Minimum qualifications for electricians?

[Creamy Goodne5]

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Morning

Ive been asked to help out with recruitment of electricians at work and Im having trouble with some of the CVs we are getting. My understanding was to be a qualified electrician you need

1. An NVQ level 3 (or equivalent)
2. A Level 3 technical certificate (C&G, ONC, HNC)
3. 18th Edition

We have had some people come for interviews where it seems like they are not qualified and one currently on the verge of being dismissed because his qualifications didn't add up.

For example I have an interview this week where the CV states his qualifications are
City & Guilds 2360 Parts 1 & 2
City & Guilds 2330 Part 3
City & Guilds 2382-18 (18th Edition)
PASMA
TETRA

For me that is mising an NVQ level 3? am I correct?

 

[7029 dave]

Hi the above are/were the old quals 1970 to 1990's era and IMO was a good standard.
Well I'm going to say that because I obtain them. lol

 

[Avo Mk8]

Not sure if this helps(!), but there is a table at the back of this IET bulletin that shows the role and equivalence of old and new qualifications:

https://electrical.------.org/media/1150/electrical-qualifications.pdf

Darn it - I forgot they don't want their links posted
If you Google "1150/electrical-qualifications.pdf" you can find it!

 

[Creamy Goodne5]

Hi the above are/were the old quals 1970 to 1990's era and IMO was a good standard.
Well I'm going to say that because I obtain them. lol

Hmm that doesnt add up as unless the CV is missing work experience (and there is no age on it) Im putting the age of the candidate at 30-35?

If he was someone in his 50s then he would pre date NVQ and be qualified through experience correct?

 

[snowhead]

What's equally as / more important as any quals is the appropriate experience if the field and environment you require the "Electrician" to work.
Do you already employ electricians?

Is it Domestic, Commercial or Industrial installation?
Is it Domestic, Commercial or Industrial maintenance?
Is it product assembly / testing?
Controls?

 

[Creamy Goodne5]

What's equally as / more important as any quals is the appropriate experience if the field and environment you require the "Electrician" to work.
Do you already employ electricians?

Is it Domestic, Commercial or Industrial installation?
Is it Domestic, Commercial or Industrial maintenance?
Is it product assembly / testing?
Controls?

I work in heavy industry for a major multinational company ,the role is for Shift maintenance electricians.

the interview is gauging experience and our level of competence but from a company perspective I cannot offer if they are not qualified electricians.

The above hasnt been a problem until the last couple of months. The shortage in industrial electricians and the number of openings means agencies are sending us anyone (including a welder who wasnt even an electrician last week!)

 

[Dustydazzler]

Hi the above are/were the old quals 1970 to 1990's era and IMO was a good standard.
Well I'm going to say that because I obtain them. lol

C & G 2360 Part 2 was pretty much the industry standard when I started out in the trade if you wanted to classed as 'qualified'
You had to take Part 1 first which would be done in a year if you already had some knowledge and experience in the trade.
Part 2 took me 18 months and was very heavy on the theory side where Part 1 was more about the practical side.

IMO they should bring something like this back as the gold standard for new sparks to obtain, it was very clear cut and once you have Part 2 you could apply for 99% of jobs advertising for sparks

 

[Eddy Currents]

This is what the ECS card scheme is used for

Trainee electricians work towards an ECS gold card and having one means the owner has completed formal industry regulated competency qualifications whether its with old or new qualifications and they have been verified before being issued

So a gold card is normal for employers to advertise for a core qualification and is easy for them to verify
And then you have the additional quals like 18th edition, pasma, ipaf, 2391 (test&inspect) etc.

You can see the different card types and what verified qualifications you need before they are issued here...
ECS Card Types | Electrotechnical Certification Scheme - https://www.ecscard.org.uk/card-types

 

[Creamy Goodne5]

This is what the ECS card scheme is used for

Trainee electricians work towards an ECS gold card and having one means the owner has completed formal industry regulated competency qualifications whether its with old or new qualifications and they have been verified before being issued

So a gold card is normal for employers to advertise for a core qualification and is easy for them to verify
And then you have the additional quals like 18th edition, pasma, ipaf, 2391 (test&inspect) etc.

You can see the different card types and what verified qualifications you need before they are issued here...
ECS Card Types | Electrotechnical Certification Scheme - https://www.ecscard.org.uk/card-types

I agree, Ive an Electrical Engineer (Controls) ECS card but the vast majority of people dont do (especially in industry when companies take the responsibility)

 

[7029 dave]

C & G 2360 Part 2 was pretty much the industry standard when I started out in the trade if you wanted to classed as 'qualified'
You had to take Part 1 first which would be done in a year if you already had some knowledge and experience in the trade.
Part 2 took me 18 months and was very heavy on the theory side where Part 1 was more about the practical side.

IMO they should bring something like this back as the gold standard for new sparks to obtain, it was very clear cut and once you have Part 2 you could apply for 99% of jobs advertising for sparks

I never done the tech course (known as the C course)