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Water industry treatment process technician

Water industry treatment process technician

Key information

Status: Approved for delivery
Reference: ST1291
Version: 1.1
Level: 3
Typical duration to gateway: 36 months
Typical EPA period: 4 months
Maximum funding: £16000
Route: Engineering and manufacturing
Date updated: 30/06/2023
Approved for delivery: 13 September 2022
Lars code: 685
EQA provider: Ofqual
Review:
This apprenticeship standard will be reviewed after three years

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Apprenticeship summary

Overview of the role

Maintain site process standards for water or wastewater.

Occupation summary

Water treatment process technicians work in the water industry.

Water industry treatment process technicians work for clean water or wastewater (sewerage) treatment companies regulated by OFWAT - Office of Water Services (UK government). Technicians typically work in only one type of treatment stream.

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. There are two options:

Option 1. Water treatment process technician

Option 2. Wastewater treatment process technician

Technicians work at treatment sites. They may be required to drive between sites.

They work in all weather conditions.

As a 24 hour and seven days a week operation, they may need to undertake standby duties and work shifts outside normal working hours.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to maintain site process standards for water or wastewater.

Water treatment technicians maintain and ensure the safe supply of drinking water. This involves abstraction of raw water, treatment, and supply into distribution network. They ensure a balance between water production with network demand. They also manage and operate waste processes onsite such as, sludge management, offsite discharges, and general wastes (oils, paper, and food).

Wastewater treatment technicians maintain the removal and treatment of wastewater. They monitor and maintain wastewater treatment processes including preliminary (for example, storm), primary settlement, biological and chemical treatment, tertiary, and sludge treatment. They manage sludge preparation and storage and liaise with sludge processing facilities.

Both roles seek to optimise processes to maximise efficiency and compliance. They respond to and resolve process failure or failures. They manage asset maintenance and faults: directly or via escalation. Maintaining documentation is also an important part of the role. They support develop other members of the team.

In their daily work, they interact with process operatives, other technicians, and stakeholders from teams across water services, or the wider business. This may include maintenance, water quality, and regional control rooms. They may also interact with external stakeholders. This may include representatives from the Environmental Agency, and Health and Safety Executive.

They typically report to a treatment manager or site manager. They work with minimal supervision. They may work as part of a team and alone.

They are responsible for meeting quality, regulatory, safety, security, and environmental requirements. They ensure the health and safety of self and others including ensuring hygiene practices are followed. They need to consider how their work has the potential to impact customer service and the company - financially and reputationally.

Water treatment process technicians must take account of The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations.

Wastewater treatment process technicians must take account of Environmental Quality Standards for effluent discharge and air quality.

UK water companies require individuals entering clean water sites or working on the clean water network – known as ‘Restricted Operations’, to hold a National Water Hygiene EUSR registration: Blue card. This involves training and assessment, and health screening.

Typical job titles include:

Recycling technician Green leaf

Sewage production operator Green leaf

Treatment works controller Green leaf

Wastewater process controller Green leaf

Wastewater treatment process technician Green leaf

Water process controller Water process technician Water production operator Water treatment process technician

Duties

Duty 1 Seek ways to optimise processes. For example, operational expenditure, compliance, and tighter restrictions on regulatory parameters.
Duty 2 Respond to alarms.
Duty 3 Supervise chemical deliveries.
Duty 4 Co-ordinate work activities and site response with internal and external stakeholders.
Duty 5 Manage asset maintenance: directly or via escalation. For example, equipment validation or calibration.
Duty 6 Resolve faults and problems on process streams, systems, equipment, instruments, and control systems: directly or via escalation. Identify action to prevent reoccurrence of the issue(s).
Duty 7 Complete site safety and security activities. For example, complete site security checks, and site safety inductions.
Duty 8 Ensure vital safety equipment is maintained and available for use. For example, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), harnesses, and first aid kits.
Duty 9 Maintain documentation - records and reports. For example, validation records, and site visit records.
Duty 10 Action response to incidents. For example, out of compliance, toxic gas leaks, chemical or fuel spills.
Duty 11 Maintain site standards and conditions (site ownership). For example, free from hazards, good housekeeping.
Duty 12 (Water treatment process technician) Manage routine activities to maintain and ensure safe supply of drinking water – abstraction, treatment, and supply into distribution network.
Duty 13 (Water treatment process technician) Maintain water quality site process standards.
Duty 14 (Water treatment process technician) Monitor control systems and respond to ensure balance between water production with network demand.
Duty 15 (Water treatment process technician) Respond to and resolve water treatment process failure(s) or problem(s). For example, coagulation failure or disinfection failure. Identify action to prevent reoccurrence of the issue(s).
Duty 16 (Water treatment process technician) Manage and operate waste processes onsite such as, sludge management, offsite discharges, and general wastes (oils, paper, and food).
Duty 17 (Water treatment process technician) Manage and control emergency process response. For example, run to waste.
Duty 18 (Water treatment process technician) Assist with process stream and full treatment works shutdown for routine planned maintenance and in emergencies.
Duty 19 (Wastewater treatment process technician) Manage routine activities to maintain removal and treatment of wastewater.
Duty 20 (Wastewater treatment process technician) Maintain wastewater quality site process standards.
Duty 21 (Wastewater treatment process technician) Monitor and maintain wastewater treatment processes including preliminary (for example, storm), primary settlement, biological and chemical treatment, tertiary, and sludge treatment.
Duty 22 (Wastewater treatment process technician) Manage sludge preparation and storage and liaise with sludge processing facilities.
Duty 23 (Wastewater treatment process technician) Respond to and resolve process failure(s) or problem(s). For example, divert flows, escalate, process stream shut down and isolation, and take samples. Identify action to prevent reoccurrence of the issue(s).
Duty 24 (Wastewater treatment process technician) Maintain pumping operations including associated equipment and control systems.

Apprenticeship summary

ST1291, water industry treatment process 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 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 6 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 12 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 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 Institute of Water 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 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.

Print occupational standard

Details of the occupational standard

Occupation summary

Water treatment process 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. There are two options:

Option 1. Water treatment process technician

Option 2. Wastewater treatment process technician

Technicians work at treatment sites. They may be required to drive between sites.

They work in all weather conditions.

As a 24 hour and seven days a week operation, they may need to undertake standby duties and work shifts outside normal working hours.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to maintain site process standards for water or wastewater.

They typically report to a treatment manager or site manager. They work with minimal supervision. They may work as part of a team and alone.

Water treatment process technicians must take account of The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations.

Wastewater treatment process technicians must take account of Environmental Quality Standards for effluent discharge and air quality.

Typical job titles include:

Recycling technician Green leaf

Sewage production operator Green leaf

Treatment works controller Green leaf

Wastewater process controller Green leaf

Wastewater treatment process technician Green leaf

Water process controller Water process technician Water production operator Water treatment process technician

Entry requirements

Typically, 3 to 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and mathematics, or equivalent qualifications.

Core occupation duties

Duty	KSBs
Duty 1 Seek ways to optimise processes. For example, operational expenditure, compliance, and tighter restrictions on regulatory parameters.	K2 K3 K4 K7 K9 K10 K13 K14 K16 K17 K20 K21 K22 S1 S8 S15 S18 S19 S20 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 2 Respond to alarms.	K2 K3 K8 K9 K10 K11 K15 K16 K17 K18 K20 K21 K22 K23 S1 S2 S9 S15 S18 S20 S21 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 3 Supervise chemical deliveries.	K1 K2 K10 K12 K16 K17 K18 K19 K21 K22 K23 S1 S15 S16 S18 S20 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 4 Co-ordinate work activities and site response with internal and external stakeholders.	K1 K2 K8 K9 K10 K16 K17 K18 K20 K21 K22 K23 S1 S15 S16 S18 S20 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 5 Manage asset maintenance: directly or via escalation. For example, equipment validation or calibration.	K2 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K14 K16 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 S1 S3 S4 S6 S15 S18 S20 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 6 Resolve faults and problems on process streams, systems, equipment, instruments, and control systems: directly or via escalation. Identify action to prevent reoccurrence of the issue(s).	K2 K3 K4 K5 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K14 K15 K16 K19 K20 K21 K22 S1 S5 S7 S10 S15 S18 S20 S21 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 7 Complete site safety and security activities. For example, complete site security checks, and site safety inductions.	K1 K2 K10 K12 K16 K18 K19 K21 K22 K23 S1 S15 S16 S18 S20 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 8 Ensure vital safety equipment is maintained and available for use. For example, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), harnesses, and first aid kits.	K2 K6 K10 K14 K16 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 S1 S3 S4 S6 S11 S15 S18 S20 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 S27 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 9 Maintain documentation - records and reports. For example, validation records, and site visit records.	K2 K3 K5 K6 K8 K10 K11 K12 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 S1 S3 S4 S6 S14 S15 S16 S18 S20 S21 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 10 Action response to incidents. For example, out of compliance, toxic gas leaks, chemical or fuel spills.	K1 K2 K3 K4 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K15 K16 K17 K18 K19 K20 K21 K22 S1 S12 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S20 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26 S27 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 11 Maintain site standards and conditions (site ownership). For example, free from hazards, good housekeeping.	K2 K10 K12 K16 K17 K21 K22 K23 S1 S13 S14 S15 S18 S20 S23 S24 S25 S26 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7

Option duties

Water treatment process technician duties

Duty	KSBs
Duty 12 Manage routine activities to maintain and ensure safe supply of drinking water – abstraction, treatment, and supply into distribution network.	K2 K3 K4 K5 K7 K9 K10 K12 K13 K14 K16 K17 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K29 K30 K31 K32 K33 S1 S7 S8 S9 S10 S14 S15 S16 S18 S20 S21 S23 S24 S25 S26 S28 S29 S30 S31 S32 S33 S34 S35 S36 S37 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 13 Maintain water quality site process standards.	K2 K3 K4 K5 K9 K10 K14 K16 K17 K18 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K29 K30 K31 K32 K33 S1 S7 S8 S9 S10 S14 S15 S16 S18 S20 S21 S23 S24 S25 S26 S28 S29 S30 S31 S32 S33 S34 S35 S36 S37 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 14 Monitor control systems and respond to ensure balance between water production with network demand.	K2 K3 K5 K9 K10 K14 K16 K17 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K29 K30 K31 K32 K33 S1 S7 S8 S9 S10 S14 S15 S16 S18 S20 S21 S23 S24 S25 S26 S28 S29 S30 S31 S32 S33 S34 S35 S36 S37 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 15 Respond to and resolve water treatment process failure(s) or problem(s). For example, coagulation failure or disinfection failure. Identify action to prevent reoccurrence of the issue(s).	K2 K3 K4 K5 K9 K10 K11 K15 K16 K17 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K29 K30 K31 K32 K33 S1 S7 S8 S9 S10 S14 S15 S16 S18 S20 S21 S23 S24 S25 S26 S28 S29 S30 S31 S32 S33 S34 S35 S36 S37 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 16 Manage and operate waste processes onsite such as, sludge management, offsite discharges, and general wastes (oils, paper, and food).	K2 K3 K4 K5 K9 K10 K16 K17 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K29 K30 K31 K32 K33 S1 S7 S8 S9 S10 S14 S15 S16 S18 S20 S21 S23 S24 S25 S26 S28 S29 S30 S31 S32 S33 S34 S35 S36 S37 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 17 Manage and control emergency process response. For example, run to waste.	K2 K3 K4 K5 K9 K10 K12 K15 K16 K17 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K29 K30 K31 K32 K33 S1 S7 S8 S9 S10 S14 S15 S16 S18 S20 S21 S23 S24 S25 S26 S28 S29 S30 S31 S32 S33 S34 S35 S36 S37 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 18 Assist with process stream and full treatment works shutdown for routine planned maintenance and in emergencies.	K2 K3 K8 K9 K10 K11 K16 K17 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K29 K30 K31 K32 K33 S1 S7 S8 S9 S10 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S20 S21 S23 S24 S25 S26 S28 S29 S30 S31 S32 S33 S34 S35 S36 S37 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7

Wastewater treatment process technician duties

Duty	KSBs
Duty 19 Manage routine activities to maintain removal and treatment of wastewater.	K2 K3 K4 K5 K7 K9 K10 K12 K13 K14 K16 K17 K20 K21 K22 K23 K34 K35 K36 K37 K38 K39 K40 S1 S7 S8 S9 S10 S14 S15 S16 S18 S20 S21 S23 S24 S25 S26 S38 S39 S40 S41 S42 S43 S44 S45 S46 S47 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 20 Maintain wastewater quality site process standards.	K2 K3 K4 K5 K9 K10 K14 K16 K17 K20 K21 K22 K23 K34 K35 K36 K37 K38 K39 K40 S1 S7 S8 S9 S10 S14 S15 S16 S18 S20 S21 S23 S24 S25 S26 S38 S39 S40 S41 S42 S43 S44 S45 S46 S47 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 21 Monitor and maintain wastewater treatment processes including preliminary (for example, storm), primary settlement, biological and chemical treatment, tertiary, and sludge treatment.	K2 K3 K4 K5 K9 K10 K12 K16 K17 K20 K21 K22 K23 K34 K35 K36 K37 K38 K39 K40 S1 S7 S8 S9 S10 S14 S15 S16 S18 S20 S21 S23 S24 S25 S26 S38 S39 S40 S41 S42 S43 S44 S45 S46 S47 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 22 Manage sludge preparation and storage and liaise with sludge processing facilities.	K2 K3 K5 K9 K10 K12 K16 K17 K20 K21 K22 K23 K34 K35 K36 K37 K38 K39 K40 S1 S7 S8 S9 S10 S14 S15 S16 S18 S20 S21 S23 S24 S25 S26 S38 S39 S40 S41 S42 S43 S44 S45 S46 S47 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 23 Respond to and resolve process failure(s) or problem(s). For example, divert flows, escalate, process stream shut down and isolation, and take samples. Identify action to prevent reoccurrence of the issue(s).	K2 K3 K4 K5 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K15 K16 K17 K20 K21 K22 K23 K34 K35 K36 K37 K38 K39 K40 S1 S7 S8 S9 S10 S14 S15 S16 S18 S20 S21 S23 S24 S25 S26 S38 S39 S40 S41 S42 S43 S44 S45 S46 S47 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7
Duty 24 Maintain pumping operations including associated equipment and control systems.	K2 K3 K8 K9 K10 K16 K17 K20 K21 K22 K23 K34 K35 K36 K37 K38 K39 K40 S1 S3 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S14 S15 S18 S20 S21 S23 S24 S25 S26 S38 S39 S40 S41 S42 S43 S44 S45 S46 S47 B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Overview of water and wastewater industries. Regulators and stakeholders: Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), Water Services Regulation Authority (OFWAT), Consumer Council for Water (CCWater), Environment Agency (EA), and Health, Safety Executive (HSE), and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) - roles and powers. Back to Duty

K2: Technician’s role. Limits of autonomy. Different teams and functions involved in operations: how they work together. Back to Duty

K3: Business operation considerations: how activities may impact customers, financial constraints, ethical business practices. Customer Experience Measure (CMEX). Regulatory and legislative performance measures. Back to Duty

K4: Water and wastewater science. Liquids, gases, and solid states commonly found in water industry. Elements, molecules, compounds, and ions. The pH scale, acids, and alkalinity. Physical, chemical, and biological process definition. Dissolved oxygen in treatment and processes. Back to Duty

K5: Maths commonly used in the water and wastewater industries. S.I units. Calculations. Standard form. Measurement of distance, area, volume and flow, and unit conversion. Simple transposition of formula. Routine flow and hydraulics theories, principles, and calculations. Back to Duty

K6: Planned preventative maintenance of monitoring equipment requirements. Asset health check requirements. Back to Duty

K7: Energy performance monitoring methods. Energy consumption reduction guidelines. Tariff management. Back to Duty

K8: Isolation, shutdown, and recommissioning of process streams requirements and procedures. Back to Duty

K9: Process control systems. Types of equipment used for process control operations and the functions they perform, set-points, and alarm values. Back to Duty

K10: Operational and quality procedures. Escalation procedures. What they are and how to use them. Back to Duty

K11: Different types of incidents and emergency situations (internal and external): pollution, loss of process, security, weather, and accidents: their potential impact. Incident management and procedures. Back to Duty

K12: Chemical awareness. Transport, acceptance and use of chemicals. Agreement of Dangerous Goods transported by Road regulation (ADR). Chemical delivery requirements. Chemical control methods. Back to Duty

K13: Optimisation in the treatment process: what it means and how it can be achieved. Back to Duty

K14: Asset optimisation and performance: quality, cost, time, safety, and impact. Back to Duty

K15: Fault finding and problem-solving techniques: root cause analysis and diagnostics. Back to Duty

K16: Health and Safety at Work Act – responsibilities. Management of health and safety at work regulations. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH). Risks and hazards. Risk assessments and controlling risk. Control methods for harmful substances and chemicals, effluents, and sludge. Health and safety signage. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Working in confined spaces: safety equipment and lifting equipment. Harnesses, gas detectors and respiratory apparatus. Manual handling. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). Asbestos awareness. Lone working. Working at height. Working time directive. First aid. Emergency procedures. Drug and alcohol awareness. Permits to work. Storage of tools, equipment, and materials. ATEX compliance (safety requirements of the workplace and equipment used in explosive atmosphere). Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR). Pressure System Safety Regulations (PSSR). Provision of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER). Safe isolation of plant and equipment (lockout, tagout). Back to Duty

K17: Environment and sustainability. Environmental Protection Act. Types of pollution and control measures. Environmental permitting and discharge consents. Operator Self Monitoring (OSM): sampling requirements. Monitoring emissions to air, land, and water (MCERTS). Principles of sustainable development. Waste management and waste streams. Invasive species and Duty of Care in the Environmental aspect. Back to Duty

K18: Information and digital technology: email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, remote working platforms, work and asset management systems. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Cyber security. Back to Duty

K19: Documentation requirements for example maintenance records, asset check records. Back to Duty

K20: Planning, prioritising, work scheduling, and time management techniques. Back to Duty

K21: Communication techniques: verbal, written and electronic. Adapting style to audience. Back to Duty

K22: Team working and culture. How to work as part of a team, the importance of establishing and meeting the requirements of different roles. Negotiation and conflict management techniques. Back to Duty

K23: Equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Back to Duty

K24: Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations. Consequences of non-compliance. Back to Duty

K25: National water hygiene: importance of water, water as a carrier of disease, potential contamination and its consequences and preventing contamination. Back to Duty

K26: Water quality requirements. Drinking water safety plans. Water quality parameters and the role of water quality alarms. Water quality incident investigation requirements. Water quality records. Consequences of failure. Back to Duty

K27: DWI asset and site security requirements: water storage alarms. Back to Duty

K28: Water quality monitoring, sampling, and testing requirements and techniques. Equipment, resources, and materials used. Sampling points. Back to Duty

K29: Raw water and catchment management permitting and protection. Back to Duty

K30: Treatment processes: abstraction, clarification, coagulation, disinfection, and filtration. Water works design flows - impact of flow change on treatment process. Hydraulics principles. Objectives, parameters, variables, optimal performance measures (quality, cost, and waste) and the consequences of sub-optimal performance. Waste stream processes. Back to Duty

K31: Plant shutdown and re-start procedures: planned and reactive. Impact and causes of shutdown. Back to Duty

K32: Distribution system protection: disinfection, chemical treatment, flow, and valve operation controls. Back to Duty

K33: Treated water storage point objectives and requirements. Back to Duty

K34: Treatment processes: preliminary treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, tertiary treatment, sludge treatment, and odour management. Wastewater works design flows - impact of flow change on treatment process. Back to Duty

K35: Wastewater compliance and performance monitoring requirements: wastewater quality standards, sampling, analysis, and reporting. Back to Duty

K36: Nature and sources of wastewater effluent and its impact on the environment. Back to Duty

K37: Chemical, biological, microbiological, and physical characteristics of wastewater effluent and trade effluents. Back to Duty

K38: Risks of working on wastewater treatment site – personal hygiene risks and requirements. Back to Duty

K39: Configuration, operation, and performance requirements of types of sewerage systems and pumping stations: inter-stage pumping stations, detention tanks, combined sewer overflow screens (CSO). Pumps and associated ancillary equipment used. Back to Duty

K40: Purpose, application, and impact of wastewater flows: volumes, permits, catchment area consent, and impact of weather conditions. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Comply with (water or wastewater) industry regulations and procedures. Back to Duty

S2: Follow alarm intervention procedures. Resolve alarm issues. Back to Duty

S3: Inspect (planned) and check assets (reactive) and identify action. Back to Duty

S4: Follow procedures to remove assets for routine maintenance and recommission. Back to Duty

S5: Carry out validation or instrument checks of online equipment and identify action. Back to Duty

S6: Monitor first line maintenance of process control equipment and instrumentation. Back to Duty

S7: Identify issues. Apply fault-finding and problem-solving techniques: identify root cause. Resolve faults. Back to Duty

S8: Consider, identify, and promote areas for improvement for example, in relation to quality, cost, time, safety, and impact. Back to Duty

S9: Interrogate and interpret electronic control systems. For example, HMI or SCADA. Back to Duty

S10: Use data monitoring and control systems to monitor and control equipment. Back to Duty

S11: Inspect and check safety equipment: identify and take action. Back to Duty

S12: Identify and instigate incident escalation procedures. Back to Duty

S13: Apply site standards for housekeeping. Back to Duty

S14: Conduct risk assessments: identify and document risks and hazards in the workplace. Apply control measures. Back to Duty

S15: Comply with health and safety regulations and safe working practices and procedures. Back to Duty

S16: Follow site security procedures. Back to Duty

S17: Follow procedures for emergency situations. Back to Duty

S18: Comply with environmental and sustainability regulations and requirements. For example, safe disposal of waste, re-cycling or re-use of materials, and efficient use of resources. Back to Duty

S19: Apply principles of sustainable development. For example, in choice of materials. Back to Duty

S20: Conduct and assess impact of activity for example, environmental, cost, reputation, safety, and health. Apply control measures. Back to Duty

S21: Identify and escalate issues. Back to Duty

S22: Read and interpret written information. For example, work instructions, and service level agreements. Back to Duty

S23: Complete work records. Back to Duty

S24: Use information technology. Follow cyber security procedures. Comply with GDPR. Back to Duty

S25: Plan tasks. Identify and organise resources to complete work tasks. Back to Duty

S26: Communicate verbally and in writing. For example, with colleagues, stakeholders, or others. Use water industry terminology where appropriate. Back to Duty

S27: Liaise with, negotiate with, and handle conflict in individual or group environments. Back to Duty

S28: Select raw water source or blend of sources. Back to Duty

S29: Monitor and control water abstraction. Back to Duty

S30: Monitor and control water chemical dosing procedures. Back to Duty

S31: Operate water process control equipment and instrumentation. Back to Duty

S32: Take water samples. Back to Duty

S33: Analyse and interpret on-site laboratory data and check against water process parameters. Back to Duty

S34: Monitor and control water treatment processes and performance. Back to Duty

S35: Monitor and control the effectiveness of disinfection. Back to Duty

S36: Monitor and control waste stream processes and performance. Back to Duty

S37: Apply procedures to shut-down, isolate, and re-commission water process streams. Back to Duty

S38: Monitor and control incoming flows. Back to Duty

S39: Control internal pumping station operations. Back to Duty

S40: Operate wastewater process control equipment and instrumentation. Back to Duty

S41: Take wastewater samples. Back to Duty

S42: Analyse and interpret on-site testing data and monitoring equipment data and check against wastewater process parameters. Back to Duty

S43: Monitor and maintain grit removal and screening assets. Back to Duty

S44: Monitor and control the performance of sedimentation, biological and chemical treatment operations. Back to Duty

S45: Monitor and control wastewater treatment processes and performance. Back to Duty

S46: Apply procedures to shut-down, isolate and re-commission wastewater process streams. Back to Duty

S47: Follow wastewater hygiene personal procedures. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Prioritise and promote public health, workplace health and safety, and security. Back to Duty

B2: Prioritise and promote the environment and sustainability. Back to Duty

B3: Apply a professional approach. Back to Duty

B4: Take ownership for work and responsibility for the quality of work and impact on others. Back to Duty

B5: Team-focus to meet work goals: support others. Back to Duty

B6: Respond and adapt to work demands. Back to Duty

B7: Committed to continued professional development to maintain and enhance competence in own area of practice. Back to Duty

Qualifications

English and Maths

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Professional recognition

This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:

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.
The Institute of Water 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.
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.

Print EPA plan

End-point assessment plan

V1.1

Introduction and overview

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the water industry treatment process technician apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Water industry treatment process technician apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

This is a core and options apprenticeship. An apprentice must be trained and assessed against the core and one option. The options are:

Water treatment process technician

Wastewater treatment process technician

A full-time water industry treatment process technician apprentice typically spends 36 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway). 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 must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).

This EPA has 3 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are below.

Assessment method 1 - observation with questions:

fail

pass

distinction

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

fail

pass

distinction

Assessment method 3 - multiple-choice test:

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

EPA summary table

On-programme - typically 36 months	The apprentice must: complete training to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) outlined in this apprenticeship’s standard complete training towards English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules compile a portfolio of evidence
End-point assessment gateway	The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice has attained sufficient KSBs to complete the apprenticeship. The apprentice must: confirm they are ready to take the EPA have achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules For the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, the apprentice must submit a portfolio of evidence. The apprentice must submit the gateway evidence to their EPAO, including any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO.
End-point assessment - typically 4 months	The grades available for each assessment method are below Observation with questions: fail pass distinction Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence: fail pass distinction Multiple-choice test: fail pass distinction Overall EPA and apprenticeship can be graded: fail pass merit distinction
Professional recognition	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. This apprenticeship aligns with: The Institute of Water 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. 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.
Re-sits and re-takes	Re-take and re-sit grade cap: pass Re-sit timeframe: typically 2 months Re-take timeframe: typically 4 months

Duration of end-point assessment period

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 4 months.

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

EPA gateway

The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice has attained sufficient KSBs to complete the apprenticeship. 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

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 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
workplace policies and procedures
witness statements
annotated photographs
video clips (maximum total duration 20 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.

The apprentice must submit the gateway evidence to their EPAO, including any organisation specific policies and procedures requested by the EPAO.

Order of assessment methods

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.

Observation with questions

Overview

In the observation with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice in their workplace and asks questions. The apprentice completes their day-to-day duties under normal working conditions. Simulation is not allowed. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

this is a practical role, best demonstrated through completing tasks in a real work setting
observation makes use of employer resources and equipment which will be familiar to the apprentice and thus allow them to perform at their best
tasks completed during the observation should contribute to workplace productivity and are valid
it is a holistic assessment method

Delivery

The observation 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 independent assessor must conduct and assess the observation with questions.

The independent assessor must only observe one apprentice at a time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible.

The EPAO must give the apprentice 2 weeks' notice of the observation with questions.

The observation must take 6 hours.

The independent assessor can increase the time of the observation with questions by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.

The observation may be split into discrete sections held on the same working day.

The EPAO 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 independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the observation with questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.

The independent assessor should observe the following during the observation:

maintaining site security
maintaining site standards and safety including completing a risk assessment
ensuring vital safety equipment is maintained and available for use
communicating verbally
completing documentation
managing water or wastewater treatment processes and process standards
sampling and analysis

The activities will be observed in the context of the apprentice’s occupational context (option): water or wastewater.

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

The independent assessor must ask questions. Questioning can occur both during and after the observation.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions is to test the apprentice’s breadth and depth of underpinning knowledge against the grading descriptors.

The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The independent assessor must ask at least 6 questions. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessor should ask questions during natural stops between tasks and after completion of work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. 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 ask questions about KSBs that were not observed to gather assessment evidence. These questions are in addition to the above set number of questions for the observation with questions and should be kept to a minimum.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must assess the observation and responses to questions holistically when deciding the grade.

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

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

Assessment location

The observation with questions must take place in the apprentice’s normal place of work for example, their employer’s premises or a customer’s premises. Equipment and resources needed for the observation must be provided by the employer and be in good and safe working condition.

Questioning that occurs after the observation 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 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 produce the following materials to support the observation with questions:

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.

Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

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 allows for assessment of KSBs that do not occur on a predictable or regular basis
it allows for testing of responses where there are a range of potential answers that cannot be tested through the multiple-choice test
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 cover the following themes:

Core

working in the water industry
environment and sustainability
asset and equipment maintenance
responding to alarms
improvement and optimisation
resolving faults
responding to incidents
team working
information technology

The themes will be assessed in the context of the apprentice’s occupational context (option): water or wastewater.

Option 1. Water treatment process technician

water catchment and abstraction
waste streams management
shut down, isolation and recommission of water process streams

Option 2. Wastewater treatment process technician

pumping operations
wastewater flows
shut down, isolation and recommission of wastewater process streams

The activities will be assessed in the context of the apprentice’s occupational context (option): water or wastewater.

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 90 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 12 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 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.

Multiple-choice test

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 allows for the efficient testing of knowledge where there is a right or wrong answer
it allows for flexibility in terms of when, where, and how it is taken
it allows larger volumes of apprentices to be assessed at one time

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 50 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 90 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. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of tests with written answers.

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 could 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 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:

independent assessor assessment materials which include:
- 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.

Grading

Observation with questions

Fail - does not meet pass criteria

Theme KSBs	Pass Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors	Distinction Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
(Core) Work preparation S22	Reads and interprets written information correctly to establish task requirements. (S22)	None
(Core) Work environment S13 S14 S15 S16 B1	Identifies and documents risks and hazards and applies control measures in-line with company procedures. (S14) Prioritises and promotes public health, workplace health and safety, and security by complying with health and safety regulations, safe working practices and procedures, following site security procedures and applying site standards for housekeeping to ensure the working environment is safe for themselves and others. (S13, S15, S16, B1)	Justifies how control measures have the potential to minimise risks. (S14)
(Core) Safety equipment S11	Inspects and checks safety equipment against requirements, identifying and acting in line with procedures where there are issues. (S11)	None
(Core) Communication K21 S26 B3	Applies a professional approach using verbal, written and electronic communication techniques suitable for the context, adapting style and use of terminology to suit the audience. Uses sector and industry terminology correctly. (K21, S26, B3)	None
(Core) Documentation K19 S23	Completes work records required for tasks in full and correctly. (K19, S23)	Explains the importance of data gathering and flow of documentation for wider use across the business. For example, performance commitments (outcome delivery incentives). (K19)
(Water treatment process technician) Water treatment and process standards K9 K10 K30 S1 S9 S10 S30 S31 S34 S35 B4	Takes responsibility to complete processes within limits of authority in compliance with industry regulations and company operational and quality procedures, escalating issues outside of limits of authority. (K10, S1, B4) Interrogates and interprets electronic control systems correctly. (S9) Monitors and controls water chemical dosing in line with company procedures. (S30) Operates water process control equipment and instrumentation in line with company's or manufacturer's instructions. (K9, S31) Uses data monitoring and control systems to monitor and control water treatment processes and performance within company tolerances, responding in line with company procedures. (K30, S10, S34) Monitors and controls the effectiveness of disinfection following procedures to achieve performance in line with water supply regulations. (S35)	Evaluates data from electronic control systems to mitigate against potential issues. (S9) Analyses water treatment processes and performance approach in terms of optimisation. (K30)
(Water treatment process technician) Water sampling and analysis K28 S32 S33	Takes representative water samples in line with company procedures. Analyses and interprets on-site laboratory data and water quality monitoring instrumentation accurately, checking against water process parameters and taking action in line with company procedures for example recording, escalation, validation. (K28, S32, S33)	Explains the importance of completing water sampling correctly and the impact of deviating samples. (K28)
(Wastewater treatment process technician) Wastewater treatment and process standards K34 S40 S43 S44 S45	Takes responsibility to complete processes within limits of authority in compliance with industry regulations and company operational and quality procedures, escalating issues outside of limits of authority. (K10, S1, B4) Interrogates and interprets electronic control systems accurately. (S9) Operates wastewater process control equipment and instrumentation in line with company's or manufacturer's instructions. (K9, S40) Monitors and maintains grit removal and screening assets in line with company policies (permits). (S43) Monitors and controls in the performance of sedimentation, biological and chemical treatment operations line with company procedures. (K34, S44) Uses data monitoring and control systems to monitor and control wastewater treatment processes and performance within company tolerances, responding in line with company procedures. (S10, S45)	Evaluates data from electronic control systems to mitigate against potential issues. (S9) Analyses wastewater treatment processes and performance in terms of optimisation. (S45)
(Wastewater treatment process technician) Wastewater monitoring and sampling and analysis K35 S41 S42	Takes representative wastewater samples in line with company procedures. Analyses and interprets on-site testing equipment data and monitoring equipment correctly, checking against wastewater process parameters and taking action in line with company procedures for example recording, escalation, validation. (K35, S41, S42)	Explains the importance of completing wastewater sampling correctly and the impact of deviating samples. (K35)
(Wastewater treatment process technician) Risks of working in wastewater K38 S47	Follows wastewater hygiene personal company procedures for example, correct use of personal protective equipment. (K38, S47)	None

Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Fail - does not meet pass criteria

Theme KSBs	Pass Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors	Distinction Apprentices must demonstrate all the pass descriptors and all of the distinction descriptors
(Core) Working in the water industry K2 K3 S21	Explains their role, identifying how they work with different teams and functions involved in operations. (K2, S21) Explains business operation considerations. (K3)	None
(Core) Environmental and sustainability S18 S19 B2	Describes how they comply with environmental and sustainability regulations and procedures and apply the principles of sustainable development in line with regulations and company procedures. (S18, S19) Describes how they prioritise and promote the environment and sustainability in the workplace. (B2)	Evaluates the actual or potential value of a specific sustainable development approach. (S19)
(Core) Asset and equipment maintenance K6 S3 S4 S5 S6	Describes how they inspect and check assets in line with manufacturer’s or company’s procedures, identifying action required to address immediate issues. Describes how they monitor first line maintenance of process control equipment and instrumentation in line with manufacturer’s or company’s requirements. (K6, S3, S6) Describes how they follow procedures to safely remove assets for routine maintenance and recommission. (S4) Describes how they carry out validation or instrument checks of online equipment in line with manufacturer’s or company’s requirements, identifying action to resolve issues. (S5)	Explains how they have identified action for future planned preventative maintenance, based on evidence, to reduce or potentially reduce risk of future failure. (K6, S6)
(Core) Improvement and optimisation K13 S8	Describes how they consider, identify, and promote areas for treatment process and asset optimisation improvement for example, in relation to quality, cost, time, safety, and impact. (K13, S8)	Evaluates the actual or potential value of a specific optimisation improvement suggestion. (K13, S8)
(Core) Responding to alarms S2	Describes how they follow alarm intervention procedures and resolve alarm issues for example, nuisance alarms. (S2)	None
(Core) Resolving faults K15 S7	Describes how they apply fault- finding and problem-solving techniques, identifying the root cause of issues and resolving faults in line with procedures. (K15, S7)	None
(Core) Responding to incidents K11 S12 S17 S20	Describes how they identify control measures to mitigate potential issues and instigate incident escalation procedures. (S12) Describes how they follow procedures for a given incident or emergency situation. (K11, S17) Describes how they conduct and assess the impact of activity and apply control measures. (S20)	None
(Core) Team working K20 K22 K23 S25 S27 B5 B6 B7	Describes how they plan and organise work and resources using appropriate techniques and respond and adapt to meet work demands. (K20, S25, B6) Describes how they liaise, negotiate, and handle conflict in individual and or group environments to achieve desired outcomes. (S27) Describes how they support others to meet the team’s work goals using team working techniques and taking account of equality, diversity and inclusion. (K22, K23, B5) Describes CPD they have undertaken and future plans for CPD, explaining how they keep up to date with industry and individual development. Explains what the impact of their CPD has been and how it has benefited others and the business. (B7)	Describes how they achieve efficiencies in the use of time or resources. (K20, S25)
(Core) Information technology K18 S24	Describes how they use information technology for different purposes (email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, remote working platforms, work and asset management systems). Explains measures they take to comply with general data protection regulations (GDPR) and cyber security and why it is important. (K18, S24)	None
(Water treatment process technician) Water catchment and abstraction K29 S28 S29	Describes how they select raw water source or blend of sources, managing and protecting catchment in line with licenses, parameters, other users, and procedures. Explains the impact of breach of catchment management permits on the business. (K29, S28) Describes how they monitor and control water abstraction in line with procedures. (S29)	None
(Water treatment process technician) Waste streams management S36	Describes how they monitor and control waste stream processes and performance to achieve compliance. (S36)	None
(Water treatment process technician) Shut down, isolation and recommission of water process streams K8 K14 S37	Describes how they apply procedures to shut-down, isolate, and re-commission water process streams in line with procedures and impact on asset optimisation and performance. (K8, K14, S37)	Explains how the process needs to be adapted during shutdown to maintain compliance and control risk. (K8)
(Wastewater treatment process technician) Pumping operations S39	Describes how they control internal pumping operations to meet operational requirements. (S39)	None
(Wastewater treatment process technician) Wastewater flows K40 S38	Describes how they monitor and control incoming wastewater flows in line with permits and parameters. Explains the impact of breach of permits on the business. (K40, S38)	None
(Wastewater treatment process technician) Shut down, isolation and recommission of wastewater process streams S46	Describes how they apply procedures to shut-down, isolate, and re-commission wastewater process streams in line with procedures and impact on asset optimisation and performance. (K8, K14, S46)	Explains how the process needs to be adapted during shutdown to maintain compliance and control risk. (K8)

Multiple-choice test

Grade	Minimum marks required	Maximum marks required
Fail	0	34
Pass	35	42
Distinction	43	50

Overall EPA grading

Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:

fail

pass

merit

distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the observation with questions and interview 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 merit, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in any two of the assessment methods and a pass in the other. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, the apprentice must achieve a distinction in all three assessment methods.

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

Observation with questions	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence	Multiple-choice test	Overall Grading
Any grade	Any grade	Fail	Fail
Fail	Any grade	Any grade	Fail
Any grade	Fail	Any grade	Fail
Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass
Pass	Distinction	Pass	Pass
Pass	Pass	Distinction	Pass
Distinction	Pass	Pass	Pass
Distinction	Pass	Distinction	Merit
Distinction	Distinction	Pass	Merit
Pass	Distinction	Distinction	Merit
Distinction	Distinction	Distinction	Distinction

Re-sits and re-takes

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 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 4 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 pass for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.

Water treatment process technician

Wastewater treatment process technician

Roles and responsibilities

Roles	Responsibilities
Apprentice	As a minimum, the apprentice should: complete on-programme training to meet the KSBs as outlined in the apprenticeship standard for a minimum of 12 months complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules and as arranged by the employer and training provider understand the purpose and importance of EPA prepare for and undertake the EPA including meeting all gateway requirements ensure that all supporting evidence required at the gateway is submitted in line with this EPA plan
Employer	As a minimum, the apprentice's employer must: select the EPAO and training provider work with the training provider (where applicable) to support the apprentice in the workplace and to provide the opportunities for the apprentice to develop the KSBs arrange and support off-the-job training to be undertaken by the apprentice  decide when the apprentice is working at or above the apprenticeship standard and is ready for EPA ensure the apprentice is prepared for the EPA ensure that all supporting evidence required at the gateway is submitted in line with this EPA plan confirm arrangements with the EPAO for the EPA (who, when, where) in a timely manner provide the EPAO with access to any employer-specific documentation as required for example, company policies ensure that the EPA is scheduled with the EPAO for a date and time which allows appropriate opportunity for the apprentice to meet the KSBs ensure the apprentice is given sufficient time away from regular duties to prepare for, and complete the EPA ensure that any required supervision during the EPA period, as stated within this EPA plan, is in place ensure the apprentice has access to the resources used to fulfil their role and carry out the EPA for workplace based assessments remain independent from the delivery of the EPA pass the certificate to the apprentice upon receipt
EPAO	As a minimum, the EPAO must: conform to the requirements of this EPA plan and deliver its requirements in a timely manner conform to the requirements of the RoEPAO conform to the requirements of the external quality assurance provider (EQAP) understand the apprenticeship including the occupational standard and EPA plan make all necessary contractual arrangements including agreeing the price of the EPA develop and produce assessment materials including specifications and marking materials (for example mark schemes, practice materials, training material) maintain and apply a policy for the declaration and management of conflict of interests and independence. This must ensure, as a minimum, there is no personal benefit or detriment for those delivering the EPA or from the result of an assessment. It must cover: apprentices employers independent assessors any other roles involved in delivery or grading of the EPA have quality assurance systems and procedures that ensure fair, reliable and consistent assessment and maintain records of internal quality assurance (IQA) activity for external quality assurance (EQA) purposes appoint independent, competent, and suitably qualified assessors in line with the requirements of this EPA plan appoint administrators, invigilators and any other roles where required to facilitate the EPA deliver induction, initial and on-going training for all their independent assessors and any other roles involved in the delivery or grading of the EPA as specified within this EPA plan. This should include how to record the rationale and evidence for grading decisions where required conduct standardisation with all their independent assessors before allowing them to deliver an EPA, when the EPA is updated, and at least once a year conduct moderation across all of their independent assessors’ decisions once EPAs have started according to a sampling plan, with associated risk rating of independent assessors monitor the performance of all their independent assessors and provide additional training where necessary develop and provide assessment recording documentation to ensure a clear and auditable process is in place for providing assessment decisions and feedback to all relevant stakeholders use language in the development and delivery of the EPA that is appropriate to the level of the apprenticeship arrange for the EPA to take place in a timely manner, in consultation with the employer provide information, advice, and guidance documentation to enable apprentices, employers and training providers to prepare for the EPA confirm the gateway requirements have been met before they start the EPA for an apprentice host the EPA or make suitable alternative arrangements maintain the security of the EPA including, but not limited to, verifying the identity of the apprentice, invigilation and security of materials where the EPA plan permits assessment away from the workplace, ensure that the apprentice has access to the required resources and liaise with the employer to agree this if necessary confirm overall grade awarded maintain and apply a policy for conducting appeals
Independent assessor	As a minimum, an independent assessor must: be independent, with no conflict of interest with the apprentice, their employer or training provider, specifically, they must not receive a personal benefit or detriment from the result of the assessment have, maintain and be able to evidence up-to-date knowledge and expertise of the occupation have the competence to assess the EPA and meet the requirements of the IQA section of this EPA plan understand the apprenticeship’s occupational standard and EPA plan attend induction and standardisation events before they conduct an EPA for the first time, when the EPA is updated, and at least once a year use language in the delivery of the EPA that is appropriate to the level of the apprenticeship work with other personnel, where used, in the preparation and delivery of assessment methods conduct the EPA to assess the apprentice against the KSBs and in line with the EPA plan make final grading decisions in line with this EPA plan record and report assessment outcome decisions comply with the IQA requirements of the EPAO comply with external quality assurance (EQA) requirements
Training provider	As a minimum, the training provider must: conform to the requirements of the register of apprenticeship training providers (RoATP) ensure procedures are in place to mitigate against any conflict of interest work with the employer and support the apprentice during the off-the-job training to provide the opportunities to develop the KSBs as outlined in the occupational standard deliver training to the apprentice as outlined in their apprenticeship agreement monitor the apprentice’s progress during any training provider led on-programme learning ensure the apprentice is prepared for the EPA advise the employer, upon request, on the apprentice’s readiness for EPA ensure that all supporting evidence required at the gateway is submitted in line with this EPA plan remain independent from the delivery of the EPA

Reasonable adjustments

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

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

Value for money

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

using the employer’s premises

conducting assessment methods on the same day

Professional recognition

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.

This apprenticeship aligns with:

The Institute of Water 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.

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.

KSB mapping table

Knowledge	Assessment methods
K1: Core. Overview of water and wastewater industries. Regulators and stakeholders: Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), Water Services Regulation Authority (OFWAT), Consumer Council for Water (CCWater), Environment Agency (EA), and Health, Safety Executive (HSE), and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) - roles and powers. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K2: Core. Technician’s role. Limits of autonomy. Different teams and functions involved in operations: how they work together. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K3: Core. Business operation considerations: how activities may impact customers, financial constraints, ethical business practices. Customer Experience Measure (CMEX). Regulatory and legislative performance measures. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K4: Core. Water and wastewater science. Liquids, gases, and solid states commonly found in water industry. Elements, molecules, compounds, and ions. The pH scale, acids, and alkalinity. Physical, chemical, and biological process definition. Dissolved oxygen in treatment and processes. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K5: Core. Maths commonly used in the water and wastewater industries. S.I units. Calculations. Standard form. Measurement of distance, area, volume and flow, and unit conversion. Simple transposition of formula. Routine flow and hydraulics theories, principles, and calculations. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K6: Core. Planned preventative maintenance of monitoring equipment requirements. Asset health check requirements. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K7: Core. Energy performance monitoring methods. Energy consumption reduction guidelines. Tariff management. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K8: Core. Isolation, shutdown, and recommissioning of process streams requirements and procedures. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K9: Core. Process control systems. Types of equipment used for process control operations and the functions they perform, set-points, and alarm values. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
K10: Core. Operational and quality procedures. Escalation procedures. What they are and how to use them. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
K11: Core. Different types of incidents and emergency situations (internal and external): pollution, loss of process, security, weather, and accidents: their potential impact. Incident management and procedures. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K12: Core. Chemical awareness. Transport, acceptance and use of chemicals. Agreement of Dangerous Goods transported by Road regulation (ADR). Chemical delivery requirements. Chemical control methods. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K13: Core. Optimisation in the treatment process: what it means and how it can be achieved. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K14: Core. Asset optimisation and performance: quality, cost, time, safety, and impact. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K15: Core. Fault finding and problem-solving techniques: root cause analysis and diagnostics. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K16: Core. Health and Safety at Work Act – responsibilities. Management of health and safety at work regulations. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH). Risks and hazards. Risk assessments and controlling risk. Control methods for harmful substances and chemicals, effluents, and sludge. Health and safety signage. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Working in confined spaces: safety equipment and lifting equipment. Harnesses, gas detectors and respiratory apparatus. Manual handling. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). Asbestos awareness. Lone working. Working at height. Working time directive. First aid. Emergency procedures. Drug and alcohol awareness. Permits to work. Storage of tools, equipment, and materials. ATEX compliance (safety requirements of the workplace and equipment used in explosive atmosphere). Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR). Pressure System Safety Regulations (PSSR). Provision of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER). Safe isolation of plant and equipment (lockout, tagout). Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K17: Core. Environment and sustainability. Environmental Protection Act. Types of pollution and control measures. Environmental permitting and discharge consents. Operator Self Monitoring (OSM): sampling requirements. Monitoring emissions to air, land, and water (MCERTS). Principles of sustainable development. Waste management and waste streams. Invasive species and Duty of Care in the Environmental aspect. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K18: Core. Information and digital technology: email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, remote working platforms, work and asset management systems. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Cyber security. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K19: Core. Documentation requirements for example maintenance records, asset check records. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
K20: Core. Planning, prioritising, work scheduling, and time management techniques. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K21: Core. Communication techniques: verbal, written and electronic. Adapting style to audience. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
K22: Core. Team working and culture. How to work as part of a team, the importance of establishing and meeting the requirements of different roles. Negotiation and conflict management techniques. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K23: Core. Equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K24: Water treatment process technician. Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations. Consequences of non-compliance. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K25: Water treatment process technician. National water hygiene: importance of water, water as a carrier of disease, potential contamination and its consequences and preventing contamination. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K26: Water treatment process technician. Water quality requirements. Drinking water safety plans. Water quality parameters and the role of water quality alarms. Water quality incident investigation requirements. Water quality records. Consequences of failure. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K27: Water treatment process technician. DWI asset and site security requirements: water storage alarms. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K28: Water treatment process technician. Water quality monitoring, sampling, and testing requirements and techniques. Equipment, resources, and materials used. Sampling points. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
K29: Water treatment process technician. Raw water and catchment management permitting and protection. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
K30: Water treatment process technician. Treatment processes: abstraction, clarification, coagulation, disinfection, and filtration. Water works design flows - impact of flow change on treatment process. Hydraulics principles. Objectives, parameters, variables, optimal performance measures (quality, cost, and waste) and the consequences of sub-optimal performance. Waste stream processes. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
K31: Water treatment process technician. Plant shutdown and re-start procedures: planned and reactive. Impact and causes of shutdown. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K32: Water treatment process technician. Distribution system protection: disinfection, chemical treatment, flow, and valve operation controls. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K33: Water treatment process technician. Treated water storage point objectives and requirements. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K34: Wastewater treatment process technician. Treatment processes: preliminary treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, tertiary treatment, sludge treatment, and odour management. Wastewater works design flows - impact of flow change on treatment process. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
K35: Wastewater treatment process technician. Wastewater compliance and performance monitoring requirements: wastewater quality standards, sampling, analysis, and reporting. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
K36: Wastewater treatment process technician. Nature and sources of wastewater effluent and its impact on the environment. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K37: Wastewater treatment process technician. Chemical, biological, microbiological, and physical characteristics of wastewater effluent and trade effluents. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K38: Wastewater treatment process technician. Risks of working on wastewater treatment site – personal hygiene risks and requirements. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
K39: Wastewater treatment process technician. Configuration, operation, and performance requirements of types of sewerage systems and pumping stations: inter-stage pumping stations, detention tanks, combined sewer overflow screens (CSO). Pumps and associated ancillary equipment used. Back to Grading	Multiple-choice test
K40: Wastewater treatment process technician. Purpose, application, and impact of wastewater flows: volumes, permits, catchment area consent, and impact of weather conditions. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Skill	Assessment methods
S1: Core. Comply with (water or wastewater) industry regulations and procedures. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S2: Core. Follow alarm intervention procedures. Resolve alarm issues. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S3: Core. Inspect (planned) and check assets (reactive) and identify action. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S4: Core. Follow procedures to remove assets for routine maintenance and recommission. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S5: Core. Carry out validation or instrument checks of online equipment and identify action. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S6: Core. Monitor first line maintenance of process control equipment and instrumentation. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S7: Core. Identify issues. Apply fault-finding and problem-solving techniques: identify root cause. Resolve faults. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S8: Core. Consider, identify, and promote areas for improvement for example, in relation to quality, cost, time, safety, and impact. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S9: Core. Interrogate and interpret electronic control systems. For example, HMI or SCADA. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S10: Core. Use data monitoring and control systems to monitor and control equipment. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S11: Core. Inspect and check safety equipment: identify and take action. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S12: Core. Identify and instigate incident escalation procedures. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S13: Core. Apply site standards for housekeeping. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S14: Core. Conduct risk assessments: identify and document risks and hazards in the workplace. Apply control measures. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S15: Core. Comply with health and safety regulations and safe working practices and procedures. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S16: Core. Follow site security procedures. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S17: Core. Follow procedures for emergency situations. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S18: Core. Comply with environmental and sustainability regulations and requirements. For example, safe disposal of waste, re-cycling or re-use of materials, and efficient use of resources. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S19: Core. Apply principles of sustainable development. For example, in choice of materials. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S20: Core. Conduct and assess impact of activity for example, environmental, cost, reputation, safety, and health. Apply control measures. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S21: Core. Identify and escalate issues. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S22: Core. Read and interpret written information. For example, work instructions, and service level agreements. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S23: Core. Complete work records. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S24: Core. Use information technology. Follow cyber security procedures. Comply with GDPR. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S25: Core. Plan tasks. Identify and organise resources to complete work tasks. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S26: Core. Communicate verbally and in writing. For example, with colleagues, stakeholders, or others. Use water industry terminology where appropriate. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S27: Core. Liaise with, negotiate with, and handle conflict in individual or group environments. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S28: Water treatment process technician. Select raw water source or blend of sources. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S29: Water treatment process technician. Monitor and control water abstraction. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S30: Water treatment process technician. Monitor and control water chemical dosing procedures. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S31: Water treatment process technician. Operate water process control equipment and instrumentation. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S32: Water treatment process technician. Take water samples. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S33: Water treatment process technician. Analyse and interpret on-site laboratory data and check against water process parameters. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S34: Water treatment process technician. Monitor and control water treatment processes and performance. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S35: Water treatment process technician. Monitor and control the effectiveness of disinfection. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S36: Water treatment process technician. Monitor and control waste stream processes and performance. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S37: Water treatment process technician. Apply procedures to shut-down, isolate, and re-commission water process streams. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S38: Wastewater treatment process technician. Monitor and control incoming flows. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S39: Wastewater treatment process technician. Control internal pumping station operations. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S40: Wastewater treatment process technician. Operate wastewater process control equipment and instrumentation. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S41: Wastewater treatment process technician. Take wastewater samples. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S42: Wastewater treatment process technician. Analyse and interpret on-site testing data and monitoring equipment data and check against wastewater process parameters. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S43: Wastewater treatment process technician. Monitor and maintain grit removal and screening assets. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S44: Wastewater treatment process technician. Monitor and control the performance of sedimentation, biological and chemical treatment operations. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S45: Wastewater treatment process technician. Monitor and control wastewater treatment processes and performance. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
S46: Wastewater treatment process technician. Apply procedures to shut-down, isolate and re-commission wastewater process streams. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
S47: Wastewater treatment process technician. Follow wastewater hygiene personal procedures. Back to Grading	Observation with questions

Behaviour	Assessment methods
B1: Core. Prioritise and promote public health, workplace health and safety, and security. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
B2: Core. Prioritise and promote the environment and sustainability. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
B3: Core. Apply a professional approach. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
B4: Core. Take ownership for work and responsibility for the quality of work and impact on others. Back to Grading	Observation with questions
B5: Core. Team-focus to meet work goals: support others. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
B6: Core. Respond and adapt to work demands. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
B7: Core. Committed to continued professional development to maintain and enhance competence in own area of practice. Back to Grading	Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Mapping of KSBs to grade themes

Observation with questions

KSBS GROUPED BY THEME	Knowledge	Skills	Behaviour
(Core) Work preparation S22	None	Read and interpret written information. For example, work instructions, and service level agreements. (S22)	None
(Core) Work environment S13 S14 S15 S16 B1	None	Apply site standards for housekeeping. (S13) Conduct risk assessments: identify and document risks and hazards in the workplace. Apply control measures. (S14) Comply with health and safety regulations and safe working practices and procedures. (S15) Follow site security procedures. (S16)	Prioritise and promote public health, workplace health and safety, and security. (B1)
(Core) Safety equipment S11	None	Inspect and check safety equipment: identify and take action. (S11)	None
(Core) Communication K21 S26 B3	Communication techniques: verbal, written and electronic. Adapting style to audience. (K21)	Communicate verbally and in writing. For example, with colleagues, stakeholders, or others. Use water industry terminology where appropriate. (S26)	Apply a professional approach. (B3)
(Core) Documentation K19 S23	Documentation requirements for example maintenance records, asset check records. (K19)	Complete work records. (S23)	None
(Water treatment process technician) Water treatment and process standards K9 K10 K30 S1 S9 S10 S30 S31 S34 S35 B4	Process control systems. Types of equipment used for process control operations and the functions they perform, set-points, and alarm values. (K9) Operational and quality procedures. Escalation procedures. What they are and how to use them. (K10) Treatment processes: abstraction, clarification, coagulation, disinfection, and filtration. Water works design flows - impact of flow change on treatment process. Hydraulics principles. Objectives, parameters, variables, optimal performance measures (quality, cost, and waste) and the consequences of sub-optimal performance. Waste stream processes. (K30)	Comply with (water or wastewater) industry regulations and procedures. (S1) Interrogate and interpret electronic control systems. For example, HMI or SCADA. (S9) Use data monitoring and control systems to monitor and control equipment. (S10) Monitor and control water chemical dosing procedures. (S30) Operate water process control equipment and instrumentation. (S31) Monitor and control water treatment processes and performance. (S34) Monitor and control the effectiveness of disinfection. (S35)	Take ownership for work and responsibility for the quality of work and impact on others. (B4)
(Water treatment process technician) Water sampling and analysis K28 S32 S33	Water quality monitoring, sampling, and testing requirements and techniques. Equipment, resources, and materials used. Sampling points. (K28)	Take water samples. (S32) Analyse and interpret on-site laboratory data and check against water process parameters. (S33)	None
(Wastewater treatment process technician) Wastewater treatment and process standards K34 S40 S43 S44 S45	Treatment processes: preliminary treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, tertiary treatment, sludge treatment, and odour management. Wastewater works design flows - impact of flow change on treatment process. (K34)	Operate wastewater process control equipment and instrumentation. (S40) Monitor and maintain grit removal and screening assets. (S43) Monitor and control the performance of sedimentation, biological and chemical treatment operations. (S44) Monitor and control wastewater treatment processes and performance. (S45)	None
(Wastewater treatment process technician) Wastewater monitoring and sampling and analysis K35 S41 S42	Wastewater compliance and performance monitoring requirements: wastewater quality standards, sampling, analysis, and reporting. (K35)	Take wastewater samples. (S41) Analyse and interpret on-site testing data and monitoring equipment data and check against wastewater process parameters. (S42)	None
(Wastewater treatment process technician) Risks of working in wastewater K38 S47	Risks of working on wastewater treatment site – personal hygiene risks and requirements. (K38)	Follow wastewater hygiene personal procedures. (S47)	None

Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

KSBS GROUPED BY THEME	Knowledge	Skills	Behaviour
(Core) Working in the water industry K2 K3 S21	Technician’s role. Limits of autonomy. Different teams and functions involved in operations: how they work together. (K2) Business operation considerations: how activities may impact customers, financial constraints, ethical business practices. Customer Experience Measure (CMEX). Regulatory and legislative performance measures. (K3)	Identify and escalate issues. (S21)	None
(Core) Environmental and sustainability S18 S19 B2	None	Comply with environmental and sustainability regulations and requirements. For example, safe disposal of waste, re-cycling or re-use of materials, and efficient use of resources. (S18) Apply principles of sustainable development. For example, in choice of materials. (S19)	Prioritise and promote the environment and sustainability. (B2)
(Core) Asset and equipment maintenance K6 S3 S4 S5 S6	Planned preventative maintenance of monitoring equipment requirements. Asset health check requirements. (K6)	Inspect (planned) and check assets (reactive) and identify action. (S3) Follow procedures to remove assets for routine maintenance and recommission. (S4) Carry out validation or instrument checks of online equipment and identify action. (S5) Monitor first line maintenance of process control equipment and instrumentation. (S6)	None
(Core) Improvement and optimisation K13 S8	Optimisation in the treatment process: what it means and how it can be achieved. (K13)	Consider, identify, and promote areas for improvement for example, in relation to quality, cost, time, safety, and impact. (S8)	None
(Core) Responding to alarms S2	None	Follow alarm intervention procedures. Resolve alarm issues. (S2)	None
(Core) Resolving faults K15 S7	Fault finding and problem-solving techniques: root cause analysis and diagnostics. (K15)	Identify issues. Apply fault-finding and problem-solving techniques: identify root cause. Resolve faults. (S7)	None
(Core) Responding to incidents K11 S12 S17 S20	Different types of incidents and emergency situations (internal and external): pollution, loss of process, security, weather, and accidents: their potential impact. Incident management and procedures. (K11)	Identify and instigate incident escalation procedures. (S12) Follow procedures for emergency situations. (S17) Conduct and assess impact of activity for example, environmental, cost, reputation, safety, and health. Apply control measures. (S20)	None
(Core) Team working K20 K22 K23 S25 S27 B5 B6 B7	Planning, prioritising, work scheduling, and time management techniques. (K20) Team working and culture. How to work as part of a team, the importance of establishing and meeting the requirements of different roles. Negotiation and conflict management techniques. (K22) Equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. (K23)	Plan tasks. Identify and organise resources to complete work tasks. (S25) Liaise with, negotiate with, and handle conflict in individual or group environments. (S27)	Team-focus to meet work goals: support others. (B5) Respond and adapt to work demands. (B6) Committed to continued professional development to maintain and enhance competence in own area of practice. (B7)
(Core) Information technology K18 S24	Information and digital technology: email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, remote working platforms, work and asset management systems. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Cyber security. (K18)	Use information technology. Follow cyber security procedures. Comply with GDPR. (S24)	None
(Water treatment process technician) Water catchment and abstraction K29 S28 S29	Raw water and catchment management permitting and protection. (K29)	Select raw water source or blend of sources. (S28) Monitor and control water abstraction. (S29)	None
(Water treatment process technician) Waste streams management S36	None	Monitor and control waste stream processes and performance. (S36)	None
(Water treatment process technician) Shut down, isolation and recommission of water process streams K8 K14 S37	Isolation, shutdown, and recommissioning of process streams requirements and procedures. (K8) Asset optimisation and performance: quality, cost, time, safety, and impact. (K14)	Apply procedures to shut-down, isolate, and re-commission water process streams. (S37)	None
(Wastewater treatment process technician) Pumping operations S39	None	Control internal pumping station operations. (S39)	None
(Wastewater treatment process technician) Wastewater flows K40 S38	Purpose, application, and impact of wastewater flows: volumes, permits, catchment area consent, and impact of weather conditions. (K40)	Monitor and control incoming flows. (S38)	None
(Wastewater treatment process technician) Shut down, isolation and recommission of wastewater process streams S46	None	Apply procedures to shut-down, isolate and re-commission wastewater process streams. (S46)	None

Find an apprenticeship

Employers involved in creating the standard: Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, Severn Trent Water, South West Water, Thames Water, United Utilities, Wessex

Version log

Version	Change detail	Earliest start date	Latest start date	Latest end date
1.1	Standard and end-point assessment plan revised	30/06/2023	Not set	Not set
1.0	Approved for delivery	13/09/2022	29/06/2023	Not set

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Water industry treatment process technician

Key information

Contents

Contents

Apprenticeship summary

Overview of the role

Occupation summary

Typical job titles include:

Duties

Apprenticeship summary

ST1291, water industry treatment process technician level 3

What is an end-point assessment and why it happens

EPA gateway

Assessment methods

Who to contact for help or more information

Reasonable adjustments

Professional recognition

Details of the occupational standard

Occupation summary

Typical job titles include:

Entry requirements

Core occupation duties

Option duties

Water treatment process technician duties

Wastewater treatment process technician duties

KSBs

Knowledge

Skills

Behaviours

Qualifications

English and Maths

Professional recognition

End-point assessment plan

Introduction and overview

EPA summary table

Duration of end-point assessment period

EPA gateway

Order of assessment methods

Observation with questions

Overview

Rationale

Delivery

Assessment location

Question and resource development

Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Overview

Rationale

Delivery

Assessment location

Question and resource development

Multiple-choice test

Overview

Rationale

Delivery

Test administration

Marking

Assessment location

Grading

Observation with questions

Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Multiple-choice test

Overall EPA grading

Re-sits and re-takes

Roles and responsibilities

Reasonable adjustments

Internal quality assurance

Value for money

Professional recognition

KSB mapping table

Mapping of KSBs to grade themes

Observation with questions

Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Version log

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