As part of this we wanted to focus our latest ‘Meet the Team’ profile on one of our Apprenticeship End Point Assessors, James Cook, and find out more from him about why our ‘industry-led’ approach to EPA is so vital when it comes to preparing apprentices and employers for success.

James, you have worked in the Oil & Gas industry for years - how did you get involved in assessing engineering apprenticeships?

I have extensive experience spanning over 35 years working in oil and gas maintenance and operations, working both off-shore and on-shore for most major oil and gas producers.

I actually began my career by doing an Apprenticeship progressing into engineering design and spending a number of years working as a Field Service Technician. Working on oil refineries across the UK, I then moved into working for a training centre where I undertook a number of assessment qualifications, which enabled me to begin my journey into apprenticeship assessment. I continued to assess apprentices for the likes of CITB, British Gas and Total, travelling all over the world to many off-shore installations.

Following an 18-month stint working for Dubai Petroleum, initially training assessors and verifiers, then as Training and Competence Manager, I returned to the UK and took up a teaching role at a College. Following another stint of working internationally for Maersk & BG group, I returned home to the UK again at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At this point, I was contacted by NOCN Group to see if I would be interested in carrying out End Point Assessment for the Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician (MOET) Apprenticeship Standard, which is a Level 3 Apprenticeship that trains people who want to work in engineering to maintain and operate plant and equipment. My first job involved assessing 20 apprentices for British Steel and, after working with the EPA team at NOCN Group for the past five years, I am now the Lead Assessor for the MOET standard.

How does being an EPA Assessor for NOCN Group fit in with your day job?

I’m still actively working in industry for a UK Offshore operator. My work pattern involves two weeks on, two weeks off, so during that two-week period where I am not abroad, I can assess apprentices, which fits in really well with my working life.

Being truly honest I don’t undertake assessment work for the financial gain, I genuinely really enjoy the process and the feeling of “giving back” to the industry that has provided me with such a long and rewarding career.

I also really enjoy being part of the EPA team at NOCN Group. As a dedicated charity, we are completely focused on doing what’s right for both the industry and learners, and this completely aligns with my values.

What do you think are the benefits, for the apprentice and employer, of an apprenticeship being assessed by someone who is actively working in industry?

It’s absolutely invaluable to the whole EPA process and, at NOCN Group, real-world relevance is at the core of our approach. Our independent, industry-experienced assessors evaluate learners against national standards to ensure assessments are unbiased and reflect what’s expected in the workplace.

Independent assessors like me and others in the NOCN Group EPA team are actively working within the industry and as part of workforces that the apprentices they assess will be entering. We have a deep understanding of current workplace practices, relevant skills, and industry standards, allowing us to accurately assess an apprentice's competency against real-world job requirements, ultimately verifying that the apprentice is truly prepared to enter the workforce after being assessed on both technical ability and the problem-solving skills employers want to see.

What's your number one tip for those approaching the End Point Assessment process?

To understand the assessment plan is absolutely key. I often tell apprentices that I assess that it’s the same as studying the Highway Code ahead of your driving theory test!

The MOET Apprenticeship Standard assessment plan typically includes three key elements:
1. A knowledge assessment (written test)
2. A practical observation of the apprentice performing their job role in a real work environment
3. A technical interview where they demonstrate their understanding of key concepts and ability to apply knowledge in different scenarios.

All elements of the assessment are designed to assess the apprentice's competency against the standard across knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship framework, so getting under the skin of the assessment plan, which is available to everyone publicly, is really important.

During National Apprenticeship Week, why would you recommend choosing the apprenticeship route to those looking to work in the engineering industry?

I see the benefits as being threefold. Firstly, you get paid as you learn which is such an advantage for young people at the start of their careers who do not want to go down the route of accruing student debt. I often refer to completing the MOET Apprenticeship as gaining “Wonka’s golden ticket” in terms of opportunity, as the Level 3 Qualification you come out with is globally recognised. And finally, those real world, industry skills that you gain during the apprenticeship make you such an attractive proposition to an employer, putting you in a strong position when entering the world of work.

My own son actually chose to follow the same route as I did, undertaking an engineering apprenticeship. He’s now successfully working in industry in a very well-paid role, gaining new skills and experience, despite not being encouraged to take the apprenticeship route when in education and being steered more towards the University route. He and I are very pleased that he did so!

Find out more about everything NOCN Group is doing during National Apprenticeship Week 2025 here. Whether you're an apprentice, employer or training provider, share your Apprenticeship success story with us.