What Are Apprenticeship Standards?
Apprenticeship standards are nationally recognised training programmes designed by employers to ensure apprentices develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for a specific job role.
Each apprenticeship standard outlines:
- The job role the apprentice is training for
- The practical skills they must develop
- The technical knowledge they need to learn
- The behaviours expected within industry
- The qualification level achieved upon completion
Standards are created in collaboration with employers and industry experts to make sure training reflects real workplace requirements and current industry needs.
The new standard offered at Waterside Training are below. The links will take you to each standard in detail via the Skills England website.
- Supply Chain Warehouse Operative
- Engineering Design Technician
- Laboratory Technician
- Food and Drink Technical Operator
- Safety, Health and Environment Technician
- Plate Welder
- Machining
- Engineering Maintenance Technician – Single Discipline
- Engineering Maintenance Technician – Dual Discipline
- Engineering Manufacturing Technician
- Process Industry Manufacturing Technician
- Mechatronics
End Point Assessment
Towards the final 3–6 months of your apprenticeship, once you are deemed ready, you will begin your End Point Assessment (EPA) through an independent assessment organisation (EPAO) such as NOCN, SIAS or City and Guilds.
The EPA is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and behaviours you have developed throughout your apprenticeship in line with your apprenticeship standard.
Before entering EPA, you must complete:
- All on-programme training
- Required qualifications
- Off the Job training hours recorded on OneFile
- Employer confirmation that you are competent in your role
Waterside Training will support you in preparing and submitting all required evidence and documentation to the EPAO.
Once approved, your EPA assessments will be arranged with you and your employer.
Depending on your apprenticeship standard, the EPA may include:
- Knowledge Test
- An online multiple-choice exam covering topics from your apprenticeship standard.
- Practical Observation
- A workplace-based assessment where you demonstrate your skills carrying out practical tasks.
- Technical Interview
- A professional discussion with an external assessor to explore your knowledge and decision-making.
- Case Study
- A written or scenario-based assessment focused on problem solving and improvement recommendations.
- Behaviour Assessment
- An evaluation of your professional behaviours in the workplace, including teamwork, communication, quality of work, and working independently.
Successfully completing your EPA means you have demonstrated full occupational competence within your chosen industry.
