Cold forming setter technician

This apprenticeship standard was approved for delivery by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. However, starts on the apprenticeship will only be possible once a suitable end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) has obtained Ofqual recognition. Once the EPAO has obtained Ofqual recognition, funding for apprentice starts will be permitted and this message will be removed.

Key information

  1. Status: Approved for delivery (paused for starts)
  2. Reference: ST1355
  3. Version: 1.0
  4. Level: 3
  5. Typical duration to gateway: 36 months
  6. Typical EPA period: 3 months
  7. Route: Engineering and manufacturing
  8. Integration: None
  9. Maximum funding: £24000
  10. Date updated: 29/05/2025
  11. Approved for delivery: 29 May 2025
  12. Lars code: 813
  13. Class code: Z0001891
  14. EQA provider: Ofqual is the intended EQA provider
  15. Example progression routes:
  16. Review: this apprenticeship will be reviewed in accordance with our change request policy.

Contents

Contents

Apprenticeship summary

Overview of the role

Set-up, configure, operate and monitor complex high value machinery that enables components to be mass produced in the most economically viable way.

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in the manufacturing supply chain of high value and strategically critical industries including automotive, aerospace, construction, military, renewable energy and general industry.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to set-up, configure, operate and monitor complex high value machinery that enables components to be mass produced in the most economically viable way. The process includes a series of steps using uniquely designed tooling and processes such as drawing, extrusion, upsetting, heading, piercing and trimming in order to make the completed component. The setter technician will interpret complex engineering drawings and diagrams to enable them to set up the machine appropriately. They are responsible for the set up, running, maintenance and management of the machinery and process to ensure that production meets tolerances and quality standards. They would also be expected to take part in the development of new products and have a considerable involvement in quality assurance activities and process efficiency improvements. Typical products produced using this process will include bolts, nuts, screws, bushes, rivets, solid and hollow formed parts. The cold forming process is extremely efficient compared to other manufacturing processes and results in significantly less product waste being produced.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with managers or supervisors, technical or production personnel, purchasing, maintenance, quality and other operatives on the shop floor. A cold forming setter technician will typically spend most of their time working on the factory floor, with some time spent away from this environment if working on new product evaluation and feedback.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the complete set-up, operation and management of high value cold forming manufacturing equipment capable of high-volume production while meeting customer specifications and achieving consistently high tolerances and quality and environmental standards. They will also autonomously carry out a range of maintenance, quality assurance, process monitoring and adjustments, to ensure the machinery is operating at required efficiency and accuracy levels. A cold forming setter technician will work as part of a wider manufacturing team, however they will usually work autonomously and will exercise considerable responsibility and judgement on machine operation with a high-level of personal decision making and influence on the process. Depending on the size of the organisation, a cold forming machine setter technician would typically report to the production manager, supervisor or engineer. They will have an understanding of secondary operation processes such as thread rolling, pointing, fillet radius rolling as well as follow-on processes such as cleaning, heat treatment and coating. They need to work safely at all times taking into consideration the equipment being used and the working environment.

 

Typical job titles include:

Cold forming machine operator Cold forming machine setter Cold forming setter technician Heading operator Heading setter

End-point assessment summary

ST1355, Cold forming setter technician 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 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 36 months. The EPA period is typically 3 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

Assessment methods

Observation with questions

You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 4 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 75 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.


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.

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Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date
1.0 Approved for delivery 29/05/2025 Not set
Employers involved in creating the standard: Atlas Copco, Carlo Salvi UK, Clevedon Fasteners, Complex Cold Forming, Fixfast Ltd, Gesipa, Howmet, JCS Hi-Torque, LISI Aerospace, National Machinery, Optimas, PCC Aerostructures
Other stakeholders involved in creating the standard: Confederation of British Metalforming

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