The nature of the forest operative role, the requirement to hold qualifications in order to work and changing seasons determine that some assessment procedures need to be carried out during the apprenticeship. On-programme assessment will allow apprentices to develop their skills, improve their knowledge and monitor their own progress towards the end-point assessment.
On-programme assessment will also allow employers and training providers to provide feedback to apprentices to assist in their development and to monitor their progress. It is recommended this process be planned at the start, identifying tasks and timings to ensure apprentices make good progress towards achieving competence at the end.
It is recommended on-programme assessments should be combined into a portfolio completed to an adequate standard prior to starting the end-point assessment. The portfolio should include:
- The mandatory qualifications as stipulated in the standard.
- Employers, in conjunction with training providers, are strongly recommended to use a quarterly appraisal system to monitor the progress of the apprentice, provide feedback and guide development. The appraisals should include particular reference to the apprentice’s development of skills following achievement of the mandatory qualifications.
- A log book with entries maintained by the apprentice that demonstrates development through their apprenticeship period.
- Practical and knowledge tests related to seasonal aspects to include tree identification and common pest/disease/disorder identification.
It is recommended employers and training providers work closely to plan and deliver appropriate formative assessments. This process focuses on the employability factors that add value for the employer as it centres on real work competencies carried out in a real work environment.
It may be advantageous that other on-programme assessments are carried out by the employer and training provider in order to enhance apprentice development where required. These may be set and carried out by the training provider or employer at their discretion as needs arise, however the results could form part of the apprentice portfolio.