The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England & Wales (no 211014) and Scotland (no SC038698), The Impact of the 18th edition (BS 7671:2018), Double success for JIB Apprentice Exchange, Statutory and non-statutory documents applicable to the electrical industry, The store-age: the start of smarter energy consumption, HM Government Buiding Regulations 2010 document. Candidate relies on the employer to show best practice compliant with regulations and not use the candidate as merely low paid labourer. Our data shows over 90% obtain paid work and experience during their training. Key difference is we do not do level 2 Maths and English this is a requirement of the apprenticeship. The good news is, you don't need to be a fully-licensed journeyman electrician to get a job and start getting paid. An electrician is generally someone who has completed a 3-4 year apprenticeship and holds a Level 3 technical and vocational qualification or Level 3 Diploma. If you have Electrical Work available to share, or have an electrician apprenticeship available, then please let us know about it in this forum. You can have a previous qualification like a degree and still start an apprenticeship. Modern training methods as used in all Universities. For adult learners many want to get their foot in the door by completing a Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in electrical installation. Electricians are required to have at least a level three electrical or electro-technical qualification. There will likely be areas that they are unfamiliar with. If you are an adult learner who is looking to retrain and change career, then there is an intensive route available, … Register for our FREE online seminar where we will help demistify the world of electrical training. Electrician Apprenticeship Defined. Learning model is inefficient, slow, difficult to motivate progress in candidates, involves a significant amount of recapping at each tutorial day, longer involved tutorial projects cant be undertaken in centre during one day. Level 3 NVQ diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems & Equipment (Buildings, Structure and the Environment) 4. As such working in the right role whilst completing your apprenticeship is key to gaining the breadth of experience required to complete your portfolio for the NVQ qualification. An electrician may hold a Level 3 Technical Certificate and the National Electrotechnical Training (NET) AM2 certificate and, providing that they have evidence to show that they have been working in the electrical industry for a reasonable period of time, they may be regarded as an electrician by the Joint Industry Board (JIB). Table B shows many of the qualifications (past and present) that you may come across in the electrical industry. The 3-4 year program is dictated by the funding model of the FE College and not best learning models or methods. With a well funded, properly compliant employer, the traditional apprenticeship is the preferable model for the young person (with improvements). To do so, the best thing to do is research online, ask those already in the industry and talk to advisors, like those at Options Skills. It is usually expected that at least a Level 3 qualification in inspection, testing and initial verification has been achieved, such as: Approved Electricians would usually be expected to have the ability to efficiently design, install and verify a wide range of electrical installations in the most efficient and economical manner. Everyone starts at the same point; everyone is on the City & Guilds 2365 Diploma program leading to the NVQ. Electricians have to complete a wider range of tasks in both domestic and commercial environments. This situation can easily be reversed for a fully qualified electrician who is registered as a domestic installer and can certify their own work in accordance with Part P of the building regulations. © 2020 The Institution of Engineering and Technology. If you have qualified as an electrician outside the UK, you should register for the Joint Industry Board’s Electrotechnical Card Scheme (ECS). In fact, it takes about four years. These are normally referred to as ‘bridging units’. To qualify as an electrician, you need an industry-recognised Level 3 qualification, such as: 2. This does not mean that they are obsolete, unacceptable, inferior or superior, it simply means that they were completed at a different time. You can also train to do this job in the armed forces. Learners would usually be expected to have at least maths, English and Information Communication Technology (ICT) qualifications at grade C. An apprenticeship is expected to last between 3 and 4 years and on completion, the learner will be a qualified Electrician. Our 4 Steps program fixes that problem. These qualifications can be obtained without going through an apprenticeship but an electrician will need to have worked in the electrical industry to have achieved the vocational qualification and is unlikely to do so without having at least 3 years’ experience working in the electrical industry. We use cookies to deliver the best experience possible as described in our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy. Become An Electrician. The traditional route involves an NVQ electrical apprenticeship, however, with apprenticeship salaries as low as £3.90 /ph and guided learning time requirements, they sometimes aren’t suitable for everyone. FE College and Training Companies. Apprenticeship programs include hands-on experience and classroom instruction. Once working you can decide if you want to complete the NVQ and gain gold card status. On the other hand, you may find that older qualifications contain some units, such as a unit on the installation of mineral insulated cable, which has not been required to be included in many qualifications for a number of years. This is by no means a definitive guide as experience and qualifications may vary significantly. Typically the course will last for two years and cover the subjects of Electrical Installation levels 1, 2 and 3 (City & Guilds 2365), Wiring Regulations (City & Guilds 2382-18, 18th Edition) and perhaps also, Inspection and Testing (City & Guilds 2391). The ‘differences’ between the two programs are, how they are delivered, in what time frame, to who they are focused, the big difference is employment. Candidate becomes properly trained and self-sufficient in workplace much earlier, typically within 1 year of start. The focus is the adult candidate, who brings life and workplace experience. Once you've decided to train to become an electrician, it's important that you choose the right training course. Often adult learners on the Domestic Installers route were unable to progress to become fully qualified as they can’t commit to the longer program from the start and couldn't transfer credits for what they have already learned on the domestic Installers route to the Diploma, this was an obvious problem as it discourages people to progress their skills and knowledge to become fully qualified. This is by far the most frustrating and nerve-racking part of the whole … Gathering of proper evidence for NVQ cannot take place until Knowledge Unit is claimed, real installation and relevant work skills learning doesn’t take place until late in Year 1 or mid Year 2, meaning typical students don’t start on NVQ proper until late in Year 2. In this article, Steven Devine sheds some light on the qualifications (past and present) that persons may have, what they all mean. Through an apprenticeship program, you can obtain paid, relevant workplace experience while acquiring the skills and credentials that employer’s value. In fact, there are centres that provide training for people new to the electrical industry with no prior experience whatsoever. An electrical apprenticeship provides you with all you need to kickstart your career as an electrician. If it is the latter then it is not required for the person to register the work with either the local authority or scheme provider. Use this forum if:- You have a position for an electricians apprentice available (full time / part time) You have a job for an electricians labourer or mate (full time / part time / one off) You can start an apprenticeship whether you’re starting your career, want a change or you're upskilling in your current job. The level of experience that a domestic installer may have varies very broadly. We have developed this program after listening to those in the industry who were concerned that many people were practicing as electricians when really, they were skilled up to competent Domestic Installers level only. However, there are a number of other professional qualifications to help get you started, such as a Domestic Electrician course or Professional Electrician course – which are perfect for any candidates … Crucially, you can also take the course at … Ultimately this program is designed for adult learners in its flexibility, to reflect their typical time constraints of family and financial commitments and enables you to change your life and join a vibrant industry which currently adult learners find difficult to join. Some of the basic expected requirements are that the person carrying out electrical work has had sufficient training and experience. Hopefully, you've been convinced that you must be an apprentice before you can become an electrician. C&G 2357-13 NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment (Buildings and Structures) is the best qualification to get in order to become an electrician in the UK. On the IET Technical Helpline, we often receive a range of enquiries relating to the common problem of identifying what is meant by electrotechnical qualifications. This is commonly referred to as the C&G 2365 Diplomabut can be certified by other organisation such as EAL. Candidates can gather evidence for Online digital NVQ earlier in training, enabling earlier and quicker NVQ progression. The focus is the 16-19 year old, typically no previous work experience or relevant life experience. It usually takes four years to complete the apprenticeship and become a journeyman electrician. Why Become an Apprentice. An Electrical Apprentice will be studying to achieve a Level 3 technical certificate and an NVQ or a Level 3 Diploma. Yep! 0800 856 4448. The training pathway Whether you’re a school leaver, looking for a career change or have just finished a gap year and are ready to launch your career, there is a clear path you can follow to become an electrician. This program would not be appropriate to the typical 16-19-year-old. It takes a while to become a fully-licensed journeyman electrician. These qualifications can be obtained without going through an apprenticeship but an electrician will need to have worked in the electrical industry to have achieved the vocational qualification and is unlikely to do so without having at least 3 years’ experience working in the electrical industry. If enquiring about a course , please let us know your preferred start dates. The card is proof that you meet the standard of qualifications and skills needed to work as an electrician in the UK. The candidate has to have a supportive employer with at least a minimum paid job and funded support from the start. To gain the JIB status of Approved Electrician an electrician must satisfy a number of requirements. Quite simply, online electrical training is the fastest and most convenient way to attain your electrician qualifications. This does not mean that a person who holds a Level 3 qualification in electrical installations is competent to carry out work on all electrical installations. live in England. The Domestic Installer generally chooses an installation that he or she would like to be inspected and makes the necessary preparations for the assessment. Our 4 Steps approach enables and encourages those who want to work as electricians to progress beyond the Domestic Installers route. We begin with the relevant Domestic modules of the Level 2 & 3 Diploma qualification and progress to the more in depth electrical science and knowledge units. Level 3 diploma in Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures) if part of an apprenticeship.These qualifications are usually completed while working. On our 4 Step programs, you don’t. A well-known title in the construction industry, an apprenticeship is known as the traditional and most valued method of becoming an Electrician. The 3 Electrical Apprenticeships You Need To Know About. When you have completed your portfolio there is one last assessment known as an AM2 assessment which is the final bit to show you really know your stuff. Obviously these courses wont give the all encompassing training that was the trade electrician The people who take these courses are sometimes mis led into thinking that the trade can be learnt in such short periods,you cant blame people for trying to become skilled whether the training is standard or short cut Candidate relies on the employer to be a part time fully knowledgeable tutor, though typically has skills and knowledge gaps. Qualifications are designed so that they reflect current industry practices and needs and you may, therefore, find some modern qualifications containing units on energy efficiency and micro-generation that did not exist in older qualifications. Once again, it is entirely possible to become an electrician without doing an apprenticeship. Make sure you have the right qualifications. To become a fully qualified Electrician, Electrotechnical NVQs Levels 2-3 (2356) will be necessary. You can do an installation electrician advanced apprenticeship. Why become an electrician? But be sure to … The short answer is: a competent person is somebody who is capable of completing a specific task safely and effectively. To become a licensed electrician, begin by contacting electricians in your area and discussing what it takes to work in the field, like attention to detail, flexibility, and manual dexterity. Since the introduction of Part P of the Building Regulations (Electrical Safety-Dwellings) the definition of Domestic Installer has been established. An NVQ is not a training programme it is an assessment framework that assess your skills in the workplace. It normally takes two to four years to become fully qualified. The majority of the electrician training programs involve at a minimum of 2,000 hours on-site each year and a minimum of 144 class hours. Current Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations (17th Edition), and either, Level 3 Award in the Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations, or. Electricians commonly make upwards of £30,000 per year (according to totaljobs.com) e-tutoring, e-mentoring, e-learning. To register as a Domestic Installer two qualifications are generally required: These qualifications can be achieved relatively quickly with a recommended learning period of around 100 hours in total. Here are highlights of the three electrical apprenticeships you should be familiar with – IBEW, IEC, and ABC. Increasingly, … the City & Guilds 2391, 2394 and 2395 qualifications and/or. Further to this they will have had sufficient experience working as an electrician (in excess of two years after completion of qualifications is usually acceptable). We have 13 locations across the UK to find the nearest or most suitable to your needs click here. Let’s say that an electrician holds an electrical qualification that they achieved in 1999 and would like to obtain the equivalent current qualification. Many people do, however we also find that many adult lea… Candidates are unable to work effectively until year 3 and do not present proper value to employer until year 4 at earliest. You'll usually need: 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship; More Information We are often asked the question: what is a competent person? Alternatively, you could prepare for working in this industry by taking a part-time or full-time college training course in electrical installation. That could be as little as 3 weeks depending on centre requirements and prior experience. An electrician apprenticeship is a paid training program in which you work under the guidance of a professional electrician to learn the trade. Candidate is typically not of real value to the employer until Year 3, and drop out rates are relatively high meaning financial and time risks for the employer in supporting an apprentice. An industrial electrician who has spent most of their career maintaining three-phase machinery may not have the desired experience to carry out maintenance on domestic properties for a housing association, despite having all the required qualifications. This approach must be agreed with the training provider prior to enrolling on the qualification but is supported by most awarding organisations. However, they may have never worked a day on a construction site. Level 3 NVQ diploma in Electrotechnical Services (Electrical Maintenance) 3. Advanced Domestic Electrician (standalone), C&G 2365 Course Level 2 & 3 Diploma (Steps 1 to 3), C&G 4141-01 Domestic Installation Workshop, C&G 4141-02 Science of Electro Technology, C&G 2393 Building Regs & Electrotechnology, C&G 2382-18 18th Edition Update Course (1 Day ), C&G 2382-18 18th Edition Course (E-Learning), C&G 2382-18 18th Edition Update Course (E-Learning), C&G 2382-18 Weekend 18th Edition Course (1 Day), C&G 2391-52 Inspection and Testing Course (Periodic & Initial), C&G 2392-10 Inspection and Testing Course (Initial Domestic), Inspection and Testing Practical Refresher Course, C&G 2919-01 EV / Car Charging Point Course, C&G 2919-02 Domestic EV / Car Charging Point Course, C&G 2919-01 EV Charging Point Course (E-Learning, LL), C&G 2919-01 EV Charging Point Course (E-Learning, IET ), Domestic Electrician (Step 1) & EV Charging Package, Domestic Electrician (Step 1) & Solar PV Package, C&G 2357 NVQ Level 3 Electrical (Step 5), C&G 2356 NVQ Level 3 Electrical (Mature Candidate), Introduction to Electrical Installation Regulations & Part P Course, C&G 2393 Building Regs & Part P - 1 Day Course (E-Learning), LV Authorised Person (Commercial) Refresher Course, LV Authorised Person Course (Healthcare / NHS), Electricity at Work Regulations (EAWR) Course, Advanced Domestic Electrician Top-up (Step 2 only), Domestic Installer to 5 Steps Bridging Unit, Trunking, Conduit and Wiring Systems Course, Courses for Facilities Managers & Handymen, Domestic Electrician Course Package (Step 1), Domestic Electrics For Plumbers Course (Step 1) & CHC, Domestic Electrician (Step 1) & PAT Course Package. See the accompanying PDF for both Tables. Consider getting pre-apprenticeship training at a trade school or vocational college. Confused by electrical qualifications and not sure what you need to become an electrician? Becoming an Electrician Without an Apprenticeship: Here at Access Training, we offer intensive short-course training packages that will help you to get equally qualified (if not more) without needing to join an apprenticeship scheme. So how would an electrician update their qualifications? There are two ways you can start a career as a professional electrician: 1) you can contact one of the groups above and apply to be accepted as an apprentice, or you 2) go to an electrician school, get a job as an electrician assistant, and apply for an apprenticeship. This is the route I took. What is different about our program to what you might see elsewhere is that there are Step Off points to enable people to Step Off the whole Diploma program and Step On again when experience has been gained in the workplace. The qualification gained from an apprenticeship consists of two key parts: technical classroom training and vocational onsite assessments. Table A shows how qualifications are structured and comparison of the various levels. Level 2 in Electrical Installations (2365) The Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations (2365) course is the first step for anyone who would like to become a qualified Electrician and work in the Domestic, Commercial or Industrial sector without doing a 4 year Apprenticeship. They will also have an extremely good understanding of the requirements of BS 7671. Then, ask if you can shadow them for a day so that you can experience what the job entails. The following lists the various titles you may come across and a general insight to what you can expect them to have achieved in terms of qualifications and experience. Getting a job comes after your training, or typically for many people, during your training. This can be very difficult to assess, especially with regards to an electrician as the work they will be doing may vary significantly. Further Education Colleges across the UK offer electrical installation courses. Level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical systems (2357) The level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical systems (2357-44) is the 3rd step for electrical … Candidates are fully supported all the way through. Typically 12-18 months from the start of NVQ Registration at Step 3. In addition, using the information in this article and the tables that follow, you can gain a better understanding of what their qualifications mean. 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