End Point Assessor - Apprenticeship - Software Development Technician

This job is closed and is displayed for reference only. 

Reference:EPA/A/SDT 

Closing date:11 February 2020 at midnight 

Pearson are currently recruiting for End Point Assessors for Software Development Technician sector.

 

Overview of the independent end-point assessor role:

The Government has introduced a requirement that all apprenticeships contain an end-point assessment (EPA) which is a holistic assessment of the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour (KSBs) that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. This is to make sure that apprentices meet the rigorous standard set by employers and are fully competent in the relevant occupation. Pearson must provide employers with the confidence that completing an apprenticeship means an individual is fully job-ready and that all apprentices, following the same standard, are assessed consistently, regardless of where they are undertaking their apprenticeship or who they are doing it with.


An independent EPA means that those making a decision on the competency of the apprentice have nothing to gain from the outcome of the assessment. To maintain independence within the scope of this EPA, an independent end-point assessor (IEA) can only undertake end-point assessments of apprentices, with whom they have no conflict of interest. This means they must be independent of the registered apprenticeship training provider at which the apprentice completed their on-programme element, and must not have been involved in the on-programme training, assessment, or line management of such apprentices.


The end-point assessments will be conducted onsite, on dates agreed with employers and/or providers if appropriate. IEAs will record and submit the EPA outcomes, with clear justifications for the grading decisions. EPA activities will be quality assured by Pearson quality assurance representatives.


IEAs for this EPA will be qualified assessors that meet the occupational profile of the apprentices they are assessing and will be trained, standardised and approved to operate as IEAs. The IEAs will undertake EPAs in line with the associated apprenticeship assessment plan, and the materials provided by Pearson. Please see the below Key Accountabilities and Person Specification sections for further details.

 

Key Accountabilities:

The IEA will:

 

  • Take part in regular training and standardisation activities, associated with the role of IEA for this EPA
  • Maintain and provide evidence of ongoing, relevant Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
  • Assess the performance of candidates in accordance with published assessment and grading criteria and procedures, ensuring overall standards are maintained
  • Follow the protocols set out in Pearson’s specifications, assessment materials and quality assurance protocols, relating to the EPAs
  • Maintain service-level agreements with regards to responding to EPA planning, operational activities, reports and submissions of assessment outcomes
  • Report all risks and issues encountered during the end-point assessment to Pearson, including any suspected malpractice/maladministration
  • Ensure all EPA reports and assessment evidence are high quality and recorded accurately
  • Support Pearson, if necessary, with any appeals from apprentices, regarding assessment decisions
  • Raise any conflicts of interest, including in relation to the independence of assessment
  • Ensure that any personal actions are completed, as required by Pearson
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of Pearson’s end-point assessment activities
  • Contribute to the external quality assurance activities undertaken by Tech Partnership overseen by Digital Industries Apprenticeship External Quality Assurance Board
 

Person Specification

Occupational Profiles:

 

Software Development Technician

A Software Development Technician typically works as part of a software development team, to builds simple software components (whether web, mobile or desktop applications) to be used by other members of the team as part of larger software development projects. They will interpret simple design requirements for discrete components of the project under supervision. The approach will typically include implementing code, which other team members have developed, to produce the required component. . The Software Development Technician will also be engaged in testing that the specific component meets its intended functionality.

These are the personal attributes and behaviours expected of all Software Development Technicians:

  • Logical and creative thinking skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and to take responsibility
  • Can use own initiative
  • A thorough and organised approach
  • Ability to work with a range of internal and external people
  • Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of situations
  • Maintains productive, professional and secure working environment 

 


Background and Experience (essential):


 

  • Up to date, relevant, in-depth and broad experience of working in this occupation
  • Relevant industry expertise equivalent to or higher than the level of the apprenticeship standard being assessed and/or relevant professional recognition at a level equivalent to or higher than the registration level of the apprenticeship Standard being assessed
  • The possession of practical and up to date knowledge of the application of current working practices, infrastructure, tools and technologies appropriate to this occupation and of relevance to the sector/size of business in which they will be carrying out assessments


 

Background and Experience (desirable):


 

  • Current DBS
  • Knowledge of prevent & safeguarding



 

Skills & Knowledge (Essential)

 

  • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively respond to conflicts
  • Ability to understand and respond to the individual needs and circumstances of employers/apprentices 
  • Sufficient and relevant technical knowledge of:

- the digital industry sector

- the role of software development technicians

 

  • In-depth knowledge of the associated apprenticeship standard, assessment plan, specification, assessment instruments and recording tools
  • Ability to assess, free from bias
  • Ability to assess and report risks
  • Ability to meet deadlines


 

Other requirements

 

Any applicant undertaking this role will be expected to:

  • Have personal IT equipment capable of running Pearson required software
  • Have a suitable broadband connection, Microphone, Headphones and a webcam
  • Have a personal and secure email account
  • Have a postal address in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey Isle of Man
  • Have the right to work in the UK
  • Allow additional time for travel, when making EPA arrangements
 
Once you have submitted your application, please send your CV, CPD and relevant certificates to epadelivery@pearson.com. 
 
Note: Please indicate your most recent or relevant Software development technician experience in Occupational section of the form. If your sector is not listed please contact the recruitment team on associate.pearson.com  

Additional Information