confused over ecs card..

[khemist]

Hi all my situation is an awkward one and I need clarification please.
I am an installation/service/integrated electronic security/door access multi-skilled technician - wow a mouthful!
I have been in this industry 27 years - I have 236 pt 1 and 2 I have c+g 185 pt 1 2 3 intruder alarms and 16th edition qualifications obtained in 1988 after a 3 year apprenticeship in intruder alarms

I have just been asked for the first time in my career for a ecs card, no problem, however it would appear from there site my qualifications are useless... do I need to do an NVQ does my qualifications mean its better than an NVQ?

Do I need to get my 17th edition? I do not do any sparks work apart from spur connections power supply connections other than that all work is low voltage

I decided to go back to full time employment got a great package then when it came to the card I never had I failed!

Help please.

khemist

 

[markc123]

From my understanding, and i could be wrong - so someone else may help out better...

You need an NVQ if you're applying for a card as from now...if you've had one before, and you're renewing/updating then you don't need the NVQ. But if you are new, and you've never had one before you do - thus leaving people like you in a completley sh** situations, one which i actually find a bit unfair.

Yes to 17th though.

(i stand to be corrected)

 

[khemist]

Thanks, I thought so, No I have never had one never been asked for one, I have always worked with contractors architects and the owners where my reputation and knowledge preceded me now I am dumfounded, I need to work and need money, last time I was employed as opposed to s/e was 10 years ago...

 

[markc123]

I can see why they've brought in the NVQ rule - because the NVQ is hard graft, and it does show compentence. However, in cases like youres where you've clearlly been working for years + you have the old 236 pt1&2 then common sense needs to be applied.

Have you tried contacting them and enquiring / explaining your posistion?

- - - Updated - - -

I can see why they've brought in the NVQ rule - because the NVQ is hard graft, and it does show compentence. However, in cases like youres where you've clearlly been working for years + you have the old 236 pt1&2 then common sense needs to be applied.

Have you tried contacting them and enquiring / explaining your posistion?

 

[shanky887614]

you dont need the nvq to get an ecs card

it adds your qualifications to the back off the card (i got one before i started nvq)

 

[markc123]

When did you get the card though, im pretty sure its all changed recently.

Like i said in my first post though, i stand to be correct, and if thats correct shanky then so be it. Im not 100%.

 

[markc123]

and just another thing, i presumed from the OP we were on about the gold card here... i know theres different types...

 

[shanky887614]

When did you get the card though, im pretty sure its all changed recently.

Like i said in my first post though, i stand to be correct, and if thats correct shanky then so be it. Im not 100%.

last year

 

[khemist]

I can see why they've brought in the NVQ rule - because the NVQ is hard graft, and it does show compentence. However, in cases like youres where you've clearlly been working for years + you have the old 236 pt1&2 then common sense needs to be applied.

Have you tried contacting them and enquiring / explaining your posistion?

- - - Updated - - -

I can see why they've brought in the NVQ rule - because the NVQ is hard graft, and it does show compentence. However, in cases like youres where you've clearlly been working for years + you have the old 236 pt1&2 then common sense needs to be applied.

Have you tried contacting them and enquiring / explaining your posistion?

I did call them they said I can use my qualifications but I must have a reference from an employer for the last ten years..... The 11 different building firms and contractor I worked for has gone under over a year ago I am now at a loss hence going back to fulltime.

 

[markc123]

Ahh that's abit crap, can't you send them photo examples of your work instead then?

Or can you get in touch with the people that ran these companies?

 

[khemist]

Thats the thing it turns out most of those companies were run by 1 man because of the recent greece and cyprus issues he has ducked out because of money issues - I can get references from all the clients who are high profile millionaires but not sure if this still counts as employers

 

[markc123]

Im sure it would if they can verify the standard of your work...give it a try, whats the worst that could happen

 

[khemist]

The worst has happened I just lost a 40k basic a year job I did not even know you must have the card before getting the job.

 

[markc123]

yeah, i maybe chose the wrong words there and i appologise.

Not really sure what else to suggest though, you're going to have to try your old clients for references and see if they'll accept it.

 

[rmc86uk]

Did the job say you needed the Gold card or just any type of ECS/CSCS? There are different categories and you may fall into on of them. I don't understand why they didn't give you the job because your not working as an Electrician but as Alarm Engineer.

 

[telectrix]

it may well be that you just need the H&S ECS card. this is a £35 done in a day job. contact ECA for details of locations etc.

 

[Guest55]

From my understanding, and i could be wrong - so someone else may help out better...

You need an NVQ if you're applying for a card as from now...if you've had one before, and you're renewing/updating then you don't need the NVQ. But if you are new, and you've never had one before you do - thus leaving people like you in a completley sh** situations, one which i actually find a bit unfair.

Yes to 17th though.

(i stand to be corrected)

have you got a ECS card markc123 ?


as to the OP , use the forum topic search as i've personally answered the question several times recently.
and you dont need the nvq l3. for the gold card if you trained before 1999.

 

[khemist]

Thanks for you guys help you have got me thinking and I think I may have found a temp. solution, yes it is the gold card, however I have seen an angle to get a lesser card for now with the help of some gold member friends of mine, now its to get it quick!

 

[khemist]

Its not that they did not give me the job, I have panicked when I was told Friday evening about the card due to the type of premises, this is why I did not search the forum properly, I have left it in the air with the employer but I am on the case for the H+s test then the card pronto...

 

[rmc86uk]

Its not that they did not give me the job, I have panicked when I was told Friday evening about the card due to the type of premises, this is why I did not search the forum properly, I have left it in the air with the employer but I am on the case for the H+s test then the card pronto...

You said that you lost 40k year job? Also when you apply for a card it takes upto six weeks to get your card.