Approved electrician

[slacky1230]

Hey guys

Wondering if any one can help out.

Does a normal electrician need to know how to fully test and fill out test sheets or is this something for an approved electrician?

Basically been doing electrical for around 8 years (including 4 year apprenticeship) been asking to be put in for my inspection and testing but falls on death ears.

I'm running jobs, supervising people, installing and testing work but getting electricians wage not approved.

Can any one shed any light on this?

 

[Deleted member 72666]

Any electrician should be able to carry out basic test and inspection of their own work it is not reserved for approved electricians only, an approved electrician should be able to work unsupervised and be able to supervise others is the definition that springs to mind.

 

[Martyc]

I've only just joined the industry as an improver but everyone at our firm (as an electrician) has to be able to test and complete certificates as you work under your QS, in fact in was one of the major modules on my c&g 2365 was inspection and testing. However, you could potentially command higher wages with a test and inspect qualification (2394/2395) but most employed electricians work under the QS system.

 

[Risteard]

I presume he's talking about the JIB Approved Electrician grade. Your employer should put you on it if it's a JIB firm, otherwise if you do it yourself.

It seems that they are trying to prevent you regrading to avoid paying the higher rate.

 

[slacky1230]

I presume he's talking about the JIB Approved Electrician grade. Your employer should put you on it if it's a JIB firm, otherwise if you do it yourself.

It seems that they are trying to avoid you regrading to avoid paying the higher rate.

It is a jib firm and that's exactly what their doing. Wanted abit of ammo to throw at them regarding what their getting me to do

 

[Deleted member 72666]

It sounds like you are being exploited by your employer, do you have regular appraisals, if so try to renegotiate your salary.

 

[slacky1230]

It sounds like you are being exploited by your employer, do you have regular appraisals, if so try to renegotiate your salary.

Had one in the 8 years I've been there. I mentioned it last Christmas 15 months later nothing's been done. I'm on slightly higher than electricians wage but not approved

 

[Risteard]

It is a jib firm and that's exactly what their doing. Wanted abit of ammo to throw at them regarding what their getting me to do

From the JIB Handbook: "The employer will ensure that the cost of a first attempt at the AAC, or the training scheme and examinations for Inspection, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installations is met without cost to the operative when they have satisfied all the other requirements for grading/regrading as an Approved Electrician."

 

[Deleted member 72666]

Are you the only one that supervises others and carries out the testing?

 

[slacky1230]

No there's one other that gets approved rate took him a good few years to get them to put him through his testing and inspection. There's a couple of electricians that do little jobs and the rest of the guys are subbies

 

[Deleted member 72666]

Did you receive the slightly higher pay from your employer for the work you carry out now? By that I mean the I&T and the supervision of others. If so then you have little chance of an increased rate unless your employer is feeling generous as he'll think he's paying you enough as you are not bringing anything extra to the table so to speak.

 

[slacky1230]

Did you receive the slightly higher pay from your employer for the work you carry out now? By that I mean the I&T and the supervision of others. If so then you have little chance of an increased rate unless your employer is feeling generous as he'll think he's paying you enough as you are not bringing anything extra to the table so to speak.

I presume I get the higher rate for this yes but it's still no approved rate. I'm basically doing approved job but not getting paid the rate

 

[Risteard]

Did you receive the slightly higher pay from your employer for the work you carry out now? By that I mean the I&T and the supervision of others. If so then you have little chance of an increased rate unless your employer is feeling generous as he'll think he's paying you enough as you are not bringing anything extra to the table so to speak.

He has no choice under JIB Rules but to put him through the Inspection & Testing course (first attempt paid), and to pay him the rate of pay for an Approved Electrician if successful and following regrading.

 

[Deleted member 72666]

It is always worth discussing your worth to the company, they may realise they could lose out if you are unhappy with your terms of employment. Try to renegotiate your terms without 'holding a gun to their head' as most employers dislike being held to ransom. Oh and good luck!

 

[Deleted member 72666]

He has no choice under JIB Rules but to put him through the Inspection & Testing course (first attempt paid), and to pay him the rate of pay for an Approved Electrician if successful and following regrading.

I must have missed the bit about being employed by a jib firm (post#5) so yes I agree.