Forthcoming changes to the Continuing Competence Test

We have made some minor changes to the syllabus for Continuing Competence, and the new syllabus is available on the Continuing Competence page of the website - click on the Revision button and scroll down the page.

There will also be a new question bank, which will go live at the Pearson VUE Test Centres from Friday 1st March 2019. If your test is booked on or after 1st March 2019, then it is important that your revision preparation is based on the new syllabus.

If you already have the copies of 2016-2018 Revision Guides, then you will see only minor changes in the topics covered so you will not need to buy copies of the new 2019-2021 Revision Guides; instead please use the free downloadable Update Sheets which capture these changes. However, please note that there have been extensive changes to the structure of Landfill Closed so we recommend purchasing the new edition of the Revision Guide to that topic.

Please note if your test is scheduled on or before 28th February 2019 then you need to base your preparations on the 2016-2018 syllabus and the 2016-2018 edition of the Revision Guides. However for those with tests booked on or after 1st March 2019, the new Revision Guides for 2019-2021 are now available to purchase on the website. 

Background to the changes: we review the Continuing Competence syllabus every two years to ensure it reflects current legislation and practice. This latest review is an interim update; and a more comprehensive review is planned for the next Continuing Competence Test effective for 2021-2023, which will take into account potential changes that are introduced after Brexit is fully implemented.

The rolling two year programme will remain in place; the expiry date will be clearly shown on your Continuing Competence certificate, eg, if you passed on 5th March 2019 then the certificate will state an expiry date of 5th March 2021.

Please note that effective from 7 January 2019, the Continuing Competence test fee is £139.

 

WAMITAB is pleased to announce that they have been accepted onto the Register of Approved End-Point Assessment Organisations to deliver end-point assessment for the Metal Recycling General Operative Standard. “WAMITAB Assessment” will operate as a service of WAMITAB, separate from its activities as an Awarding Organisation.

Chris James, Chief Executive Officer for WAMITAB, said: “WAMITAB looks forward to working further with partners in the metals recycling sector whose operatives will benefit from a first class apprenticeship assessed by the industry professionals at WAMITAB.”

The Apprenticeship Standard

The Metal Recycling General Operative is set a level 2 and is aimed at those entering the industry working at a General Operative level. Developed by employers and suitable for use in organisations of all sizes, the Metal Recycling General Operative Apprenticeship will see apprentices taking on a wide range of different tasks and responsibilities. Apprentices will learn:

• Environmental policies, health and safety legislation, handling and sorting requirements
• Teamwork and communication skills
• Safe working practices to operate equipment

In addition to these core competencies, apprentices will choose a specialism:

• End-of-Life Vehicles
• Weighbridge Operations
• Material Handler
• Material Classification
• Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

The End-Point Assessment

End-Point Assessment is the final testing phase of a Trailblazer Apprenticeship standard which must be carried out by an approved Assessment Organisation. The End-Point Assessment for the Metal Recycling General Operative is:

Multiple Choice Question Test

• 100 multiple choice questions
• 90 minutes to complete

Professional Discussions

• 3 professional discussions
• 40 minutes each

Observations / Simulations

• 3 Workplace observations / Simulations
• 40 minutes each

WAMITAB Assessment is available to speak with employers who wish to find out more about the Metal Recycling General Operative Apprenticeship end-point assessment. We will work with employers to ensure we tailor end-point assessment to each organisation and our tariffs will reflect this. WAMITAB Assessment will offer support and guidance resources to employers, training providers and apprentices throughout the apprenticeship process. Additionally WAMITAB intends to submit applications to offer end-point assessment for the following related Apprenticeship Standards:

• Waste Resource Operative – Level 2
• H.E. Technician – Level 3
• Facilities Management Supervisor – Level 3

For an informal discussion about the Metal Recycling General Operative apprenticeship, any other of the above apprenticeships or to discuss apprenticeships in general please email: epa@wamitab.org.uk

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For more information call WAMITAB on 01604 231950, email info.admin@wamitab.org.uk or visit www.wamitab.org.uk Twitter: @WAMITAB

Notes to editors

About WAMITAB

WAMITAB is a specialist awarding organisation and charity that works directly with industry to shape and deliver employer-led qualifications for those working in cleaning, street cleansing, facilities management, resource management and recycling and parking from operative through to management level. With over 120 qualification pathways and 70 quality assured centres, WAMITAB offers an unrivalled specialist network to support employee development and is dedicated to delivering industry-relevant qualifications and support. Contact: Sharon Simpson T: 01604 231950 E: sharon.simpson@wamitab.org.uk

About apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a training programme that allows the learner to gain new skills and a nationally recognised qualification while working and earning. They take one to four years to complete depending on their level. The work-based training programmes are designed around the needs of employers to facilitate the development of practical, job specific skills by allowing inexperienced individuals to work alongside more experienced staff. The Apprenticeship Levy came into force in April 2017. All UK employers (public, private, and third sector) with an annual pay bill of more than £3 million are required to pay the levy. The levy is set at 0.5% of an employer’s annual wage bill and is collected by HMRC alongside income tax and National Insurance. Each employer will receive an allowance of £15,000 per year to offset against the levy. This means that although the levy applies to all employers, only those with a pay bill of over £3 million will pay it. The Apprenticeship Levy is UK-wide, apprenticeship provision is a devolved policy area in the UK and each nation has different administrative arrangements for the funding and delivery of apprenticeships; this means that authorities in each of the UK nations manage their own apprenticeship programmes, including how funding is spent on apprenticeship training. Employers with operations in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales can access information about apprenticeships via the following websites:

• Northern Ireland - www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/apprenticeships-employers
• Scotland - apprenticeships.scot
• Wales - businesswales.gov.wales/skillsgateway/apprenticeships

New College in Swindon are seeking both peripatetic and freelance Assessors and Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs) to work with us in Swindon and surrounding areas.  You must have experience delivering both the Level 2 and Level 3 in Sustainable Recycling Activities.  Please contact Paula Kimmel for more information on 01793 732892 or email paula.kimmel@newcollege.ac.uk

The office will reopen again on Thursday 30th August 2018 at 9.00 am and close at 5.00 pm.