Careers in the electrotechnical industry

 

Please note the different requirements for those working on commercial/industrial sites and those carrying out domestic work.

Industrial/Commercial work 

• Electrotechnical operatives working on construction sites will be required to prove they are qualified to an industry recognised standard and also hold a relevant qualification in health and safety. They will be expected to present an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card appropriate to their occupational discipline before being allowed on-site.
• For full details about the ECS scheme, which is managed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the Joint Industry Board (JIB), and how to meet its requirements visit www.jib.org.uk
• ECA runs the Health & Safety or ECS Assessments through our Darlington team. Visit the ECS section of the ECA website.

Domestic work

• Those offering electrical installation services in the domestic market  must ensure their work complies with Part P of the Building Regulations.
• Work can either be carried out by an operative and signed off by the appropriate local authority, or the work may be carried out and self-certificated by a firm that is registered as competent, through membership of an assessment by a 'Competent Person Scheme'.
• For further information about becoming a domestic electrical installer, Part P and the requirements of the BREC/ECA Part P Competent Person Scheme visit www.partp.co.uk or www.elecsa.org.uk

The ECA cannot offer direct assistance to individuals seeking employment, work experience and/or apprenticeships. Below are links to those organisations able to provide relevant careers information and guidance to individuals. 

School leavers

• For those who wish to enter the industry from school, JTL Training can help 16 - 19-year-olds on their way to an apprenticeship. For further information visit www.jtltraining.com or call 0800 085 2308.
• SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for building services engineering, offers careers advice for those wishing to work in the sector. Visit www.summitskills.org.uk for more information, or call the careers advice line on 0800 068 8336.

Adults - change of career

• For those looking for a change of career and wishing to be obtain an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card as an electrician, the industry recognised qualification is an NVQ at Level 3. Possession of a recognised qualification enables an individual to pursue a career as an electrician in all parts of the industry, including with firms operating in the commercial and industrial sector. NVQs are work-based qualifications and, as such, candidates will need to be gain practical work experience with the support of an employer to build their NVQ portfolio.
• Details of relevant qualifications and further advice can be obtained from SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for building services engineering. For more information visit www.summitskills.org.uk  

Adult funding

• Some candidates may be eligible for fuding through the JIB Further Education Fund 
• Details of the ECA Training will be published here in April/May 2008.