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.

A full-time machining technician apprentice typically spends 42 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 from the apprenticeship providers and assessment register (APAR).

This EPA has 3 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are below.

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 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

• have passed EAL L3 Extended diploma in Machining (Development Knowledge) or Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Machining) (Development Technical Knowledge) or City and Guilds Machining technician (1273)

• submit a portfolio of evidence for the interview underpinned by a 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 employer will be notified in advance of the assessment to allow for necessary machinery, materials, tools and equipment to be made available.

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 drawn from at least 3 separate job packs or reports. 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.

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 in which of the simulated environments 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 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

reduces the assessment burden on the apprentice

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 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.

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 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, proving and validating programs

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
• thread milling or tapping
• keyway or tee slots
• steps or shoulders
• open ended slots or enclosed slots 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. At least one specific dimension must be fundamental and have a tolerance to plus or minus 0.05mm or 0.002 inch or BS EN ISO 286. The EPAO in consultation with the employer will determine the process capability and International Tolerance Grade (IT) as appropriate
• reamed and bored holes within H8
• screw threads BS medium fit
• geometric tolerances where specified to BS EN ISO 1101
• 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.

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 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 demonstration with questions must take place in a simulated environment selected by the EPAO for example, the EPAO’s premises, a training provider’s premises, a training facility in the employer’s premises, a test centre or a similar simulated environment. This simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment. Equipment and resources needed for the practical demonstration with questions must be confirmed to be available by the EPAO, who can liaise with the employer to provide these. They must be in good and safe working condition.

Questioning that occurs after the practical demonstration with questions should take place in a suitable environment for example 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 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 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

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Overview

In the interview, an independent assessor asks the apprentice questions. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

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

reduces the assessment burden on the apprentice

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 assess the apprentice’s competence against the following themes:

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 2 weeks' notice of the interview.

The independent assessor must have at least 2 weeks to review the supporting documentation.

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

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

The interview must last for 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. 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 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 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 interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

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

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation and moderation.

Overview

In the knowledge 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 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

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

The test can be computer or paper based.

The test will consist of 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 test.

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 following equipment is allowed to be used during the test:

scientific calculator

The test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator who is the responsibility of the EPAO. The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.

The EPAO must verify the apprentice’s identity and ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example, with 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.

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

Marking

The test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where question types support this.

A correct answer gets 1 mark.

Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.

The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the test.

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 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 assessment method or more, they will be awarded an overall fail.

To achieve an overall pass, the apprentice must achieve at least a pass in all the assessment methods. To achieve an overall EPA merit, 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.

If the apprentice fails one assessment method or more, they can take a re-sit or a re-take at their employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does. The apprentice should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.

The employer and the EPAO should agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 4 months of the EPA outcome notification.

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

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

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

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 3 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector

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 assessment method permits this

• using the employer’s premises

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

This apprenticeship aligns with:

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

This apprenticeship aligns with:

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

This apprenticeship aligns with:

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