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.

Laboratory Technicians work in a wide range of organisations, including but not exclusively, chemical, primary and secondary pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, nuclear companies; and analytical science services. A laboratory technician may carry out both routine and one-off laboratory testing 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/

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 the qualification listed within the apprenticeship standard. The apprentice should also complete a Level 3 or 4 qualification in a science or technology discipline relevant to their occupation and recognised by RSciTech.

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 Laboratory 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, Distinction or Fail.

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

Synoptic Assessment Test: The end point assessment will include a synoptic assessment test (SAT) through workplace observation and discussion with the registered assessor. Part of the SAT must be observed by an external assurer from the assessment organisation. The SAT must be conducted before the vocational competence discussion and preferably on the same day where business operations permit.

Vocational Competence Discussion: Following the SAT the apprentice will take part in a vocational competence discussion led by the external assurer. This will cover the whole apprenticeship standard including behaviours and the apprentice may draw on evidence from the SAT and evidence generated during the vocational competence evaluation process.

Scenario Case Study: The case study will describe a scenario and the apprentice will be presented with a standardised set of questions. The apprentice will complete a written situational analysis exercise that presents a scenario that requires them to adapt quickly and function effectively after minimal instruction on new equipment or in a new environment or under revised working practices. The exercise will test the apprentice’s knowledge and understanding of core elements in the work based learning guide. The assessment organisation will develop a bank of case studies that describe a range of contexts and settings. The emphasis of the exercise will be on the apprentice demonstrating how to transfer and apply their understanding of the principles of working safely, following quality procedures and complying with regulations to a new setting.

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