Level 2 Apprenticeship
Engineering Operative
Develop core engineering skills across six job role pathways, from maintenance to fabrication, ready to work effectively within the manufacturing and engineering sector.
Overview
Engineering Operatives are predominantly involved in engineering operations which are key to the success of the manufacturing and engineering sector, allowing employers to grow their business while developing a workforce with the relevant skills and knowledge to sustain it.
Apprentices choose one of six job role pathways: Maintenance, Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Fabrication, Materials Processing/Finishing, or Technical Support. Core skills and knowledge are consistent across all pathways, with pathway-specific criteria layered on top.
End Point Assessment Components
The EPA for Engineering Operative consists of two assessment methods designed to test knowledge, skills, and behaviours:
- Duration: Approx. 2 hours
- Location: Workplace
- Grading: Pass/Fail
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Format: Employer's site
- Grading: Pass/Distinction/Fail
What's Assessed in the EPA
The End Point Assessment evaluates apprentices across Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours as defined by the occupational standard:
Knowledge (core)
- How to obtain and interpret job instructions, engineering drawings and specifications
- Relevant statutory, quality, and environmental compliance procedures
- Organisational and health & safety regulations relating to engineering operations
- Pathway-specific technical knowledge (Maintenance, Mechanical Manufacturing, Electrical/Electronic, Fabrication, Materials Processing/Finishing, or Technical Support)
Skills
- Read and work from engineering drawings and specifications
- Set up, operate, and maintain equipment for the chosen pathway
- Carry out quality checks during and after operations
- Work safely and comply with statutory and organisational procedures
Behaviours
- Take responsibility for the quality and safety of own work
- Work effectively as part of a team
- Communicate clearly with colleagues and supervisors
- Show a commitment to continuous improvement
Core KSBs summarised from the published occupational standard (ST0537). Pathway-specific KSBs vary by the six job role pathways — verify against the full standard for the pathway being marketed.
Good2Go EPA Support
At Good2Go Awards, we provide comprehensive support throughout the EPA journey:
EPA Roadmap to Success
A clear visual guide showing the complete journey from on-programme learning through to EPA results:
On-Programme Learning & Pathway Selection
Training Provider and Employer confirm the apprentice's pathway: Maintenance, Mechanical Manufacturing, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Fabrication, Materials Processing/Finishing, or Technical Support.
📋 Good2Go Mock EPA Support
After 4 Months - Mock EPA for Gap Analysis
Use the observation sheet in the EPA Toolkit for the relevant pathway to identify areas for training & support.
After 8 Months - Mock EPA for Gap Analysis
Use observation & discussion templates in the EPA toolkit for the relevant pathway to ensure any gaps from the previous mock have been addressed.
Complete Mandatory Qualifications & Build Portfolio
- Diploma in Engineering Operations Skills Level 2
- Certificate or Diploma in Engineering Operations Knowledge Level 2
- Complete English and Maths in line with the current Apprenticeship funding rules
- Build a portfolio of 2-3 activities based on actual learner activities, with at least 1 completed in the last 3 months
Gateway Signoff
Tri-partite agreement between Apprentice, Trainer, and Employer completing the Gateway Form supplied by Good2Go. All information must be uploaded to ACE360 at this point.
The apprentice has 12 weeks from gateway signoff to complete all EPA components
Observation & Professional Discussion
The Practical Observation is conducted in the apprentice's normal workplace and lasts approximately 2 hours, with 3-6 open questions. The 40-minute Professional Discussion takes place at the employer's site. Normally conducted on-site, same day for both elements.
Workplace-based | Pass/Fail (Observation), Pass/Distinction/Fail (Discussion)
EPA Results Released
Results are released on ACE360 to the Training Provider within 5-7 working days of completing all assessment components.
Full feedback provided on every assessment component
Gateway Requirements
Before entering EPA, apprentices must have:
- Completed the on-programme learning and training
- Achieved the Diploma in Engineering Operations Skills Level 2
- Achieved the Certificate or Diploma in Engineering Operations Knowledge Level 2
- Complete English and Maths in line with the current Apprenticeship funding rules
- Compiled a portfolio of 2-3 activities, with at least 1 completed in the last 3 months
- Tri-partite agreement between Apprentice, Trainer, and Employer
- Proof of English & Maths qualifications or exemptions where required
- Portfolio of evidence
- Signed Gateway agreement