Contents
Contents
Apprenticeship summary
Overview of the role
Water industry network technicians respond to incidents and monitor water or waste water networks, resolving issues or identifying action required.
Occupation summary
Water network technicians work in the water industry.
Employers in the industry range from small to large but are mainly large.
This is a core and option apprenticeship. Apprentices will be trained and assessed against the core and one option (occupation). There are three options:
- Option1. Water distribution network technician
- Option 2. Water leakage technician
- Option 3. Wastewater network technician
Water industry network technicians work outdoors on water or wastewater networks and may go to customer premises. They also spend time in the office.
They may be required to drive between locations. Typically, a driving licence is required.
They work in all weather conditions.
As 24 hour and seven days per week operations, they may need to undertake standby duties and work shifts outside normal working hours.
The broad purpose of the occupations is to ensure continuity and efficiency of water or wastewater industry network services.
In their daily work, they interact with operatives and other technicians. Plus stakeholders from teams across water or wastewater services, or within the wider business. This may include scientific teams, process treatment, engineering, maintenance, call centre, network optimisation, and contractors. They engage with customers and members of the public. They may also interact with internal and external stakeholders. This may include representatives from the Environmental Agency, police, highways, and other external regulators.
They typically report to operational or network managers. They work with minimal supervision. They may work as part of a team and alone.
They are responsible for meeting quality, industry regulations, safety, security, and environmental requirements. They ensure the health and safety of self and others. They need to consider how their work has the potential to impact customer service and the company's finances and reputation.
Water distribution network technicians carry out planned and unplanned valving operations. They undertake customer visits to resolve water quality enquiries, which may include taking water quality samples and giving advice on water quality. They undertake and provide advice to customers on water fittings. They must take account of Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations.
Water leakage technicians use systems to identify potential and actual leakage and undertake activities or identify action required to reduce leakage. They assist in the repair and maintenance of meters and loggers. They will provide advice to customers on pipework ownership and responsibilities pertaining to leakage.
Water distribution network technicians and water leakage technicians must have a National Water Hygiene (Blue) card. This involves training and assessment, and health screening.
Wastewater technicians respond to incidents and monitor wastewater networks resolving issues or identifying action required. They carry out or supervise system maintenance activities such as high-pressure water jetting and de-silting operations. They undertake surveys for example CCTV camera work or Sonde tracing equipment to assist with fault diagnosis.
Wastewater network technicians must take account of Environmental Quality Standards relating to planned and unplanned discharges.
Typical job titles include:
End-point assessment summary
ST1292, water industry network 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 30 months. The EPA period is typically 4 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
- fail
- pass
- merit
- 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 6 hours. They will ask you at least 5 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 90 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 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.
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 50 multiple-choice questions. You will have 90 minutes to complete it.
The EPAO 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 Institute of Water for Engineering technician (Eng.Tech). 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 apprenticeship aligns with The Institute of Water for Registered Environmental Technician (REnvTech). 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 apprenticeship aligns with The Science Council for Registered Science Technician (RSciTech). Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and upon receipt of the apprenticeship certificate, individuals are eligible to apply for RSciTech 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.
Version log
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 13/09/2022 | Not set |
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