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.

The role involves carrying out skilled work, primarily using timber products, either on a construction site, or in a workshop, creating and installing building components. Optional pathways are: Site carpenter or Architectural Joiner.

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 Carpentry and Joinery 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 Carpentry and Joinery 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/carpentry-and-joinery/

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_Cskills Awards Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction) - Site Carpentry
• NOCN Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction)
• NOCN Functional Skills Maths and English

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. They should also have an on-programme qualification listed within the Apprenticeship Standard. 

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 Carpentry and Joinery 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 Carpentry and Joinery apprenticeship standard consists of the following:

Knowledge Assessment: A 45-minute multiple-choice test consisting of 35 questions. The questions are designed to assess the apprentice’s understanding of the core and specific knowledge and behavioural requirements.

The Knowledge Assessment will be delivered in a controlled invigilated environment approved by NOCN.

Practical Assessment: A skills test that requires the apprentice to complete a practical activity and will include oral questioning, where required to ensure the apprentice has the Skills, supporting Knowledge and Behaviours for the chosen job role. The test for both pathways Site Carpentry and Architectural Joinery will take a maximum of 7 hours to complete.

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.

Some apprentices may progress onto the Advanced Apprenticeship Standard in Carpentry and Joinery, or secure employment as a Site Carpenter or Architectural Joiner.

Apprentices must achieve a Level 2 NVQ in their chosen occupation.