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.

Jobholders in this role assist in driving, boring and forming piles in the ground in order to provide firm support for buildings and structures by attending to the requirements of the piling operation.

The work includes supporting piling plant machine operatives and specialist piling operatives (Level 3) by performing a variety of manual and mechanically assisted tasks which will include; load and unload, handle and move materials, prepare, measure, mark and cut materials, monitoring and reporting progress. Guide and control the movement and operation of plant, machinery and vehicles. Prepare, check, control and maintain machinery and equipment in use. Recover, clean, and maintain equipment for reuse.

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 Piling Attendant 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 Piling Attendant 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/apprenticeship-standards/piling-attendant-v1-0

To move to End Point Assessment, the apprentice must have achieved the relevant maths and English at Level 1 and be working towards a Level 2 in maths and English. Individuals undertaking this standard will also need to achieve the Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Piling Operations and complete a logbook for submission. 

There will be two stages (technical test and professional interview) to the EPA that will assess the overall knowledge, practical and behavioural competence of the individual according to the level stated by the Piling Apprenticeship Standard.

Assessment method one - Technical test: This test is carried out first and will be graded pass or fail. The individual will be observed and assessed performing their role as part of the relevant piling operation(s) in a ‘live’ site environment.

Assessment method two - Professional Interview: The professional interview is a recorded competence based interview conducted by a panel of assessors that may include an employer (in an advisory role to the panel only, not part of the assessment decision), an industrially competent assessor and chaired by the EPAO appointed assessor (ideally the same assessor responsible for assessing the technical test).

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.

Progression from the Level 2 Apprenticeship could lead to Level 3 in specialist piling operations or with experience and maturity Occupational Work Supervision (Piling) within the construction industry.