Ok I have the City and Guilds 236 part 1 and 2 followed by 2 years in the evenings completing my C which was known as the technicians grading of the time.
This was all back in the late 70s and from start to finsh took 5 years and an apprentiship to complete. In fairness after 3 years and on completion of the part 2, I was seen within the industry as a qualified electrician. I also have the 2391 in inspection and testing along with 16th and 17th edition courses and upgrades.
I currently hold 2 JIB/ECS cards. 1 gold approved electrician. And 1 platinum Electrical site manager.
Have been a JIB sparks for more years than I care to remember.
I am 60 years old next year and started as an apprentice when I was 17 years old.
NOW MY POINT.
If I allowed my JIB cards to expire and had to re apply with my current experiance and qualifications, I doubt I would qualify for the same cards I have now. NVQ 3 simply didn't exist.
Most of the criteria is for current qualifications, so a long, time serving electrician wont meet that criteria, however a young lad fresh out of college, and with basic knowledge and experiance probably will.
And that my friends is why I like others my age are saddened by the way a trade that was once respected and operated by elite members who could prove that they had earned there competance throught training, experience, and qualifications.
Has now been reduced to all kinds of money grabbing schemes, operated by people who give no real thought for training or experience. And offer these courses to any Tom Dick or Harry, that has the time and money to complete them. (And I am in no way reffering to 3, 5 year and more time spans here) No sir, weeks or maybe months at best.
I use to be proud to call myself an Electrician.
In the old days, people use to look up to you, and the trade.
Doesn't mean much nowadays cus as said everyones doing it for a quick buck.
And just like the JIB, its not about experience, its about have you done our new courses, which in turn means youve handed over the cash so ok, money talks you can have yer card.
Very very sad.