I have been studying for a year now through OLCI on the 2357 course and I am currently gaining work experience with a local electrical contractor in my home town. I couldn't register with SJIB as I am doing the NVQ 3 and therefore SELECT wouldn't look at me neither. What I had to do was register with CSCS to complete my H&S test and then apply to CSCS for my CSCS card as an Labourer, this allows me to work on sites within the UK. I also had to complete an online Asbestos awareness course to make sure I had that in the bag as well. These tests and tickets cost £££££ so be aware it isn't cheap. My current status on the theory is about half way through at this point which isn't bad for someone who has never been involved directly with any electrical systems or experiences. The company i'm doing the practical work with are very good and do employ adult learners on the odd occasion which is promising for someone of my age. I have made my feelings known regarding OLCI so I won't be repeating them on this post. So far I am feeling positive about getting through the remainder of the theory by the end of this year and depending on the flow of work with my employer I might have a chance to see out to the end of the year. This would give me a good 9 months of practical skills I would never have gained otherwise through the OLCI training so i'm happy with this stage of things as well. Once I have completed all the theory units it will be just a case of my own confidence and competence to go for my trade test (AM2) which is encompassed within my qualification. After that I fully expect to apply to NICEIC to register my pass and see where I am at that point. This course was expensive for me along with the tickets, tests, tools etc....it's all a huge cost to maintain, however, the end results will justify the financial output within the first year and that quantifies my own judgement that I am doing the right thing. I do believe that once I have completed everything and have my NICEIC membership, i will have a fight on my hands to attain membership with either JIB or SJIB but it makes no difference because currently the only recognised body is NICEIC and because it's nationwide i will be fine.
