checks
• location and avoidance of utilities
• excavations including working on highways
• laying cables
• teamwork
• communication
• information and digital technology
• contribute to improvement activities
• continued professional development

The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the interview.

The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the supporting documentation.

The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the interview.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however, the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.

The interview must last for 60 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the interview by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.

The independent assessor must ask at least 8 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from the EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision.

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

• the 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 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.

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.

Overview

In the trade test practical assessment with questions, an employer assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by their employer and asks questions. The employer must use a simulated environment for the trade test practical with questions. 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. The trade test practical assessment with questions must be quality assured by an EPAO.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it is established practice in the power industry and supports regulatory requirements
• 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 aligned KSBs
• it assesses KSBs holistically
• it is a valid assessment because it involves direct testing under controlled conditions

Delivery

The trade test 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 employer assessor must conduct and assess the trade test practical assessment with questions.

The employer assessor must observe apprentices in line with the employer's trade test assessment specification including the ratio of employer assessors to apprentices. They must be as unobtrusive as possible.

The employer must give an apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the . trade test practical assessment with questions

The trade test practical assessment with questions must take 30 - 37.5 hours.

The trade test practical assessment with questions may take place in parts but must be completed over no more than 21 working days. A working day is typically considered to be 7.5 hours long. The reason for this split is the apprentice will need to complete several tasks, which may require work on different apparatus.

The employer 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 employer assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the trade test practical assessment with questions tasks before they start. This does not count towards the assessment time.

The employer assessor must observe the apprentice conducting the following during the practical assessment:

• prepare for power network cable jointer activities
• organise and supervise a working party including receiving and clearing a safety document, and briefing a working party
• maintain work site health, safety, and environmental compliance including completing a risk assessment
• identify apparatus to be worked on
• select, prepare, use and store tools and equipment
• install, connect and repair distribution underground electrical supplies on low voltage cable networks
• connect and repair apparatus on high voltage cable network
• make and break live conductor connections on low voltage networks
• identify a fault
• complete work records

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

The employer assessor must ask questions. The purpose of the questioning is to assess the apprentice's level of competence against the grading descriptors.

Questioning can occur both during and after the practical assessment. The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The employer assessor must ask at least 10 questions. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the employer assessor should ask questions during natural stops between tasks and after completion of work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. The employer assessor must use the questions from their employer’s question bank or create their own questions in line with the EPAO’s training.

The employer 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 trade test practical assessment with questions.

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

The employer 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 trade test practical assessment with questions must take place in a simulated environment selected by the employer. The simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the trade test practical assessment with questions must be provided by the employer.

Question and resource development

The employer must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. The employer must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials. 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 employer must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard.

The assessment specification must state that if an apprentice fails a task or tasks in the trade test practical with questions, the apprentice must re-sit or re-take the assessment method in full and not just re-sit or re-take a failed task or tasks. The employer 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 employer must produce the following materials to support the trade test practical assessment with questions:

• employer assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and their manager

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

Overview

In the trade test technical interview, an employer assessor asks the apprentice questions. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The trade test technical interview must be quality assured by an EPAO.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it is established practice in the power industry and supports regulatory requirements
• it assesses KSBs holistically and objectively
• it allows for the assessment of responses where there are a range of potential answers
• it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost

Delivery

The trade test technical 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 employer assessor must conduct and assess the interview.

The purpose of the employer assessor's questions is to assess the apprentice's competence against the following themes:

• role and responsibilities
• electrical danger and control
• electrical plant and apparatus
• low voltage networks
• fault diagnosis
• asset security

The employer must give an apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the trade test interview.

The trade test technical interview must last for at least 60 minutes.

The employer assessor must ask at least 6 questions. The employer assessor must use the questions from their employer'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 employer assessor must make the provisional grading decision.

The employer 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 provisional grade achieved 

Assessment location

The trade test technical interview must take place in a suitable venue selected by the employer.

The trade test technical interview can be conducted by video conferencing. The employer must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.

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

Question and resource development

The employer must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. The employer must maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials. 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 employer must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. 

The employer must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The employer must produce the following materials to support the trade test technical interview:

• employer assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and their manager

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

Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

An independent assessor or marker must individually grade the multiple-choice test in line with this EPA plan. Marking by computer is also allowed.

An independent assessor must provisionally grade the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence in line with this EPA plan.

An employer assessor must provisionally grade the trade test practical assessment with questions and trade test technical interview in line with this EPA plan. They must provide their grading decisions to the EPAO.

The EPAO must combine the four individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they will be awarded an overall fail.

To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence and the trade test practical assessment with questions, and a pass in the multiple-choice test and trade test technical interview.

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

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 4 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.

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 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 sector to at least occupational level 3 gained in the last 2 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector

They must also confirm employers appoint employer 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

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

• completing applicable assessment methods online, for example computer-based assessment

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

• assessing multiple apprentices simultaneously where the assessment method permits this

• using the employer’s premises

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

This apprenticeship aligns with:

• The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for Engineering Technician (EngTech). The experience gained and responsibility held by the apprentice on completion of the apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level. Please contact the professional body for more details.