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.

This occupation is found in a wide range of organisations, including but not exclusively, chemical, primary and secondary pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, nuclear companies; and analytical science services, dental laboratories and educational establishments. The broad purpose of the occupation is working at the forefront of technology to carry out both routine and one-off laboratory testing (and manufacturing where relevant) and perform a variety of technical support functions across the organisation.

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 Laboratory 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 Laboratory 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/laboratory-technician-v1-2

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.

The End Point Assessment for the Laboratory Technician apprenticeship standard consists of the following: Knowledge Test, Observation with Wuestioning and an Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence which must be submitted at Gateway.

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.

Complete a level 3 or 4 qualification in a science or technology discipline relevant to their occupation and be recognised by RSciTech.

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.

Level 5 Laboratory Scientist