ESC Card for Electrical Labourer or Trainee - Help and Advice.

[RDB85]

So I am after a bit of advice from anyone that has previously or has now an Electrical Labourer ECS or Trainee Card. I was told to sit the ESC H&S Exam, passed it. I then go online, and it's saying that the Qualifications I have don't match.

From the site:
The Electrical Labourer ECS card is for people working in the electrical industry in a supportive role to assist electricians and other qualified staff with the installation of cables and other unskilled work, under supervision. They are to assist but not carry out any craft work that an electrician carries out.

A labourer has a specific job role within the JIB grading structure.

In some
situations this card may be issued if you cannot meet the qualification requirements of other cards such as Installation Electrician. If you hold a Labourer card, you can upgrade to an ECS gold card once you have gained further qualifications.

Electrical Labourer - https://www.ecscard.org.uk/card-types/electrotechnical/labourer-ecs-card

But if you look at Route One I meet the criteria. I've emailed them, or I may phone them on Monday.

Has anyone else had this issue?

 

[TJ Anderson]

So I am after a bit of advice from anyone that has previously or has now an Electrical Labourer ECS or Trainee Card. I was told to sit the ESC H&S Exam, passed it. I then go online, and it's saying that the Qualifications I have don't match.

From the site:
The Electrical Labourer ECS card is for people working in the electrical industry in a supportive role to assist electricians and other qualified staff with the installation of cables and other unskilled work, under supervision. They are to assist but not carry out any craft work that an electrician carries out.

A labourer has a specific job role within the JIB grading structure.

In some
situations this card may be issued if you cannot meet the qualification requirements of other cards such as Installation Electrician. If you hold a Labourer card, you can upgrade to an ECS gold card once you have gained further qualifications.

Electrical Labourer - https://www.ecscard.org.uk/card-types/electrotechnical/labourer-ecs-card

But if you look at Route One I meet the criteria. I've emailed them, or I may phone them on Monday.

Has anyone else had this issue?

Do you work in the industry? Just had a read. It states you need proof you are employed in the industry (employer or agency) plus the H & S test.

 

[RDB85]

Do you work in the industry? Just had a read. It states you need proof you are employed in the industry (employer or agency) plus the H & S test.

Currently not no, but I think its the type of card that I need to get into the industry, as it's specifically for Electricians. It's rather confusing as you need a card to get on to sites, but then you must either be working or for the trainee one, have a sponsor.

 

[TJ Anderson]

Currently not no, but I think its the type of card that I need to get into the industry, as it's specifically for Electricians. It's rather confusing as you need a card to get on to sites, but then you must either be working or for the trainee one, have a sponsor.

That's why, it's for people working in electrical industry. No worries though, get a CSCS card first and when you start working then go for ECS labourer card.

 

[RDB85]

CSCS is no good: Construction Skills Certification Scheme | Official CSCS Website - Labourer - https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/labourer/

I can't even seem to get the Trainee ECS Card. Unless you get an un-graded, but I don't want it to affect getting a Gold Card.

 

[TJ Anderson]

CSCS is no good: Construction Skills Certification Scheme | Official CSCS Website - Labourer - https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/labourer/

I can't even seem to get the Trainee ECS Card. Unless you get an un-graded, but I don't want it to affect getting a Gold Card.

Gold card......What quals do you have?

 

[RDB85]

Gold card......What quals do you have?

Only Level 2 at the moment. A Gold Card is what I want to achieve.

 

[RDB85]

These are the card types:Card Types - https://www.ecscard.org.uk/card-types

What about: Work Experience - https://www.ecscard.org.uk/card-types/apprentices-and-trainees/work-experience

 

[ethernet]

My initial card (2015) was a labourer, even though i had done my level 3 and 17th, but i had no site experience so was happy with any to get me onsite. Needed an employer to vouch for me to get it.

Just renewed and got regraded as a trainee electrician (stage 3) which needed my boss to validate the regrade and a letter from my training providor to say im doing the nvq.

 

[RDB85]

My initial card (2015) was a labourer, even though i had done my level 3 and 17th, but i had no site experience so was happy with any to get me onsite. Needed an employer to vouch for me to get it.

Just renewed and got regraded as a trainee electrician (stage 3) which needed my boss to validate the regrade and a letter from my training providor to say im doing the nvq.

Its horrible, I think I am looking at a Trainee Card Stage 2, with my Level 2 Qualification, plus I am getting the place I do the course to write me a letter. What do you do about a sponsor? As currently I am not working in the industry, but trying to get into it.

 

[JAWS]

Its horrible, I think I am looking at a Trainee Card Stage 2, with my Level 2 Qualification, plus I am getting the place I do the course to write me a letter. What do you do about a sponsor? As currently I am not working in the industry, but trying to get into it.

You will need the company you work for to be your sponsor in turn you will have to show evidence to JIB you're working towards your Gold Card.
The college can write you a letter not sure what that will do TBH as JIB need you to be employed before they start chucking cards around.

 

[RDB85]

You will need the company you work for to be your sponsor in turn you will have to show evidence to JIB you're working towards your Gold Card.
The college can write you a letter not sure what that will do TBH as JIB need you to be employed before they start chucking cards around.

So basically I can’t do anything. As in order to get experience, you need to be working in the industry. But you need a card to get any work experience. So how do you get experience then? As I can’t do it for free, as I was made redundant. But everyone I’ve asked said you need an ECS Card not a CSCS as that’s for construction, not electrical. It’s frustrating as I want to do this as a career, but seems impossible.

 

[JAWS]

So basically I can’t do anything. As in order to get experience, you need to be working in the industry. But you need a card to get any work experience. So how do you get experience then? As I can’t do it for free, as I was made redundant. But everyone I’ve asked said you need an ECS Card not a CSCS as that’s for construction, not electrical. It’s frustrating as I want to do this as a career, but seems impossible.

Everyone is in the same boat mate and yes it does seem backward but it must be manageable if not they wont be giving out any cards.

 

[RDB85]

Everyone is in the same boat mate and yes it does seem backward but it must be manageable if not they wont be giving out any cards.

I get that, but I may as well get another desk job and carry on doing my Level 3, 18th, Testing and Inspection. Then see how I get on with employment. As it’s only worth doing the NVQ if you are in employment and can do a portfolio of work. That’s also £50 I’ve wasted doing that exam then, lol.

 

[JAWS]

I get that, but I may as well get another desk job and carry on doing my Level 3, 18th, Testing and Inspection. Then see how I get on with employment. As it’s only worth doing the NVQ if you are in employment and can do a portfolio of work. That’s also £50 I’ve wasted doing that exam then, lol.

Pretty sure it would've cost you nothing to do your H&S if you would've completed your level 3 as I am sure its an exemption.

 

[RDB85]

Pretty sure it would've cost you nothing to do your H&S if you would've completed your level 3 as I am sure its an exemption.

I didn't say I am not doing a Level 3? I start that in February. I was just hoping that getting this card would at least allow me to gain some experience, as the course runs of an evening and I could still work of a day. Seems that is not the case, I understand that it needs to be regulated but, seeing as its a starving industry, they have now made it more impossible to even begin.

 

[ethernet]

So basically I can’t do anything. As in order to get experience, you need to be working in the industry. But you need a card to get any work experience.

I approached a company, had a chat with the boss about what I'd done and what im going to do. I explained i cant get a job without the card, and the card without a job... he offered to endorse me as a labourer to help me out, though couldn't offer me a job.

Five months later, still no experience he took me on as a mate.. though i took a pay hit to get in!!

Two and a half years later, im paid what im worth, much to the an anoyance of our 4th year apprentices , and i will qualify when i pull my finger out.

Tldr

Do your level 3, get a labourers card and prove your worth on site (cards in or agency work).. the rest will fall into place if your genuinely good at your job.

Forget about the 18th and testing, until you have done the nvq.

 

[RDB85]

I approached a company, had a chat with the boss about what I'd done and what im going to do. I explained i cant get a job without the card, and the card without a job... he offered to endorse me as a labourer to help me out, though couldn't offer me a job.

Five months later, still no experience he took me on as a mate.. though i took a pay hit to get in!!

Two and a half years later, im paid what im worth, much to the an anoyance of our 4th year apprentices , and i will qualify when i pull my finger out.

Tldr

Do your level 3, get a labourers card and prove your worth on site (cards in or agency work).. the rest will fall into place if your genuinely good at your job.

Forget about the 18th and testing, until you have done the nvq.

I’ve approached companies, phone calls, emails and send my CV, told them I’ve completed a Level 2 and I’ve paid to do my Level 3 which starts in February. Own car, own tools, but they don’t have any work, don’t respond or say they can’t take me on. My Level 3 is going to take 8 months to complete as it’s of an evening.

So it looks as though I will have to go back to doing a desk job. You think it would be easier to get a start in the trade. How wrong I was for thinking that way.

 

[ethernet]

I have to admit, i got very lucky getting took on. Out of 20 cvs, i got 2 replies. One was a NO CHANCE , and the other was a very sincere no, but goodluck email.

Don't take the lack of responses personally, my boss gets plenty of cvs and it would take alot of effort reaponding to them all

Have a look at agency work. more chance of local work, reasonable pay and a variety of electrical work and most take ANYONE on

The card, ask the lads at college if any are employed and would their bosses help you out with endorsement. point out its just help getting a card, and grasp the labourer card

 

[RDB85]

I have to admit, i got very lucky getting took on. Out of 20 cvs, i got 2 replies. One was a NO CHANCE , and the other was a very sincere no, but goodluck email.

Don't take the lack of responses personally, my boss gets plenty of cvs and it would take alot of effort reaponding to them all

Have a look at agency work. more chance of local work, reasonable pay and a variety of electrical work and most take ANYONE on

The card, ask the lads at college if any are employed and would their bosses help you out with endorsement. point out its just help getting a card, and grasp the labourer card

I’ve tried agencies but the cards a must unfortunately. There are no lads on our course in the industry. I will ask the place that I’m doing it if they have any advice. I will phone ECS on Monday and see what they say. Surly it can’t be this hard to get a card.

 

[JAWS]

I’ve tried agencies but the cards a must unfortunately. There are no lads on our course in the industry. I will ask the place that I’m doing it if they have any advice. I will phone ECS on Monday and see what they say. Surly it can’t be this hard to get a card.

This is my reply from JIB a few months back.

The idea of the Trainee cards is to parallel the Apprenticeship route for mature students, therefore you would have to be enrolled towards the NVQ Level 3 with a training provider and also working with a company undergoing formal industry. It's not so much that you're applying for a card, but more that you're confirming your registration with a scheme towards formal industry requirements, which is why being employed with a company is a requirement.

I hope this helps clarify the requirements.

 

[TJ Anderson]

I’ve tried agencies but the cards a must unfortunately. There are no lads on our course in the industry. I will ask the place that I’m doing it if they have any advice. I will phone ECS on Monday and see what they say. Surly it can’t be this hard to get a card.

They have told you why you cant have a trainee card.....because you are not working with a firm as a trainee. A CSCS will do. That will get you on site as a Mate. Someone with a trainee card can't work unsupervised either so what difference does it make until you are qualified??

 

[RDB85]

They have told you why you cant have a trainee card.....because you are not working with a firm as a trainee. A CSCS will do. That will get you on site as a Mate. Someone with a trainee card can't work unsupervised either so what difference does it make until you are qualified??

I can’t get a CSCS card as a Labourer. You need to pass another a H&S exam. The thing is I’m looking for work now, well as I’m currently unemployed. That is the difference. I understand that either as a trainee or a mate your basically a dogs body to fetch and carry and yes gain experience. What I’m saying is nobody will take you on without a card, but then you can’t get the card because of the qualifications. But I’m in need of some work.

Here is the link to the CSCS:Construction Skills Certification Scheme | Official CSCS Website - Labourer - https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/labourer/

 

[TJ Anderson]

I can’t get a CSCS card as a Labourer. You need to pass another a H&S exam. The thing is I’m looking for work now, well as I’m currently unemployed. That is the difference. I understand that either as a trainee or a mate your basically a dogs body to fetch and carry and yes gain experience. What I’m saying is nobody will take you on without a card, but then you can’t get the card because of the qualifications. But I’m in need of some work.

OK.....no worries. Maybe it's changed now. I have mates who just had CSCS card with no quals who used to get work on sites through agencies. That was quite a few years back though. ...

 

[RDB85]

OK.....no worries. Maybe it's changed now. I have mates who just had CSCS card with no quals who used to get work on sites through agencies. That was quite a few years back though. ...

It’s all changed now. Probably to stop people with no qualifications getting a card. Seem impossible to get into the industry.

 

[TJ Anderson]

Are you registered with agencies then?

 

[RDB85]

Are you registered with agencies then?

No because they all want an ECS Card.

 

[RDB85]

I will phone them tomorrow to see what they can do.

 

[domdom103]

Hi. Did you have any luck? I'm in the exact same situation and have been scouring the internet for months.

 

[JAWS]

Hi. Did you have any luck? I'm in the exact same situation and have been scouring the internet for months.

If you've passed the level 2 or 3 then you automatically qualify for the labourers ECS card as long as you pass their H&S test.

If you havent passed either the level 2 or level 3 then you have to be in employment to receive one.

The rules were updated a few months back.

 

[Mubashar786]

Hi mate..

I'm in the same boat as you were.. I have completed my level 2 and my H&S assessment, currently doing my level 3. But finding it very difficult to find a employer in order to get my ecs card. Nightmare!

 

[Robson689]

Hi mate..

I'm in the same boat as you were.. I have completed my level 2 and my H&S assessment, currently doing my level 3. But finding it very difficult to find a employer in order to get my ecs card. Nightmare!

Electrical Labourer | Electrotechnical Certification Scheme

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) accredits the qualifications and experience of workers in the electrotechnical industry

www.ecscard.org.uk

Will this card not be enough?

 

[JAWS]

Hi mate..

I'm in the same boat as you were.. I have completed my level 2 and my H&S assessment, currently doing my level 3. But finding it very difficult to find a employer in order to get my ecs card. Nightmare!

You dont need an employer to get a labourers card as you already hold the level 2.

 

[Mubashar786]

Electrical Labourer | Electrotechnical Certification Scheme

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) accredits the qualifications and experience of workers in the electrotechnical industry

www.ecscard.org.uk

Will this card not be enough?

Spot on..thank you ?

 

[Mubashar786]

You dont need an employer to get a labourers card as you already hold the level 2.

Yes I wasnt aware of that, as I was looking at the trainee card. Thank you for your help guys.. appreciate it

 

[GGUpton]

I have completed a level 3 - C&G 2357 course but and recently a ECS safety course. Now the site tells me I need endorsement for a labourer (2018) card?
Anyone else having same issue

I am looking at getting the NVQ done with a training provider called Xssollutions do you think they could help?

the trouble is how do you get on an agency job with no ECS card ?

 

[H]

I have completed a level 3 - C&G 2357 course but and recently a ECS safety course. Now the site tells me I need endorsement for a labourer (2018) card?
Anyone else having same issue

I am looking at getting the NVQ done with a training provider called Xssollutions do you think they could help?

the trouble is how do you get on an agency job with no ECS card ?

Have you considered XS training, a forum sponsor. I couldn’t recommend them more, they will help get your nvq done and sort an ECS card out ?

 

[GGUpton]

Have you considered XS training, a forum sponsor. I couldn’t recommend them more, they will help get your nvq done and sort an ECS card out ?

Literally they have saved the day and I’ve got an ECS card on the way in the post!

 

[Link145]

Im in same sittuation. Have completed 2365-02 and doing 2365-03. Have completed ECS health and safety but when trying to apply it keeps saying i need endorser/employed.

Thought i was going down route 1 which doesnt mention needing to be employed. Very confusing.

 

[Link145]

Nervermind. Just phoned them up thinking it was going to be a nightmare. Route 1 is correct if dont have employer. Something wrong with there system so nice lady on phone overrided that and have now applied and payed.

Just phone them up if having probs. Long wait but quickly sorted.

Good luck.