Its not 'easy' as you say to get an approved elec card Anthony, your getting your wires crossed a bit I think.
It's quite insulting too as Ive worked hard and am proud to be at the stage I am.....yet I know I don't take home pay what I'm worth.
Yes i agree it's far too easy for Joe bloggs to go to a college or online these days do part p, 18th edition (that is open book) and crack on.....
But JIB still has its grading as defined as it always has done.....
To be approved you need:
NVQ3
2391 or is it 2394 today? Test and inspect which is not open book and with generally a 30% pass rate not exactly handed out easily.
At least 3 years working as electrician.
If approved cards are getting handed out willy nilly as you say......where's your evidence?
Forget about Approved or Technician Status it means little unless your working on the cards for a JIB company and most JIB companies like to pay Electrician Rates not Approved or Technician.
I don't know where you work but I've been in the game 30+ years subby/freelance what ever you want to call it and been on a fair few sites.
Plenty of lads and maybe lasses out there that pass out with-in two years with city and guilds core qualifications, NVQ and AM2 and gain JIB Gold Card and that's enough to earn £200 a day on most sites.
Having Approved Status, Technician Status, Test and Inspection makes very little in monetary terms.
EAL Test and Inspection open book as far as I know likewise the lastest edition of the 2391.
Another route for an Approved Electrician Gold Card is via the NICEIC. Any QS for an approved contractor can gain the card via their company and the NICEIC do not revoke card if you leave the company. Back door route someone with out all the Qualifications anyone else needs to gain a card.
I've been on sites and know of White Carded workers with level 2365 on £230 a day. No Gold Card, just a White Card ECS to gain access to site.
Also your only worth what someone wants to pay you , don't matter what you think.
Don't take anything as an insult, its the way the industry is and a few facts nothing more nothing less.