Machining technician

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

Machining 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 Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).

A full-time apprentice typically spends 42 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a machining 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 - practical demonstration with questions:

• fail

• pass

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

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 3 - knowledge 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 expectation is that the EPAO will confirm the gateway requirements have been met and the EPA starts 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.
• achieved EAL L3 Extended diploma in Machining (Development Knowledge) or Pearson BTEC L3 diploma in Advanced manufacturing engineering (Machining) (Development Technical Knowledge) or City and Guilds Machining technician (1273)

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

• for the practical assessment with questions the EPAO must discuss with the employer the suitable machine(s) type and components produced by the apprentice in the workplace in the normal course of the role. The EPAO will then use this information to select an appropriate assessment task from a bank of tasks that have been developed in consultation with employers. The apprentice and employer are not to be told the machine type and component to be produced in advance of the assessment

Where geometric tolerances are appropriate to the specific features these will be set by the EPAO in accordance with the practical demonstration task.

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 8 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 interview. Independent assessors should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the interview assessment method. 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 a practical demonstration 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 EPA assessment method is being used because:

• while this occupation involves practical tasks best assessed through observation on-the-job, the opportunity to demonstrate the transferable skills required may be limited in a real work context due to accessibility and scheduling issues

• a practical demonstration has been selected as this enables all apprentices to have the same opportunity to demonstrate their competence against the KSBs

• questioning allows for the assessment of the breadth and depth of underpinning knowledge against the grading descriptors
  
  
• it is a holistic assessment method

Delivery

The practical demonstration 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 demonstration 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 at least 2 weeks notice of the practical demonstration with questions.

The practical demonstration with questions must take 4.5 hours.

The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical demonstration 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 demonstration 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.

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

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

a. preparing work area; using health and safety controls

b. use of information and documentation, including drawings and risk assessments

c. selecting appropriate tools and work holding devices; prepare and setup either:

• conventional machine including tool setting or,

• CNC (computer numerical control) machine including loading and editing programmes. Editing programmes must include adding substantive features to the existing programme as described in the operations listed below.

d. performing machining operation; setting and adjusting operating parameters; selecting speeds and feeds; combining a minimum of 3 different operations to produce complex components with a minimum of 3 different features using one type of machine that could include:

Conventional or CNC lathe

• screw-cutting internal or external threads
• bored holes
• tapered diameters
• profile forms
• eccentric features
• grooves or undercuts

Conventional or CNC Milling machine

• internal pockets or profiles
• internal circular or curved profiles
• external curved profiles
• holes or features linearly pitched
• holes or features spaced on a PCD (pitched circle diameter)
• bored holes
• treadmilling or tapping
• keyway or tee shots
• steps or shoulders
• open ended shots or enclosed shots and recesses

Conventional or CNC surface or cylindrical grinding machine

• internal profiles
• external profiles
• stepped diameters
• eccentric diameters
• flat face
• stepped faces
• angled faces
• profiled faces
• parallel faces
• recessed features

e. using equipment to measure and check the machined component with a minimum of 3 features. The manufactured component with a minimum of 3 features must conform to all quality and accuracy standards applicable to the machine and operations being performed and must be verified by the independent assessor. Quality and accuracy standards must include applicable tolerances below:

• components to be free from false tool cuts, burrs and sharp edges
• general dimension tolerance. Up to plus or minus 0.25mm or plus or minus 0.010 inch
• one or more specific dimensional tolerances. Specific dimensional tolerances depend on the type of component and feature and must be agreed with the EPAO in advance. Up to plus or minus 0.05mm or plus or minus 0.002 inch or BS EN 20286 or BS 1916 Grade 7 (BS (british standard) standards limits and fits)
• reamed and bored holes within H8
• screw threads BS medium fit
• geometric tolerances of 0.1mm or 0.004 inch
• angles and tapers within plus or minus 0.5 degree
• in grinding operations, flatness and squareness within 0.012mm per 25mm or 0.0005 inch per inch

f. maintaining a safe machine and work area throughout the machining process; checking the condition of tools and equipment identifying and actioning issues

The list above is not exhaustive and the EPAO and the employer should discuss suitable machine types. Tolerances will be set by the EPAO if the machine is not specified.

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 support assessment in the following themes:

• work environment
• tools and equipment
• planning
• machine preparation
• manufacture complex components with features

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

Questions must be asked after the practical. The total duration of the practical is 4.5 hours and the time for questioning is included in the overall assessment time. The total time for the practical element is 4 hours. The time allocated for questioning is 30 minutes.

The independent assessor must ask at least 5 questions. 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 demonstration with questions 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 demonstration with questions 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 demonstration with questions must be provided by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these.

Questioning that occurs after the practical demonstration with questions 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 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 practical demonstration 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

Overview

In the interview, an independent assessor asks the apprentice questions. The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this EPA method.

Rationale

This EPA 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 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 will be to cover the following themes:

• working in a machining environment
• communications
• quality assurance
• fault finding and taking action
• arranging stock and supplies
• contributing to continuous improvement

The EPAO must give an apprentice at least 2 weeks notice of the interview.

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 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 60 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 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 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 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 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, training, and moderation.

Overview

A test is an assessment for asking questions in a controlled and invigilated environment.

Rationale

This EPA method is being used because it:

• allows for the efficient testing of knowledge where there is a right or wrong answer

• allows for flexibility in terms of when, where and how it is taken

• allows larger volumes of apprentices to be assessed at one time

Delivery

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

The knowledge test can be computer or paper based.

The knowledge test will consist of 30 multiple-choice questions.

Multiple-choice questions will have four options, including one correct answer.

The apprentice must be given at least 2 weeks notice of the date and time of the knowledge test.

Test administration

The apprentice must have 60 minutes to complete the test.

The knowledge 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 knowledge test:

scientific calculator

The knowledge test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator who is the responsibility of the EPAO. Specialised (proctor) software can be used if the test can be taken on-line, to ensure the security of the test.

The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the knowledge 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 identity of the apprentice.

The EPAO is responsible for the security of the knowledge test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the knowledge test.

Marking

The knowledge test must be marked by independent assessors or markers 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 knowledge test. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of written response test.

Assessment location

The apprentices must take the knowledge 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 knowledge test could take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice. The EPAO must verify the apprentice’s identity and 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 write a test specification and question bank. The specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. 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 questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this. The test specification and questions must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

The EPAO must develop purpose-built question banks and ensure that appropriate quality assurance procedures are in place, for example, considering previous item performance data, item analysis, standardisation, training and moderation. EPAOs must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard.

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 knowledge 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

Performance in the EPA determines the apprenticeship grade of:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

An independent assessor must individually grade the: practical demonstration 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 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 merit, apprentices must achieve a pass in the multiple-choice test, a pass in the practical demonstration with questions and a distinction in the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence. To achieve an overall EPA distinction, apprentices must achieve a pass in the practical demonstration with questions, a distinction in the multiple-choice test and a distinction in the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.

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

An apprentice who fails one or more assessment method(s) 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.

An 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.

An 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 and:

• have effective and rigorous 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; in HEI.

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 aligns with:

Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)

Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)