Maintaining machinery and equipment in the food and drinks industry, finding and resolving faults, to optimise production levels.
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This occupation is found in the engineering function in the food and drink manufacturing sector. The sector uses highly automated equipment and technology to produce a wide range of food and drink products for consumers.
Food and drink manufacturers range in size from small to large. Technicians may work directly for a food and drink company or a contractor.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to maintain food and drink machinery and equipment to optimise production levels. They conduct planned and predicative maintenance to prevent issues occurring and also reactive maintenance for example, to respond to breakdowns. They lead or support food and drink operational teams with machinery change overs and set ups. Contributing to the installation and decommissioning of food and drink equipment and machinery is also part of the role. Working with other teams, they contribute to technical performance reviews and continuous improvement activities. They may need to contribute to food and drink audits.
They may complete work as part of a team or alone, depending on the task.
In their daily work, food and drink maintenance technicians interact with other technicians and engineers. They also interact with operational and site teams. This may include quality, and research and development. They may also have contact with auditors, regulators, and customers undertaking site visits.
They typically report to an engineering lead. They work with minimal supervision.
An employee in this occupation is responsible for using engineering practices that ensure food safety in line with food safety legislation. Keeping machinery and equipment available to meet production needs and outputs is key. They must comply with food safety, health and safety, environmental, sustainability, and engineering regulations and standards. They also must also take account of business operation considerations such as cost and service level agreements.
They are likely to be required to work a range of shifts, including unsociable hours.
This summary page outlines the information that you and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should also read the end-point assessment plan for the full details including roles and responsibilities, assessment method requirements and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of the apprenticeship. It assesses your competence against the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) on the occupational standard. You will have been trained on them during your training, both on and off the job. The EPA is your chance to show an independent assessor you can do the occupation you have been trained for. Your employer will only recommend you start the EPA when you have finished your training and both your employer and you think you are ready. Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should provide you with support on what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The typical length of the on-programme (training) part of this apprenticeship is 42 months. The end-point assessment period will typically last 3 months.
The grades available for this apprenticeship are:
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
At the end of the apprenticeship, and having passed the EPA, you will be awarded with your apprenticeship certificate.
The gateway is the point when all on-programme training and any mandatory qualification requirements have been met. When you have completed your training and your employer says you are competent in your occupation, you enter the gateway. The EPAO will check any mandatory qualifications are complete. They will tell you how to submit any necessary documents (for example, a portfolio). After the EPAO confirms that you have met all the requirements, the EPA starts.
When you reach the gateway, you need to complete the following:
Have passed English and maths at level 2.
1For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and mathematics minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for those who have BSL as their primary language.
Portfolio of evidence requirements: The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. The portfolio of evidence will typically contain 10 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence should be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested. Evidence sources may include: This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included. The portfolio should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance (for example, witness statements) rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this. The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the interview. Independent assessors should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the interview. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.
For the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence you must submit: portfolio of evidence
Passed any other mandated qualifications listed in the occupational standard. For the food and drink maintenance engineer,
The qualification(s) required are:
Diploma in food and drink engineering maintenance
Observation: you will be observed by an independent assessor completing work in your normal place of work. The observation will last 4. You will be asked a minimum of 5 questions by the independent assessor about what was observed. You will get at least 2 weeks notice of the observation.
Discussion: you will meet with the independent assessor in a quiet place that is free from distractions and be asked questions. The interview will last 90 and the independent assessor will ask a minimum of 12 questions to find out how well you can do your job. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence during the apprenticeship. Your training provider and employer should discuss this with you. You can use your portfolio of evidence to help you answer questions in the .This method may take place remotely, though the EPAO will confirm the details. You will be given at least 2 weeks notice of the interview.
Test / examination: you will be asked to complete a test that will have long written answers. The EPAO will let you know if this is at an assessment centre or if it can be completed remotely. The test will be closed book so you will not be able to have any books or reference materials. The following equipment is permitted in the test:
The test will have 15 questions. You will have 120 minutes to complete the test. You will get at least 2 weeks notice of the test.
Test / examination: you will be asked to complete a multiple-choice test. The EPAO will let you know if this is at an assessment centre or if it can be completed remotely. The test will be closed book so you will not be able to have any books or reference materials.
The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete the multiple-choice test. There will be 4 possible answers but only 1 will be correct. Each correct answer with be worth 1 mark.
To achieve a Pass, you need to get between 28 and 40 questions correct.
You will get at least 2 weeks notice of the test.
If you have a query that relates to your job, then please speak to your employer. You should speak to your training provider if you have any other questions about the apprenticeship including the end-point assessment. You should get detailed support from the EPAO before the EPA begins. Your employer and training provide should talk to you when they think you are ready to take the EPA. The EPA is for you to show how good you are at your job. You should speak to your training provider about what to expect in the EPA and how to prepare. You should speak to the EPAO if your EPA has already started, and you have a query.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with The Institution of Engineering and Technology for Engineering Technician (EngTech). The experience gained and responsibility held by the apprentice on completion of the apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level.. The experience gained and responsibility held by the apprentice on completion of the apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level.
Please contact the relevant professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with The Institution of Mechanical Engineers for Engineering Technician (EngTech). The experience gained and responsibility held by the apprentice on completion of the apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level.. The experience gained and responsibility held by the apprentice on completion of the apprenticeship will either wholly or partially satisfy the requirements for registration at this level.
Please contact the relevant professional body for more details.