Big news for the industry

[ricardo123]

Just heard the news, from the 1st July 2011 only NVQ Level 3 holders will be allowed to register as a qualified supervisor. Looks like the end of the 4-6 week trained electrician. Thoughts anyone!?

Guess there will be a rush of people getting on a 4 week course before the deadline!!!

Secondly I wonder how this will effect Part P registered individuals when they come to renew their membership and they don't have an NVQ Level 3.

 

[simpson93]

just a prediction here but i bet this means fewer people will registering straight away which i guess will make the prices of registering with companies go up even more.
wht u guys think?

 

[millwall ken]

just a prediction here but i bet this means fewer people will registering straight away which i guess will make the prices of registering with companies go up even more.
wht u guys think?

Me thinks quite possibly yes.

 

[piccollo]

Simple Simon,the new requirement for QS's is to have a Level 3 C&G Electrical Installation Certificate, rather than the original EAS requirement for a Regs exam 2382 only,
As a self employed electrician this means you are also a QS, this should not effect existing approved & registed persons, regards piccollo

 

[SimpleSimon]

Simple Simon,the new requirement for QS's is to have a Level 3 C&G Electrical Installation Certificate, rather than the original EAS requirement for a Regs exam 2382 only,
As a self employed electrician this means you are also a QS, this should not effect existing approved & registed persons, regards piccollo

And what's the title of this C&G level 3 qualification?

 

[john25]

What is the NVQ title?

2356 for the NVQ3 and 2330 for the Tech Cert

 

[piccollo]

This may give you some insight.Electrical NVQ | NVQ 2356, piccollo

 

[SimpleSimon]

Thanks Piccollo.
Got to research this out, I've only got basic C&G 2382 and 2391. May have to take on another course for 2330.

 

[IQ Electrical]

This was the text from the IET:

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is pleased to announce that all Qualified Supervisors will have to hold higher qualifications from July 2011.


The industry wide agreement means that a Level 3 qualification or equivalent will become the minimum technical requirement for all new applications for the position of Qualified Supervisor.
Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning Minister John Hayes said:
‘This is a step forward for the industry and I hope to see others follow suit. Improving skills is essential for the success and reputation of UK firms, and this Government is committed to backing employers that want to raise standards. That’s why we are reforming the skills system to make it more responsive to the needs of employers and the economy as a whole’.

‘Where employers believe there is a need for new professional standards to drive competitiveness, we will work with them to achieve this. A new £50 million Growth and Innovation Fund will support change, including through new occupational licensing arrangements, where it is most needed.’
IET Chief Engineer, Geoff Cronshaw, said: “The specification was prepared as part of the support of the electrical industry (and other interested parties) in introducing better electrical safety. It is absolutely right that industry continues to make its mark on regulation. This is a positive move for the industry.”
Coming into effect on 1st July 2011, this decision highlights the importance of reflecting the industry’s recognised standards in a Level 3 qualification and sets it as the benchmark for ensuring safety standards within electrical contracting.
The requirements are imposed on those applying for the post of Qualified Supervisor but will not be applied retrospectively to Qualified Supervisors already in post.
Giuliano Digilio from the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA), said: “Maintaining safe practice should be the driving force for anyone working in the electrical industry. Taking the decision to set the industry recognised Level 3 qualification as the minimum technical competence required for qualifying supervisors is a significant step towards delivering safe practice.”
The IET committee that reached the decision is made up of representatives of trade associations, the Department for Communities and Local Government, the Electrical Safety Council (ESC), the IET and the competent person scheme.

 

[SimpleSimon]

I'm still confused.
Someone clarify please- if I'm an electrician registered as an QS with a competent persons scheme working for a maintenance company and hold the current qualifications (see above post). So what more would I need?
What benefits from 2330 NVQ would I get or would I need it?

 

[Johnny-G]

If you're already registered you won't need any more qualifications mate

 

[armbands0]

I do not have an nvq and from speaking with one of the lecturers at my local college, the most important part of the nvq is being able to take a good photo.
nvq's were not designed to be a qualification but a "hands on knowledge" of specific parts of a job.
I'm already with Elecsa so it won't apply to me.

 

[ezzzekiel]

spoke with a assesor last night and apparently (although nothing definate as yet) all new applicants will require a full level 3 cert (this does not include things like 2382 etc which are level 3 but not classed as such - dunno why?)

this is quite good news but there is good and bad to come,
any existing members are excempt until thier current membership runs out anyone not holding required quals who were members previously will now have to attend an apptitude test to prove competence (this also holds true for long term sparks missing the nvq3 who wish to join in the future)

 

[saveloy]

So the IET are saying that a (any? 2330 2391?) Level 3 or equivelent is sufficient , whereas the ECA are saying that it has to be an NVQ L3. Have I got that right? Which is it? Aside from that they are both agreed that, anyone already in the position of QS,regardless of experience or qualifications can remain a member of a Part P scheme.
If it is the NVQ only route then what a crock that is.
We will end up with a situation where a plumber holding 17th edition and say EAL can work and sign off work because they have "grandfather rights", but an electrician with L3 2330 , 2391, and 17th is deemed to be not qualified enough to do the same.

Posted after Ezzzekiel.
So is it NVQ only that will suffice. Or will 2330 2391 count?

 

[Johnny-G]

any existing members are excempt until thier current membership runs out anyone not holding required quals who were members previously will now have to attend an apptitude test to prove competence (this also holds true for long term sparks missing the nvq3 who wish to join in the future)

So members who were previously competent enough to join a scheme suddenly won't be competent enough to remain a member of it?
I can't believe that will happen, imagine the loss of revenue by scheme providers.
I can see future applicants having to meet the criteria but not existing.

 

[tonys]

They won't tighten up on existing membership

The requirements are imposed on those applying for the post of Qualified Supervisor but will not be applied retrospectively to Qualified Supervisors already in post.