EAL level 3 diploma in Electrical and electronic engineering technology qcf

[andyxeno]

Hi, I'm hoping to get an informed answer as I can't get a straight one from my college with teachers coming and going including the one who enrolled me(unfortunately it's the one i'm stuck with) so here goes. I set out to be an electrician and I have a 2330 level 2 and cscs card and was going down the route of nvq 3, 17th ed, testing and inspection, got dropped by my employer just after starting the nvq level 3 as he didn't have enough work on so i wasn't able to produce anything for a portfolio. I ended up back at college to find they weren't doing the 2330 level 3 but was advised to undertake the 'EAL level 3 Diploma in electrical and electronic engineering QCF' I'm not sure if this is the right route . So basically my questions are 1) Can you mix and match qualifications( C+g and EAL)? 2) with the local outlook for apprenticeships bleak can i do anything work-wise with the level 3 diploma or does it just lead to higher learning?
Any advice would be appreciated thanks

 

[SirKit Breaker]

Hi Andy,

I will try and shed some light.

The electrotechnical 2330 Level 3 is at the same level as the NVQ 3 QCF, so basically they are one and the same in all but name. I will ask someone who knows better than me on Monday if the C&G can be used with EAL

Your Level 2 2330 qual, should have some value towards a Level 3 qualification, because if you do an NVQ3 as part of your apprenticeship you also have to do 3 units at NVQ level 2 (usually referred to as PEO).

You can mix and match qualifications, but it is a complex combination. Have you done a Technical Certificate? Btech NC or similar?

The EAL level 3 diploma, or advanced diploma has to be done in the workplace, so you either need to get a job (agency work will do), or do some self employed work.

If you have done a tech cert, PM me with the qualification code, and i will have a look to see what combinations of qualification can be used with it.

You could also have a look at the "SASE frameworks", do a search on't web, this has all the various combinations of qualifications, but you may find it difficult to understand.

Cheers.........Howard

 

[andyxeno]

Hi Howard thanks for getting back to us i appreciate it as it's a bit of a minefield lol. As the saying goes ' everything is easy if you know how' and getting too much conflicting info at mo hasn't helped. Might sound dumb but "The EAL level 3 diploma, or advanced diploma has to be done in the workplace, so you either need to get a job (agency work will do), or do
some self employed work." you mentioned in your post doesn't have workplace assessments involved that much i do know.

(Or so i'm informed by the college) I'm doing a tons of theory regarding capacitance and reactance, 3 phase power,power factor,lighting(flourescents they're makeup and formula for measuring how much light is needed at certain angles and distances etc) loads of formulas. We're supposed to be in the workshop after xmas with an assignment involving designing and building Traffic lights using octal relays. The rest of the young lads on the course aren't working either. I have since posting this been on to EAL but they have advised me to see the person who enrolled me, unfortunately he left and can't be contacted. what i have found is on the EAL site the job roles listed upon qualifying on this course are Electrical engineer rather than electrician? Maybe a slight difference in terminology but is their much of a real life difference?
So confusing. I'm getting the impression due to the tons of formulas involved that this course might be more to do with designing rather than installation. Cheers for helping Howard any info much appreciated

 

[sparksflying]

Think you should have been registered on the EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems (Building, Structures and the Environment). This is pretty much the same as the City & Guilds 2357.

 

[andyxeno]

Hi sparksflying if what you say is correct i'm pretty much screwed this year as it's too late to enrol on another course, can i still use this ( i know it sounds stupid). i mean would an employer favor this course if i approached them for an apprenticeship or is this leading on to more study?

 

[sparksflying]

Hi Andy,

It all depends on the employer I suppose, the details of the EAL qualification are at this link here .

The good thing about QCF's is that you can study what part of them you need and dont have to do the whole qualfication if you dont want/need to etc.

If I was in your position I would be making a racket at the college and insisting that they put you on the course that is going to lead to your planned and intended outcome (Electrician). I would not say it is too late as you still have time to catch up on what you may have missed out as you are only about a 3rd of your way through the academic year. Better off getting what you planned to get IMO.

Cheers

 

[andyxeno]

I think you're right mate it's worth having a go at the college to see what they can do but tbh i don't think they'll do much. I'm gonna have to try another college with a better reputation. Unbelievable really as where i am has had £40 million spent on new building/teachers etc and they're still pretty crap. Can i ask though where you get your info from? I've heard so much conflicting info for example today i was told that i would only need a portfolio of work to become a electrician should i pass this course as it is a level 3 technical certificate from EAL and my level 2 was from C and G. Can it be true?
Thanks for the help

 

[SirKit Breaker]

Andy, i think you maybe getting lost with all this. Electrical Engineer, and Electrician are one and the same. By trade i am an Avionics Engineer, that is an Electrical Engineer who works on Aviation Electrical and Electronic systems, it can be bulled up all you want, but i always said i was an Aircraft Electrician. So forget what you will be called when you qualify, it is pretty much irrelevant.

The NVQ L3, is made up of two components, Knowledge evidence, either question and answer based, or done by a written assignment. Performance evidence, this is evidence of working practical experience, this can only be done at work. Whatever route you take, be it Installation, Maintenance or whatever, your training provider need to give you the correct units. An NVQ is not a one size fits all.

Cheers.........Howard

 

[andyxeno]

Thanks Howard your right i am getting a bit lost lol. I'm going under the impression that a electrician would install or maintain installations, whereas a electrical engineer would design the circuits and maybe have a hand in installation.So i would have to have the 2330 level 2&3 ,testing and inspection and 17th ed then nvq level 3 and am2. And doing this course(because no 2330 level 3 here) which the topic is now on resonance and ladder logic doesn't strike me as something a everyday electrician comes across makes me a bit anxious as i think i may be going sideways into engineering instead of forwards in my goal.
Of course your right, my goal at the moment is to get work with someone or preferably a company so i can do my nvq 3, just wasn't sure i was being led the right way

 

[oracle]

The Level 3 EAL qualification does NOT require you to be employed. I give you a direct quote from their website today.

"This qualification allows the learner to acquire advanced underpinning knowledge and related skills of electrical installation. It does not require occupational evidence from the workplace, so is suitable for learners who currently do not work within the electrical industry (but may wish to do so)."

Those that can, do. Those that cant, teach. Thais me, I am too old now to climb ladders and carry tools

 

[andyxeno]

Cheers Oracle, i've finished the [h=2]EAL level 3 diploma in Electrical and electronic engineering technology qcf[/h] course now and just waiting for the results. If i can't get any experience this summer i'm going to probably have a bash at a HNC. who knows what summers going to bring

 

[oracle]

Cheers Oracle, i've finished the [h=2]EAL level 3 diploma in Electrical and electronic engineering technology qcf[/h] course now and just waiting for the results. If i can't get any experience this summer i'm going to probably have a bash at a HNC. who knows what summers going to bring

What I suggest is that you do 17th Edition and 2394 this will meet entry requirements for NICEIC membership

 

[andyxeno]

I shall bear that in mind thanks although i'm trying to get a bit of Real life experience if i can I don't want to end up with a string of quals but not enough experience , cheers