Level 3 Maintenance & Operations
Engineering Technician

Overview - Version 1.4

ST0154, Version 1.4
LARS: 550

EPA price: £5,200

36 months minimum to gateway

EPA timeframe: 3 Months

EQA Ofqual Grading: Pass/Distinction/Fail

Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technicians (MOETs) play a crucial role in ensuring that engineering systems and equipment are maintained at optimum performance. This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals looking to build a strong foundation in mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation maintenance across a variety of sectors including manufacturing, energy, and transport.

- To move into the End-Point Assessment (EPA) period, the apprentice must have:
  1. Completed a minimum of 36 months on-programme training
  2. Achieved Level 2 English and Maths
  3. Completed a Portfolio of Evidence – This underpins the Professional Discussion and must demonstrate how the apprentice has met the knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in the standard.
  Optional internal checks from the provider/employer:
  - Confirmation that all mandatory training has been completed.
  - Employer and training provider agreement that the apprentice is ready for EPA. the knowledge, skills and behaviour of the apprenticeship.
  - The apprentice has achieved the required mandatory qualifications Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (competence) and Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Engineering Operations (knowledge).
  - The apprentice has achieved English and mathematics at level 2.
  - The apprentice has completed a portfolio demonstrating all of the required knowledge, skills and behaviour of the apprenticeship.

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Purpose:
This assessment method is designed to test the apprentice's ability to demonstrate core and role-specific skills in a real or simulated working environment. The observation will focus on tasks that reflect real workplace duties — such as fault-finding, maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs.
Key Details:
- Duration: 4 hours (+10% tolerance if needed)
- Environment: Real work setting or simulated environment approved by the EPAO
- Assessed by: Independent End-Point Assessor (IEPA)
- Questions: The assessor will ask questions during or after the observation (minimum 5, maximum 10), based on the tasks being carried out.
What It Covers:
- Use of tools and equipment
- Following procedures and safety protocols
- Interpreting technical documentation
- Carrying out maintenance tasks correctly
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting
Scoring:
Each task is scored against a defined rubric. The outcome contributes to the overall grade (Pass/Distinction/Fail).

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The End-Point Assessment (EPA) for this apprenticeship is designed to holistically assess the apprentice's ability to carry out the duties of a Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician to a high standard. It takes place after a minimum of 36 months on-programme training and consists of three distinct assessment methods:
1. Knowledge Test
A structured multiple-choice or short-answer test covering core knowledge elements such as health and safety, engineering principles, and fault-finding.
2. Practical Observation with Questions
A 4-hour practical assessment in a real or simulated work environment. The apprentice will carry out typical technical tasks while being observed by an Independent End-Point Assessor. The assessor will ask follow-up questions to probe deeper into understanding and decision-making.
3. Professional Discussion (Underpinned by Portfolio)
A structured discussion with the assessor, based on the apprentice’s portfolio of evidence. This allows the apprentice to reflect on their learning, performance, and the KSBs they’ve developed throughout the apprenticeship.
Grading:
- Each method is graded independently as Fail, Pass, or Distinction.
- The overall EPA grade is determined by performance across all three methods.

Apprentices will specialise in one of six distinct pathways - including electrical, mechanical, instrumentation or plant operations - depending on their role and sector. The End-Point Assessment will reflect the specific duties of their chosen pathway.

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The Professional Discussion is a structured conversation between the apprentice and the Independent End-Point Assessor (IEPA). It allows the apprentice to reflect on their work, demonstrate their knowledge and behaviours, and provide further context for the evidence in their portfolio.
Key Details:
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Conducted by: Independent End-Point Assessor
- Format: One-to-one discussion, either face-to-face or via video call
- Evidence base: Portfolio completed during on-programme training
What It Assesses:
- Depth of understanding of core and pathway-specific knowledge
- Application of skills in the workplace
- Behaviours such as teamwork, safety, problem-solving and professional development
How It's Graded:
- Assessed against defined grading criteria
- Contributes to the overall apprenticeship grade (Pass or Distinction)
This method gives apprentices the opportunity to talk through real work scenarios and explain how they’ve met the standard’s expectations across knowledge, skills, and behaviours.