New style AM2 assessment bay being rolled out
To ensure the AM2 reflects the industry apprenticeship, modern technologies and current ways of working, revisions to the AM2 bay are being introduced.
The phase-in of the new bay is currently underway, with some AM2 centres already running the new style of bay. By the end of August, the new bay will be operational in all centres and will feature an updated layout, smart heating system and some updated materials such as lever type connectors, USB sockets and electric vehicle charging cable incorporating data. Motor control now reflects a more industrial, commercial feel, with remote operation. Safe isolation also now considers additional power sources not only from the normal supply but alternative sources such as solar PV and battery storage circuits.
It’s important to note that regardless of the assessment bay layout, the skills and competences being assessed are the same and the marking criteria are unchanged. The rigour and complexity of the assessment also remains the same.
National Electrotechnical Training (NET) advice to candidates is:
- The AM2 and its associated versions, e.g. the AM2S and AM2E, are the industry’s ‘Assessment of Occupational Competence’ – it is all about being able to apply your skills and knowledge to any given situation.
- Regardless of which bay you are working on, you should be able to follow instructions and install to the specification provided.
- You need to ensure you read the Readiness for Assessment checklist carefully and be confident that you can demonstrate every skill before you sit the assessment.
- On either style of bay, you will be marked against the same set of criteria – there are no advantages or disadvantages in using one or the other. All candidates are on a level playing field.
- The assessment bay will align with the content of your apprenticeship or training programme, so for instance any equipment that is not applicable to your assessment will be locked off by the assessor, such as the solar PV supplies. You will only be presented with the assessment that aligns with your training route or apprenticeship version.
- Read the guidance material on the NET website – don’t be misled by what any unofficial preparation resources are telling you. Focus on the checklist and specification, rather than what people may tell you online which may be out of date or inaccurate.
- Read carefully and follow the specification you’ll be given when you sit the assessment.
