Production assistant (screen and audio)

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

Production assistant (screen and audio) apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).

A full-time apprentice typically spends 15 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a production assistant (screen and audio). All apprentices must spend at least 12 months on-programme. All apprentices must complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules.

This EPA has 2 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are:

Assessment method 1 - scenario test - presentation and questioning:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 2 - professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

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

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

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 the EPA should start as quickly as possible.

The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think their apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard. The apprentice will then enter the gateway. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider(s), but the employer must make the decision.

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

These are:

• achieved English and mathematics (including those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement) as specified by the apprenticeship funding rules. British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for those who have BSL as their primary language.

• for the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence the apprentice must submit: 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 this assessment method. 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, for example:
• production pitches/briefs created/showreels
• work products
• work instructions
• reference materials and research undertaken
• workplace documentation/records, for example workplace policies/procedure/records
• colleague feedback/statements

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 discussion . The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the discussion . They are not required to provide feedback after this review.

The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as 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.

Overview

The scenario test enables the apprentice to show how they react to a production brief, interpret information and present their findings.

The scenario test, presentation and questioning must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method to the highest available grade.

The scenario test, presentation and questioning is undertaken after the apprentice has gone through the gateway. The EPAO will set the scenario test and check that it meets the type of production the apprentice has worked on (for example, film, TV, radio, podcast or online content).

This assessment method includes two components:

• Scenario test
• Presentation with questions

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it will test knowledge and skills holistically and reflects the project work undertaken in the occupation
• it will enable the demonstration of knowledge and skills through the interpretation of the creative brief, creation and pitching/delivery of the presentation
• it will ensure valid, reliable, authentic and consistent assessment
• it replicates the requirement to interpret briefs, develop production documentation and proposals, pitch ideas and continuously improve in the workplace
• the end-to-end production process would take too long to be observed in the workplace
• it enables a broad of knowledge, skills and behaviours to be tested along with their depth of understanding

Delivery

The scenario test - presentation and questioning 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 scenario test - presentation and questioning.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks notice of the scenario test - presentation and questioning.

The scenario test - presentation and questioning must take 2 hours.

The independent assessor can increase the time of the scenario test - presentation and questioning (component 2 - presentation and questioning element only) by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete their response to a question if necessary.

The scenario test - presentation and questioning cannot be split, other than for comfort breaks. Where breaks occur, they will not count towards the total EPA time.

EPAOs must manage invigilation of the apprentice during the assessment, to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This role can be undertaken by the independent assessor as they will be present for the whole duration of the assessment.

The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the scenario test - presentation and questioning before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.

The scenario test - presentation and questioning is comprised of two components:

• a scenario test in the form of a production brief that will test their response, creative thinking, resourcing and planning skills.

• present a persuasive pitch, of findings, ideas and proposal for screen, online or audio production.

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

Component 1 – Scenario test

Delivery

Apprentices will be given a scenario test in the form of a production brief that will test their creative thinking, resourcing and planning skills. The assessor will be present for the scenario test, either face-to-face or via online video conferencing. If using an online platform, EPAOs must ensure appropriate measures are in place to prevent misrepresentation. They will be given 90 minutes to:

• interpret a production brief and branding requirements
• identify the audience/end user requirements for the production
• scope, evaluate and develop production ideas for a screen, online or audio production and apply problem solving techniques to establish concepts for the production
• prepare a storyboard and outline script of ideas
• develop a proposed episode or programme structure for a production in line with customer requirements/parameters specified in line with the brief provided
• identify resource requirements (including cast, crew and equipment) and legislative and regulatory requirement
• consider logistics and budget constraints, adapting to operational change
• consider sustainability when defining resource requirements
• complete a call sheet or schedule
• Prepare a presentation of the findings. This should include the proposed episode or programme structure for production

The EPAO will provide additional information to the apprentice 45 minutes into the scenario test.

An operational and creative change will be introduced at this stage and the apprentice will be required to demonstrate how they adapt.

Examples of changes might typically include one of the following:

• a change to the client brief/specification requirements a change in production budget
• the date of filming/recording being changed
• some of the crew or resources not being available

To support EPAOs in delivering the assessment, the production brief should set out:

• the budget, timelines and production workflow process
• a production brief that will test their creative thinking, resourcing and planning skills and will require the apprentice to develop a proposed piece of production work in line with customer requirements
• parameters specified to allow for an operational or creative change to be introduced 45 minutes into the practical assessment.

Component 2 – Presentation with questioning

Apprentices will prepare and deliver a presentation that appropriately covers the KSBs assigned to this method of assessment.

The presentation will be completed as part of the scenario test and will be presented to an independent assessor, either face-to-face or via online video conferencing.

If using an online platform, EPAOs must ensure appropriate measures are in place to prevent misrepresentation. The presentation will take place directly after the completion of the scenario test.

Outputs from the scenario test will not, therefore, be provided to the assessor in advance of the presentation.

The rationale for this assessment method is:

Production assistants (screen and audio) have to present their creative ideas or the resources needed for the delivery of productions to colleagues on projects undertaken.

Questions must be asked. The purpose of the questioning is to explore aspects of the presentation given by the apprentice and will assess the apprentice’s depth of understanding, skills and behaviours.

The questions will be drawn from a question bank supplied by the EPAO, but the independent assessor may generate their own questions pertinent to the scenario test and presentation. This must be in line with the EPAO’s training and moderation process.

Delivery

The presentation will be undertaken following the scenario test. The presentation and questions will take place either face to face or be presented to an independent assessor via online video conferencing.

The way in which the content of the presentation is delivered is not prescriptive but should include the use of written materials and a visual aid.

The presentation will outline the apprentices' findings from the scenario test; the apprentice’s proposed episode or programme structure for a screen, online or audio production. It will provide a summary detailing how the proposal satisfies the production brief provided in the scenario test

The presentation and questioning will last for 30 minutes. This includes a presentation lasting typically 10 minutes and questioning lasting typically 20 minutes.

The independent assessor has the discretion to increase the time of both the presentation and the questioning by up to 10% to allow the apprentice to complete their last point.

The independent assessor must ask questions. The purpose of the questioning is to explore aspects of the presentation given by the apprentice and will assess the apprentice’s depth of understanding, skills and behaviours.

The questions will be drawn from a question bank supplied by the EPAO, but the independent assessor may generate their own questions pertinent to the scenario test and presentation. This must be in-line with the EPAO’s training and moderation process.

Questions must be asked after the practical. The total duration of the practical is 2 hours and the time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The total time for the practical element is 90 minutes. The time allocated for the presentation and questioning is 30 minutes.

The independent assessor must ask at least 5 questions. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training.

The independent assessor can ask follow-up questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice. These questions are in addition to the above set number of questions for the scenario test - presentation and questioning and should be kept to a minimum..

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

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

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The practical assessment and responses to questions must be assessed holistically by the independent assessor when they are deciding the grade. 

Assessment location

The scenario test - presentation and questioning will take place online or in a suitable environment selected by the EPAO (for example the EPAO’s or employer’s premises). Resources needed (for example, the brief and subsequent information) for the scenario test - presentation and questioning must be provided by the EPAO.

The scenario test - presentation and questioning should take place online and/or in an environment, 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 should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting 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 scenario test - presentation and questioning:

• 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

Overview

In the discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate their competency across the KSBs mapped to this EPA method.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because: it enable synoptic assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviours. this method also helps to assess apprentices in depth understanding of their work and covers aspects of the occupation that are difficult to observe and take place in restricted and confidential settings.

This is a consistent method that applies across work settings in the industry. It also replicates the approach taken to recruitment and reviewing candidate performance used in industry.

Delivery

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

The independent assessor conducts and assesses the professional discussion.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to authenticate evidence, experience and competence and check underpinned knowledge and understanding

The EPAO must give an apprentice 10 days notice of the professional discussion.

The independent assessor must have at least 2 week(s) to review the supporting documentation.

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

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

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

For the professional discussion, the independent assessor must ask at least 9 questions. Follow-up questions are allowed. 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 professional discussion must allow the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method at the highest possible grade.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. The records must include the KSBs met, the grade achieved and answers to questions.

The independent assessor will make all grading decisions.

Assessment location

The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO (for example the EPAO’s or employer’s premises).

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

Question and resource development

The EPAO must write an assessment specification and question bank. The specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs shown in the mapping. 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 employers. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this. The assessment specification and questions must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The EPAO must develop purpose-built question banks and ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are in place, for example, considering standardisation, training and moderation. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard.

The EPAO must ensure that 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 professional discussion 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

Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the: scenario test - presentation and questioning and professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence in line with this EPA plan.

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

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

To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. To achieve an overall EPA ‘pass,’ the apprentice must achieve a pass in both assessment methods. To achieve an overall EPA 'merit', the apprentice must achieve a 'pass' in either assessment method and a 'distinction' in either assessment method. To achieve an overall EPA ‘distinction,’ the apprentice must achieve a pass in either assessment method and distinction in either assessment method

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

An apprentice who fails one or more assessment method(s) 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.

An apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.

The employer and EPAO 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.

An apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of pass for a re-sit or re-take, 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 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.

Internal quality assurance refers to how the EPAO ensures valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. The EPAO must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities section:

The EPAO must also:

• have quality assurance systems and procedures that ensure fair, reliable and consistent EPA regardless of employer, place, time or independent assessor
• appoint independent assessors who are competent to deliver the EPA and who:
  • have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 2 gained in the last 3 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
  • meet the following minimum requirements:

    have technical skills and experience in production management and have held a position above the role of a production assistant (screen and audio)

    have substanital and relevant industry experience of which at least 12 months should have been within the last 3 years, and maintain their cpd

• operate induction training for anyone involved in the delivery or assessment of the EPA
• provide training for independent assessors in good assessment practice, operating the assessment tools and making grading decisions
• provide ongoing training for markers and invigilators
• provide standardisation activity for this apprenticeship standard for all independent assessors:
  • before they conduct an EPA for the first time
  • if the EPA is updated
  • periodically as appropriate (a minimum of annually)
• conduct effective moderation of EPA decisions and grades
• conduct appeals where required, according to the EPAO’s appeals procedure, reviewing and making final decisions on EPA decisions and grades
• have no direct connection with the apprentice, their employer or training provider.

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 method of assessment permits this

• using the employer’s premises

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

Professional body recognition is not relevant to this occupational apprenticeship.