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 primary role of a construction Lifting Technician is to set up and operate cranes to lift and place a variety of loads in the workplace. They will play a vital role by supporting site projects in which they will have responsibility for operating the crane to lift materials and equipment to designated work areas on a construction site. The Lifting Technician will need to be able to interpret and comply with given contract information and work with the lifting team to carry out lifting activities.

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 Lifting 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 Lifting 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/apprenticeship-standards/lifting-technician/

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
• NOCN_Cskills Awards Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Construction) - Cranes and Specialist Lifting
• NOCN_Cskills Awards Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations - Slinger/Signaller (Construction)

To move to End Point Assessment, the apprentice must have achieved the relevant maths and English at Level 1 and attempted the Level 2 maths and English in functional skills. As well as completion of the 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 Lifting 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 or Fail.
The End Point Assessment for the Lifting Technician apprenticeship standard consists of the following:

Professional interview: The professional interview will be based on the evidence provided within the individual’s EPA portfolio.
The EPA portfolio will hold a collection of evidence that the candidate has successfully demonstrated competence of the range of prerequisite practical skills which will be probed during the professional interview.

Written Test: Knowledge and understanding of topics such as lift planning, ground support, communication, working as a team, legislative requirements, environmental factors and hazards.

Practical Test: Observation and questioning in a test environment on three areas; pre-use checks, lifting and placing loads with a crane, and slinging/signalling. Carrying out visual and physical checks and adjustments on the crane in preparation for work, the candidate will provide narrative to explain ‘why’ particular checks are carried out and ‘what’ subsequent action(s) should be taken.

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 a crane supervisor role (at Level 4) within the construction industry.

This standard will deliver sufficient competence, underpinning Knowledge and understanding in the identified job role to allow individuals to meet the requirements of the appropriate industry recognised card certification schemes.