The Joint Industry Board (JIB) for the Electrical Contracting Industry has launched a new assessment route aimed at experienced workers which will enable qualification up to NVQ Level 3 standard.
The assessment route which is primarily aimed at electricians who have gained considerable practical experience within the electrical industry, will not only match qualifications to the level of practical competence but will also open up eligibility for the much coveted JIB Gold card issued only to approved electricians under the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS.)
The Assessment Process
To ensure only electricians who demonstrate a high standard of workmanship will pass the assessment, the criteria will be rigorous.
Professional Interview
Electricians who apply for assessment, will firstly attend a professional interview with a specialist assessor. This will be a chance to talk about relevant experience and current qualifications which will be taken into account. Electricians who show suitable experience will have their own individual assessment plan developed for them which will allow demonstration of knowledge.
Industry Benchmark Test
As part of the assessment, electricians will take the industry benchmark test AM2. Passing the AM2 is an essential requirement towards becoming a fully qualified electrician and is an independent assessment of technical competence provided by the National Electrotechnical Training (NET)
Known as one of the more challenging components of qualification the AM2 has caught out many unsuspecting candidates, however in this case, electricians will normally demonstrate that they have already completed the relevant theoretical Electrotechnical training which must be backed up with sufficient on site experience which must also be backed up by witness testimony of previous work.
Where is the assessment route on offer?
The JIB are offering the assessment at many of it's training centres nationwide.
David Thomas of the JIB commented:
“With this new assessment route we’re helping electricians who have many years’ industry experience and technical qualifications, but have so far been unable to be formally recognised at NVQ level.”
“Now, these people can not only have their skills properly accredited, but also gain access to a gold Electrician ECS card in order to open up more work opportunities and demonstrate their competence to the industry Level 3 standard.”
So if you have been an electrician for some time but been reluctant to come off the tools to upgrade your qualifications, the JIB assessment is aimed at you. It is also designed for electricians whose careers may be stuck in a rut due to not having the necessary qualifications in order to progress.