Poultry technician

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

Poultry 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:

• Poultry rearing technician

• Poultry breeding technician

• Poultry hatchery technician

• Poultry egg production technician

• Poultry growing technician

A full-time poultry technician apprentice typically spends 18 months on-programme. 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 EPA should be completed within an EPA period lasting typically 3 months.

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 work with the training provider to select an approved EPAO.

This EPA has 2 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are below.

Assessment method 1 - professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence and videos:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 2 - short response written 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

The EPA is taken in the EPA period. The EPA period starts when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements have been met and is typically 3 months.

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

The apprentice’s employer must be content that the apprentice is occupationally competent. That is, they are deemed to be working at or above the level set out in the apprenticeship standard and ready to undertake the EPA. 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 professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence and videos

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 the professional discussion. It will typically contain 15 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB as a qualitative rather than quantitative approach is suggested.

Evidence sources may include workplace documentation and records, for example:

• workplace policies and procedures
• witness statements
• annotated photographs
• video clips with a maximum total duration 10 minutes; the apprentice must be in view and identifiable

This is not a definitive list and 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 must be valid and attributable to the apprentice and 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.

Gateway evidence must be submitted to the EPAO, along with any organisation specific policies and procedures 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 professional discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• Avian influenza (Bird flu) is endemic for wild birds within the UK resulting in several issues for the commercial agricultural sector and apprentices undertaking qualifications within this area. Commercial agricultural premises continue to apply stringent biosecurity measures and maintain limited or no access to external visitors (e.g. independent end-point assessors).
• it assesses KSBs holistically and objectively
• it allows for the assessment of KSBs that do not occur on a predictable or regular basis
• it allows for assessment of responses where there are a range of potential answers
• it can be conducted remotely, potentially reducing cost.

reduces the assessment burden on the apprentice

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 assess the apprentice’s competence against the following themes:

• animal welfare
• biosecurity
• standard operating procedures
• health and safety
• communication
• rearing or breeding or hatchery or egg production or growing

Videos must be recorded at the apprentice’s usual place of work to demonstrate occupational competence against the following themes and KSBs:

Option - one from

• rearing K14, K15, K17 S23 to S30
• breeding K19 to K23, S31 to S45
• hatchery K24 to K28, S46 to S52
• egg production K30, K32, S53 to S63
• growing K33 to K36, S64 to S75

Apprentices must be clearly identifiable in all videos, and it is the EPAO's responsibility to ensure the validity, security and authenticity of any recorded materials. EPAOs may wish to set parameters for the maximum length or number of videos and establish file naming conventions to maintain consistency and support file uploads, storage and security.

The videos must be played during the end-point assessment and used to inform the professional discussion. Where videos are used to evidence performance, it is expected that apprentices will explain what is seen in the video and independent assessors will use this as a basis for the professional discussion. The apprentice and independent end-point assessor must therefore have access to the videos during the professional discussion.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however, the final assessment decision is holistic and must consider both the videos and responses given during the professional discussion.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days' notice of the professional discussion.

The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the videos and 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 should last for 180 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 explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the professional discussion before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.

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 apprentice may choose to end the assessment method early. The apprentice must be confident they have demonstrated competence against the assessment requirements for the assessment method. The independent assessor or EPAO must ensure the apprentice is fully aware of all assessment requirements. The independent assessor or EPAO cannot suggest or choose to end the assessment methods early, unless in an emergency. The EPAO is responsible for ensuring the apprentice understands the implications of ending an assessment early if they choose to do so. The independent assessor may suggest the assessment continues. The independent assessor must document the apprentice’s request to end the assessment early.

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 must 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 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 professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence and videos:

• 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.

Overview

In the short response written 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.

Short answer questions (SAQs) are open-ended questions used to assess basic knowledge in an examination. SAQs need a brief factual or interpretive answer.

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• it can assess knowledge
• it is easy to administer
• it can be conducted remotely and administered to multiple apprentices at the same time, potentially reducing cost

Delivery

The short response written 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 apprentice must be given at least 14 days’ notice of the date and time of the test.

The test must consist of 20 short answer questions. Short answer questions need a written response. Responses may be one word, a phrase, a sentence or a paragraph and should be reflective of the mark allocation in terms of expected demand. The answers should typically be awarded 1 or 2 marks. For example, a 1 mark SAQ will typically require either a one word or single sentence response. A 2 mark SAQ will typically require a phrase, a few sentences or a paragraph. Each test paper should be 30 marks in total. To support comparability, at least 3 marks will be allocated to each theme (see mapping of KSBs to themes) and have:

• 1 SAQ worth 1 mark

• 1 SAQ worth 2 marks

This means for each theme, at least 3 marks are allocated across 2 questions. The remaining 8 marks can be allocated across themes at the EPAOs discretion.

Mark scheme and grading guidance

The grading table shows both the numerical grade boundaries and written descriptors for the knowledge test.

The grade boundaries and written descriptors must be used by EPAOs to create valid and reliable mark schemes for the knowledge test. The mark scheme design and approach can be determined by the EPAO (e.g. either levels based-banded, points based or a mixture).

EPAOs should ensure that the questions within the knowledge test mirror the level of demand set by the wording within the supporting written descriptors. This should be done by using the same command verb where possible (or a comparable verb, in terms of demand, where not).

The grading table should inform the question writing whilst also providing EPAOs with the numerical outcomes required for each level of attainment.

Questions may be written that target part of the KSB statement, as long as, the full statement is assessed within the paper overall. However, EPAOs must ensure that the level of demand is not altered as per the supporting written descriptors. Employers have determined the levels of performance required by apprentices on the knowledge test.

The minimum level of performance required to demonstrate competency at a pass standard is set at 18 marks of the 30 marks available. To demonstrate a distinction, the standard is set at 24 marks of the 30 marks available. EPAOs must ensure that their mark scheme approach supports these required standards in a reliable way.

Test administration

The apprentice must have 60 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 EPAO must develop a marking scheme based on the grading descriptors for this assessment method. The test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow the marking scheme produced by the EPAO.

Individual marks can be awarded for partial responses. Half marks are not permitted. Where there is insufficient evidence to award any marks in a response, a zero mark must be given. Marks will be awarded in line with the EPAOs mark scheme. The grading descriptors must inform the mark scheme.

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

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

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the test:

• assessment materials for independent assessors and markers which includes:
  
  • 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.

Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence and videos and short response written test 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.

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 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 1 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 3 months of the EPA outcome notification.

Failed assessment methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.

Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to an apprentice wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.

The apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of merit if they need to re-sit or re-take one or more assessment methods, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.

If a resit or retake is needed for the Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence and videos, the end-point assessment organisation will determine whether the apprentice should re-work and resubmit their portfolio including videos.

EPAOs must ensure that whichever decision is taken, any further EPA attempts remain in line with the assessment conditions already laid out in this plan.

Reasonable adjustments

The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for a 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.

Special considerations

The EPAO must have special consideration arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for a special consideration
• what special considerations will be given

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

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 5 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
• meet the following minimum requirements:
  • hold or be working towards an assessor qualification
  • have 5 years experience working in a farm or hatchery in a poultry organisation

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

This apprenticeship is not aligned to professional recognition.