In this regular column, which provides advice and updates on electrical qualifications and recommended training methods, Kevin Sparrow, Industry and Portfolio Director at EAL Awards, looks at the ways in which qualifications are developed and why collaboration with key industry stakeholders is vital to this process.
At EAL, we work with stakeholders across the sector, including the IET, TESP, ECA and certification bodies, among others.
One of the exciting projects we developed exclusively with the Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) earlier this year was the EAL (Entry to Experienced Worker Route) Electrical Basic Knowledge and Understanding (Level 3 Equivalent) tests.
The exams are for qualified candidates to provide evidence that they possess sufficient basic technical knowledge and understanding to enter the Level 3 Experienced Electrotechnical Workers or Level 3 Experienced Residential Electrotechnical Workers qualifications (the exams are not Ofqual, CCEA or QW, which are designed to be able to ensure stricter controls).
These qualifications are exclusively for experienced electricians who have worked in the industry for a minimum period specified in the Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) process and relevant TESP skills check, undertaking the full range of specified work. Although these individuals may not currently be Tier 2 eligible, this provides a viable way for a limited group of individuals to work towards an ECS Gold Card.
Eligibility criteria
To be accepted into the test, you must meet the experience requirements detailed in EWA skills on the TESP website.
The exams are not intended for new entrants to the electrotechnical industry, apprentices or other trainees, or those with limited ‘practical’ experience. It is intended for candidates who have a significant level of practical experience and significant acquired knowledge across a range of activities set out in the applicable skills survey for their chosen path.
Typically, candidates may be qualified supervisors or experienced workers with significant work experience (usually 10+ years), who have not formally completed a full Level 2 or 3 Electrical Theory qualification. The training provider will make a comprehensive judgment before agreeing for you to take an exam.
Test location and dates
You will need to physically attend an approved EAL training center to take the test. They are listed on the TESP website and, at the time of writing, include NICEIC, NAPIT, Birmingham Electrical Training and The Focus Training Group.
Each test is 100 minutes long and contains 50 questions. Simply take the only test that applies to your chosen path.
So, if you are an experienced electrician and need to gain official recognition, you can find out more by visiting: www.electrical-ewa.org.uk/entry-test/
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