Independent End-Point Assessor - Network Cable Installer
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Overview of the independent end-point assessor role:
The Government has introduced a requirement that all apprenticeships contain an end-point assessment (EPA) which is a holistic assessment of the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour (KSBs) that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. This is to make sure that apprentices meet the rigorous standard set by employers and are fully competent in the relevant occupation. Pearson must provide employers with the confidence that completing an apprenticeship means an individual is fully job-ready and that all apprentices, following the same standard, are assessed consistently, regardless of where they are undertaking their apprenticeship or who they are doing it with.
An independent EPA means that those making a decision on the competency of the apprentice have nothing to gain from the outcome of the assessment. To maintain independence within the scope of this EPA, an independent end-point assessor (IEA) can only undertake end-point assessments of apprentices, with whom they have no conflict of interest. This means they must be independent of the registered apprenticeship training provider at which the apprentice completed their on-programme element, and must not have been involved in the on-programme training, assessment, or line management of such apprentices.
The end-point assessments will be conducted onsite, on dates agreed with employers and/or providers if appropriate. IEAs will record and submit the EPA outcomes, with clear justifications for the grading decisions. EPA activities will be quality assured by Pearson quality assurance representatives.
IEAs for this EPA will be qualified assessors that meet the occupational profile of the apprentices they are assessing and will be trained, standardised and approved to operate as IEAs. The IEAs will undertake EPAs in line with the associated apprenticeship assessment plan, and the materials provided by Pearson. Please see the below Key Accountabilities and Person Specification sections for further details.
Key Accountabilities:
The IEA will:
Take part in regular training and standardisation activities, associated with the role of IEA for this EPA
Maintain and provide evidence of ongoing, relevant Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Assess the performance of candidates in accordance with published assessment and grading criteria and procedures, ensuring overall standards are maintained
Follow the protocols set out in Pearson’s specifications, assessment materials and quality assurance protocols, relating to the EPAs
Maintain service-level agreements with regards to responding to EPA planning, operational activities, reports, and submissions of assessment outcomes
Report all risks and issues encountered during the end-point assessment to Pearson, including any suspected malpractice/maladministration
Ensure all EPA reports and assessment evidence are high quality and recorded accurately
Support Pearson, if necessary, with any appeals from apprentices, regarding assessment decisions
Raise any conflicts of interest, including in relation to the independence of assessment
Ensure that any personal actions are completed, as required by Pearson
Contribute to the continuous improvement of Pearson’s end-point assessment activities
Contribute to the external quality assurance activities undertaken by OFQUAL
Person Specification
Role Profile
The role of the network cable installer is to install, terminate, test, and certify network cable infrastructure components in accordance with National and International industry standards. This network infrastructure will provide the communications backbone for the digital infrastructure ecosystem, enabling all types of digital devices including computers, servers, smart devices, security equipment, wireless access points, access control, building management systems and lighting systems to communicate between each other, internally, nationally and globally. Installers work in data sensitive environments and contribute to the organisation’s cyber security strategy by ensuring the physical security l as well as complying with basic cyber security principles for the maintenance of confidentiality, integrity and availability of data.
They could be called upon to work in the Inside Plant (ISP) environment which is dedicated to the installation of cable within buildings and structures, and the Outside Plant (OSP) environment, which is dedicated to the installation of cable externally between buildings, cities and countries.
Background and Experience (essential):
Be occupationally competent in the Cable installation field
Have a minimum 5 years demonstrable experience within the Network Infrastructure sector
Recent relevant experience of the occupation/sector at least one level above the apprentice gained in the last three years or significant experience of the occupation/sector
Have received training and certification in all practical aspects of the apprenticeship standard
Be able to demonstrate through interview a commitment to continued professional development, by demonstrating a knowledge of industry legislation, standards and industry technical developments
Hold or working towards an assessor qualification, A1 assessors award or TAQA qualification
Experience of leading meetings/structured interviews/discussions
Experience of complying with quality assurance/regulatory requirements
Evidence of commitment to maintaining CPD, in line with new apprenticeship requirements and the EPA specialist
Background and Experience (desirable):
To hold, or be working towards an internal quality assurance qualification
Experience of making grading judgements
Knowledge of prevent & safeguarding
Skills & Knowledge (Essential)
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively respond to conflicts
Flexibility to understand and respond to the individual needs and circumstances of employers/apprentices
Sufficient and relevant technical knowledge of:
Health and Safety requirements in the workplace
Industry structure and processes
Relevant legal and regulatory frameworks
a range of products and services offered within the industry
systems, tools, equipment, machinery and processes used within relevant roles
In-depth knowledge of the associated apprenticeship standard, assessment plan, specification, assessment instruments and recording tools
Ability to assess, free from bias
Ability to assess and report risks
Ability to meet deadlines
Other requirements
Any applicant undertaking this role will be expected to:
Have personal IT equipment capable of running Pearson required software
Have a suitable broadband connection, Microphone, Headphones and a webcam
Have a personal and secure email account
Have a postal address in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey Isle of Man
Have the right to work in the UK
Allow additional time for travel, when making EPA arrangements
Attend standardisation events.
Application Information