Creative industries production technician

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

Creative industries production 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:

• Creative Venue Technician (CVT)

• Live Event Technician (LET)

• Screen Lighting Technician (SLT)

A full-time creative industries production technician apprentice typically spends 24 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 select an approved EPAO from the apprenticeship provider and assessment register (APAR).

This EPA has 2 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are below.

Assessment method 1 - practical assessment with questions:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 2 - professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

• 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 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

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 - detailing specific occasions when skills and behaviours have been carried out. Behaviours cannot be documented by the apprentice and must be observed by a witness or trainer.
• annotated photographs
• video clips of apprentices carrying out skills such as flying and scene changes, maximum total duration 10 minutes; the apprentice must be in view and identifiable
• Plans or technical drawings

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.

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 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. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because:

• It results in reliable, valid and authentic assessment of a practical occupation.
• This is a practical occupation requiring the demonstration of knowledge, skills and behaviours. Practical assessment will ensure that safety critical and seasonal aspects can be tested in a manner that is repeatable and consistent. The breadth of knowledge, skills and behaviours are unlikely to occur in a specific real-life scenario and this method ensures consistency for candidates operating across a range of diverse locations.
• It allows for the assessment to be delivered off-site where confidentiality may not be compromised.

Delivery

The practical assessment 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 practical assessment 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 an apprentice 7 days' notice of the . practical assessment with questions

The practical assessment with questions must take 3 hours.

The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical assessment 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 practical assessment with questions 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.

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 practical assessment with questions before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.

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

Apprentices will be observed carrying out a range of creative industries technician activities. This will be carried out over a three-hour period and includes:

• a 2 and a half hour practical assessment which includes a 15-minute briefing session. The briefing session will provide an opportunity for the apprentice to ask questions, related to the brief, to the assessor.

• a maximum of 30-minutes questioning at the end of the assessment.

A brief will need to be submitted by the employer at gateway. The purpose of the brief is to provide a context relevant to the apprentices work, that will meet all the knowledge, skills and behaviours for this assessment method. Example briefs, for each option can be found below.

The assessment can be:

• completed by a combination of workplace activities from the apprentice’s normal work environment - and a simulation,
• all workplace activity,
• an activity based on a scenario.

The rationale for this is that it provides flexibility to the apprentice, EPAO and employer. Non disclosure agreements (NDA's), scheduling or show times may limit assessment opportunities and a combination of workplace activities, simulation or scenario may be required.

Practical assessment requirements for all apprentices

All four areas must be covered during the practical assessment - activities to cover these should be clearly detailed within the brief:

1. Planning- Access, analyse, interpret, and prepare information and documentation relating to the task, set in the brief, ensuring compliance with relevant procedures and requirements relating to safe systems of work.

2.Preparation- Prepare and establish the work environment, selecting the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and access equipment, ensuring these are safe and suitable for use, and ensure the work environment complies with the relevant policies and procedures relating to Health and Safety and codes of conduct. Assemble and configure technical structures and systems used to facilitate live performance, production or rehearsal, employing investigative fault-finding techniques as required and confirming compliance in accordance with the specification.

3. Undertaking- Operate and maintain technical equipment under live performance, production or rehearsal conditions following specified procedures, protocols, and communication strategies.

4. Reporting- Extract and interpret relevant information and produce records, reports and other documentation such as risk assessments, riders or briefs as required. Please note: for reporting, any documentation that might be required to support the apprentice demonstration of the KSBs for this area can be prepared beforehand and shown to the independent assessor during the observation.

Option example practical assessment briefs:

Screen lighting technician (SLT)

They will then be given a brief or plan from the art department from which they will set the plot for the lighting.

There will be three types of lighting to set up: Tungsten, LED and discharge lamps.

The apprentice will have to set the colour temperature of the lighting in line with the brief.

A suggested room layout for a set is as follows:

A room set with at least 2 walls one with a window, so that light can be adjusted through it.

- A sofa

- A standard lamp – these covers installing practical at plug in.

- Two wall lights – these cover the wired practicals.

- The brief will also ask the apprentice to use diffusion materials, filters or reflectors to create the desired lighting effect.

Creative venue technician (CVT)

Live show - Rig or fly for event or live performance.

- Participate, at the expected level and requirement, in the rigging and flying for an event or live performance

- This should include scenery, trussing, using hoists, counterweight or hemp systems during a rehearsal or performance.

Live event technician (LET)

Rig and operate a video system.

- The apprentice should set-up a video system.

- They should rig, patch, test and programme the video system.

- This should include 2 projectors or screens, control system, switchers and output device. (This can be in a performance space such as a theatre or a studio or site specific space - but the apprentice must be seen assembling the system.)

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

Questioning can occur both during and after the practical assessment. The time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The independent assessor must ask at least 10 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.

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 with questions.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must assess the practical assessment 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
• KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved

Assessment location

The practical assessment with questions must 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 with questions 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 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 tasks and questions in the case of re-sits and retakes, to minimise predictability.

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

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.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence.

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because:

• It can be used for synoptic assessment of knowledge, skills and behaviours.
• It helps to assess the apprentice’s in-depth understanding of their work and covers aspects of the occupation that are difficult to observe and take place in restricted and confidential settings.
• It is a consistent method that applies across work settings in the industry
• It is reflective of industry best practice for reporting orally on projects and justifying decisions taken.

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 authenticate evidence, experience and competence.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 7 days' notice of the professional discussion.

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 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 90 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. 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 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:

• 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.

Performance in the EPA determines the overall grade of:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the practical assessment with questions and professional discussion 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. In order to achieve an overall EPA ‘distinction’, apprentices must achieve a distinction in both 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 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 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 ofif pass they need to re-sit or re-take one or more assessment methods, 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 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 4 gained in the last 2 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector

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

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

This apprenticeship is not aligned to professional recognition.