CSCS or ECS card...

[nick182]

Hi guys

Just completed my level 3 2330.. Now looking for work but most employers i have been in touch with have asked for a CSCS card or JIB card...So i went and booked my exam but the guy on the other end of the fone said i should go for my ECS card which is more expensive and can not afford at this time..


what do you guys think i should go for and what is the difference? can some one please clarify this for me as i am getting really confused on what i need in order to get a job

I honestly thought at first i would need to do my level 2/level 3 to get sum work
then go on to do my 17th and achive my 2391.. My college never explained anything about a CSCS card even though we covered health and safety numerous amounts of times... and to think i was done with health and safety..

Thanks in advance.

Nick

 

[telectrix]

cscs card is for general on site work. ecs card is for electrical work.

 

[Adam W]

ECS (run by the JIB) is specific to electrical work so is better, although CSCS will get you on site.
Apparently the Jobcentre can help you with this, but don't quote me on that - it probably depends who you speak to.

 

[ezzzekiel]

cant see how price is an issue think (test aside) the cards cost around £15, the only problem i can see with the ecs is the grading you will be given on card which relates to the qualifications you hold.

 

[Martin Bradley]

Unite do the JIB ECS assesment its £ 22 non members and £14 members, Jib cost £35 quid not sure why same cert, to have your cert put on your card cost £15, but the thing is they may only give you a Labourers card, unless you put a covering letter in to say you will be doing a NVQ level 3, then the card will only last 18month. you will need to sign up to do a NVQ level 3 but this is ending at the end of the month, and then on you will have to complete a AM2 also a diploma and attend college again, money making all over again, if you can get on a NVQ level 3 before the end of the month it allows you 3 years to complete, the cost is £725 if you can get all the infomation they require buy your self, if not and they need to come to site it will cost you up to £1500, what a rip, but check this if you dont sign up, and go the Am2 and Dip route it will cost you up to and maybe more than £2000.

 

[ian.settle1]

cant see how price is an issue think (test aside) the cards cost around £15, the only problem i can see with the ecs is the grading you will be given on card which relates to the qualifications you hold.

But as stated by the next person if you do not have an NVQ 3 then all you will get is a labourer/improver grading even if you have other qualifications.

 

[Paul.M]

ECS (run by the JIB) is specific to electrical work so is better, although CSCS will get you on site.
Apparently the Jobcentre can help you with this, but don't quote me on that - it probably depends who you speak to.

The job centre will put you through for your cscs but not your ecs? Even if you tell them that the ecs is what employers are looking for the job centre are not set up to help/pay for it.

My advice to anyone is to get your cscs card free from the government, get yourself on site with it and with your first wage pay for the ecs test.

 

[VoltzElectrical]

You can't afford £35 for the ECS test? So you get your adult trainee status until you get your NVQ? So what. Then you pay a small fee to get the NVQ added to your card and get it upgraded to a gold card, along with your rate. Where is the problem here?

 

[Liamsparks]

If you've only just done your 2330 then you shouldnt need to take any exams for the card as it is within 5 years of completeing your course.

Hope this is of help.

 

[Martin Bradley]

Sorry but you will, as its a health and safety assesment, just to make sure you are up to speed.
check out what i said in my reply.

 

[Liamsparks]

Sorry but you will, as its a health and safety assesment, just to make sure you are up to speed.
check out what i said in my reply.

Well I've just had mine come through after not needing to do any other tests as I'm within 5 years. Maybe I was just lucky?

 

[Martin Bradley]

who did you train with, was it a JIB certificate and ECS card you got if so what grade did they give you.
if you did then lucky you, as ive just completed yet another 1 and some lads that have just completed there electrical quals needed to complete a JIB assessment to gain a card. but it was not going to be the card they thought they was going to get.

 

[Martin Bradley]

Did you train along witha JIB approved company, then yes you should get a card no probs.