NOCN is a market-leading independent End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) who have been successfully delivering End Point Assessments since 2017. NOCN is at the forefront of apprenticeship reforms including the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in the UK, working in partnership with employers, Further Education colleges, Training Providers and skills experts to develop a range of standards and assessments for new apprenticeships.

NOCN is also an established Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation, bringing this level of quality assurance to its End Point Assessment provision.

A Project Controls Technician controls, monitors and systematically analyses progress and performance data on engineering, manufacturing, construction and infrastructure projects. They require strong analytical skills and a practical approach to interpret technical information. They use specific, complex software tools to undertake a wide range of project controls tasks.

NOCN works in partnership with employers and Training Providers to provide a quality-first End Point Assessment (EPA). End Point Assessment is the final stage of the apprenticeship where the apprentice demonstrates the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours gained on-programme to an independent End Point Assessor.

The required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours of the Project Controls Technician apprenticeship standard will be fully communicated to the apprentice at the start of their apprenticeship, in preparation for End Point Assessment. End Point Assessment is carried out independently by qualified NOCN End Point Assessors to ensure a quality robust End Point Assessment you can trust.

The required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours of the Project Controls Technician apprenticeship standard that the apprentice will be required to learn during the on-programme phase of the apprenticeship, are found on the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education website. Click the link below to see the apprenticeship standard and assessment plan in further detail:

https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/media/1230/project_controls_technician.pdf

The apprentice will be supported by their employer and the Training Provider throughout the On-Programme phase of the apprenticeship. As a leading Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation, NOCN offers a number of qualifications to support the apprentice, including: - NOCN Functional Skills Maths and English

To move to End Point Assessment, the apprentice must have achieved the relevant maths and English at Level 2 plus a Level 3 Diploma in Project Control Practice.

At the end of the on-programme training period, the Training Provider and employer will also review the apprentice’s Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours against the Project Controls Technician apprenticeship standard. Once the apprentice has gained the required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours required of the apprenticeship standard then the apprentice can move forward to End Point Assessment. 

End Point Assessment is the final stage of the apprenticeship. The overall grades available for the End Point Assessment are Pass, Merit, Distinction or Fail.

The End Point Assessment for the Project Controls Technician apprenticeship standard consists of the following:

Knowledge Test: This provides each apprentice with an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and understanding required. The apprentice takes an online knowledge test in a controlled and invigilated environment.

Practical Test: It is critical that the apprentice is able to demonstrate that they can apply their technical skills; technical knowledge and related behaviours with minimal supervision and the Employer must have confidence in the apprentice’s ability to undertake technical data analysis, pay attention to detail and identify potential issues and to communicate this information appropriately. This test will take place in a controlled, invigilated environment.

Structured Interview: The structured interview takes place after successful completion of the knowledge test and practical test. It could take place at the Employer’s premises, as long as the interview room meets the requirements of the Awarding Organisation. This means that the interview can be used to discuss and question the apprentice on any specific areas that he or she may have failed to demonstrate through the earlier assessments.

NOCN organises the EPA at a suitable time for the employer, training provider and apprentice. We then book the independent expert assessor who will deliver the EPA.

Because arranging a quality EPA involves a number of people and organisations, NOCN requires a minimum of three months to ensure all elements of EPA are in place including, contracting, invoicing and scheduling.

NOCN has a range of useful EPA resources available and our friendly team is available to offer expert advice and support for both Employers and training providers.

On successful completion, NOCN will issue an EPA grade notification and apply to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to produce the final apprenticeship certificate.

NOCN EPA services are priced fairly and competitively. As a leading non-profit organisation we ensure our charges are below the maximum 20% of the total apprenticeship. A pre EPA fee is charged at the contracting phase to secure support materials and assessment booking. The remaining balance for the EPA is charged upon Gateway entry and EPA booking. NOCN applies a flexible approach to pricing based upon cohort size and delivery model.

With further training following on from the apprenticeship, individuals may choose to specialise in specific sectors or related roles which could lead to membership of other related professional bodies.