Lift truck and powered access engineering technician

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the lift truck and powered access engineering technician apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Lift truck and powered access engineering technician apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).

A full-time apprentice typically spends 36 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a lift truck and powered access engineering technician. All apprentices must spend at least 12 months on-programme. All apprentices must complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules.

This EPA has 3 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are:

Assessment method 1 - multiple-choice test:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 2 - practical assessment:

• fail

• pass

Assessment method 3 - professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio:

• 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

• distinction

The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 4 months.

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

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

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

These are:

• achieved English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules. This includes those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement. British sign language (BSL) qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for those who have BSL as their primary language

• for the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio the apprentice must submit: portfolio of evidence

Portfolio of evidence requirements:

The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. It will typically contain 10 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.

Evidence sources may include:

• workplace documentation and records, for example:
• workplace policies and procedures
• witness statements
• annotated photographs
• video clips (maximum total duration 10 minutes); the apprentice must be in view and identifiable

This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.

The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance (for example, witness statements) rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.

The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the discussion. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the discussion. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.

The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO.

The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.

The result of one assessment method does not need to be known before starting the next.

Overview

In the 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 test must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

The multiple-choice test can be computer based.

The multiple-choice test must consist of 30 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 multiple-choice test.

Test administration

The apprentice must have 60 minutes to complete the test.

The multiple-choice test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.

The following equipment is allowed to be used during the multiple-choice test:

• paper
• pen
• calculator.

The multiple-choice test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator under the responsibility of the EPAO.

The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the multiple-choice 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 is responsible for the security of the multiple-choice test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the multiple-choice test.

Marking

The multiple-choice 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 type supports 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 multiple-choice test. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of multiple-choice test.

Assessment location

The apprentice must take the multiple-choice 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 multiple-choice test may take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice. The EPAO must ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example with, and not limited to, 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.  

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that 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 multiple-choice 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, training, and moderation.

Overview

In a practical assessment with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides where it takes place. The assessment environment must closely relate to the apprentice’s natural working environment. This allows the apprentice to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. 

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• the occupation involves practical activity best assessed through practical assessment
• this is a practical role, best demonstrated through completing tasks in a realistic work setting
• practical assessment allows for consistency of activities to be completed and efficiency in scheduling
• questioning allows for the testing of related underpinning knowledge
• it is a holistic assessment method

Delivery

The practical assessment 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 practical assessment.

The independent assessor can observe one apprentice at a time. They must be as unobtrusive as possible.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks notice of the . practical assessment

The practical assessment must take 4.5 hours.

The independent assessor can increase the time of each task within the practical assessment by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.

The practical assessment cannot be split, other than for comfort breaks or to allow apprentices to move from one location to another. Where breaks occur, they will not count towards the total EPA time.

EPAOs must manage invigilation of the apprentice during the assessment, to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations during the working day.

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

The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical assessment.

Apprentices will complete 4 practical assessment tasks, these will be as follows:

• task 1 Practical Assessment: Detailed inspection and preventative maintenance (90 minutes)
• task 2 Practical Assessment: Repair and diagnosis - mechanical (60 minutes)
• task 3 Practical Assessment: Repair and diagnosis - electrical (60 minutes)
• task 4 Practical Assessment: Repair and diagnosis - hydraulic (60 minutes)

These timings include the questioning component of the tasks. Further details of each task is as follows:

Task 1 Practical assessment: Detailed inspection and preventative maintenance

This task will last 90 minutes and the task will replicate the areas assessed during a typical detailed inspection. The apprentice will be required to check the following machine sections:

• steering and braking
• lifting mechanism
• plates, guards and safety equipment
• traction system (IC or Electrical)
• chassis, wheels and tyres.

There must be one fault on each of the 5 systems above, each of which is significant enough to make the machine unsafe. The machine should otherwise be in a good condition. Apprentices must identify all 5 faults on the machine. The practical assessment task reflects a frequent scenario from the apprentice’s normal work activities. At the end of the inspection, the apprentice must highlight to the assessor any findings which would render the machine dangerous or 'developing issues' which may lead to further problems in the future. The assessor will also ask a minimum of 5 questions during the task, these should be timed to be unobtrusive to the process. Follow-up questions are allowed to seek clarification and to make an assessment against the grading descriptors. Questions must be asked within the time allocated for each task.

Tasks 2 - 4 Practical assessment: Repair and diagnosis (delivery information)

Each task will last 60 minutes, with 10% additional time permitted for each of these tasks at the independent assessor’s discretion. The purpose of these tasks is to holistically assess the core practical skills that lift truck and powered access equipment engineers require to work competently. This includes demonstrating knowledge and skills to safely work on mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems. During each task the independent assessor must ask a minimum of 2 questions for each of tasks 2 - 4, these should be timed to be unobtrusive to the process. Follow-up questions are allowed to seek clarification and to make an assessment against the grading descriptors. Questions must be asked within the time allocated for each task.

Task 2 Practical assessment: Mechanical repair and diagnosis

Carry out a task on a mechanical system to demonstrate use of hand skills, tools and measuring devices. This must include some dismantling, inspection, measurement and reassembly. This can be carried out on a machine or rig.

Example tasks may include, but are not limited to:

• dismantling, measuring and reassembling engine or transmission components
• dismantling, measuring and reassembling and measuring brake or steering components
• dismantling, measuring and reassembling lifting components.

As a minimum, the task must require the use of measuring equipment for example micrometer, vernier, calipers, feeler gauges as well as the interpretation and use of technical data relating to the system being worked on.

Task 3 Practical assessment: Electrical repair and diagnosis

Carry out a task on an electrical system to demonstrate use of tools, electrical measuring equipment and fault diagnosis and repair. It must involve diagnosing a fault which includes using appropriate equipment. This can be carried out on a machine or rig.

Example tasks may include, but are not limited to faulty:

• sensors
• switches
• actuators
• motors.

As a minimum, the task must require the interpretation of wiring diagrams and the use of a multimeter to diagnose the fault. The fault must also be repaired.

Task 4 Practical assessment: Hydraulic repair and diagnosis

Carry out a task on a hydraulic system to demonstrate use of tools, measuring equipment and fault diagnosis and repair. It should involve diagnosing a fault which includes using appropriate equipment. This can be carried out on a machine or rig.

Example tasks may include, but are not limited to faulty:

• pumps
• cylinders
• valves
• filters
• accumulators
• incorrectly connected hoses

As a minimum, the task must require the interpretation of hydraulic circuit diagrams and the use of pressure gauges to diagnose the fault. The fault must also be repaired.

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

The independent assessor must ask questions. The purpose of the questions is to assess the apprentice's knowledge and understanding of what they have been doing during the inspection and seek clarification.

Questioning can occur during the practical assessment. The time for questions asked during the practical assessment is included in the overall assessment time.

Independent assessors must ask at least 11 questions during the practical assessment. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessor should ask questions during natural breaks in work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training.

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

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

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

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

Assessment location

The practical assessment will take place in a simulated environment selected by the EPAO (for example the EPAO’s or employer’s premises). The simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the practical assessment must be provided by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.  

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

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

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the practical assessment:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

Overview

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

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

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it allows for assessment of KSBs that do not occur on a predictable or regular basis
• it is underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, enabling the apprentice to demonstrate the application of skills and behaviours as well as knowledge.
• it allows for testing of responses where there are a number of potential answers that couldn’t be tested through a multiple-choice test.
• it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost

Delivery

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

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the professional discussion.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to cover the following themes:

• records and operating procedures
• stock control and equipment
• professional behaviours
• communication and customer care
• on-board diagnostics

The EPAO must give an apprentice 2 weeks notice of the professional discussion.

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

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

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

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

The independent assessor must ask at least 10 questions. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training.

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

The professional discussion can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.

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

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.  

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

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

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio:

• 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, training, and moderation.

Performance in the EPA determines the apprenticeship grade of:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the: practical assessment and professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio 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 or more assessment methods, they will be awarded an overall fail. 

To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, the apprentice must achieve a pass in the practical assessment, a distinction in the knowledge test, and a distinction in the professional discussion.

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

If the apprentice fails one or more assessment methods 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 EPAO agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 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.

The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for reasonable adjustment
• what reasonable adjustments may be made

Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

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

The EPAO must also:

• have quality assurance systems and procedures that ensure fair, reliable and consistent EPA regardless of employer, place, time or independent assessor
• appoint independent assessors who are competent to deliver the EPA and who:
  • have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 3 gained in the last 3 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
• operate induction training for anyone involved in the delivery or assessment of the EPA
• provide training for independent assessors in good assessment practice, operating the assessment tools and making grading decisions
• provide ongoing training for markers and invigilators
• provide standardisation activity for this apprenticeship standard for all independent assessors:
  • before they conduct an EPA for the first time
  • if the EPA is updated
  • periodically as appropriate (a minimum of annually)
• conduct effective moderation of EPA decisions and grades
• conduct appeals where required, according to the EPAO’s appeals procedure, reviewing and making final decisions on EPA decisions and grades
• have no direct connection with the apprentice, their employer or training provider.

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

• completing applicable assessment methods online (for example computer-based assessment)

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

• assessing multiple apprentices simultaneously where the method of assessment permits this

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

This apprenticeship aligns with:

Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Engineering Technician

Institute of the Motor Industry for Associate Member