The construction industry is a space that is constantly evolving thanks to the frequent emergence of new technologies and shifting demands, making it an incredibly exciting and unique field of work.
With that being said, the ever-changing nature of the sector means there are plenty of opportunities for tradespeople to expand on their expertise, no matter how long they’ve been working in their chosen industry.
For electricians, in particular, there’s a wide variety of courses and training routes on offer that cover more advanced skills that can be undertaken once you’ve already started working in the field.
Below, we’ll cover a few of the courses on offer to existing electricians and why you might want to consider completing each.
Advanced electrical courses to consider
Whether it’s advanced qualifications or you’re just looking to update on the latest regulations, there is a range of courses that are well worthwhile for qualified electricians of all experiences.
A three-day training course designed to familiarise you with the layout, content and application of the BS 7671:2018 regulations. The course is entirely theory-based and can be completed via an online multiple-choice open book exam. Able Skills also offers a one-day course, for those who have passed their 17th Edition after the last amendment was published.
Aimed at already-practising electricians wanting to advance their career with a qualification that allows for the testing and maintenance of portable electrical devices.
City & Guilds Inspection and Testing course
For this course, candidates are expected to have a good knowledge of electrical science and principles, along with experience of electrical installation work, making this an ideal choice for seasoned electricians looking for a refresher.
NVQ Level 3 Electrical Qualification
An NVQ Level 3 is often required by employers and is needed for anyone looking to achieve JIB Gold Card status—something which we’ll go into more detail about below. Suitable for anyone who holds a City & Guilds 2330 or 2365 at level 2 or 3, the NVQ Level 3 Electrical Qualification is a work/site-based assessment.
Level 4 Award in Design and Verification of Electrical Installations
A challenging, prestige qualification for electricians with in-depth experience across a range of installations and with a thorough grasp of wiring regulations, inspection and testing. The award is aimed at those who have responsibility for the quality of design, specification, installation and verification process.
Becoming a Gold Card Approved Electrician
The JIB Gold Card, also known as the ECS Gold Card, is perhaps one of the most well-known certifications within construction, and signals that the holder has completed a formal industry regulated competency-based qualification, which combines technical theory with practical assessments to NVQ Level 3 standard.
This is now a required accreditation for anyone wanting to work in a commercial setting and on construction sites, it’s also necessary for any electrician wanting to carry out work unsupervised.
Our Gold Card Approved Electrician Course is our most comprehensive electrical training, exceeding the requirements needed for Gold Card certification.
The AM2 Assessment Centre
Thanks to our dedicated AM2 Centre any students completing their assessments with Able Skills will be doing so to the highest possible standard. The purpose of the AM2 is to ensure all qualified electricians achieve a single standard that has been agreed by employers in the industry.
Assessors at these centres are not involved in the training or work experience of candidates, meaning they guarantee safe, high-quality workmanship for the electrotechnical industry that is valued by employers.
If you’re interested in pursuing further electrical training, we recommend popping into our training centre for a chat. Don’t worry if you can’t make it in, you can also give us a call on 01322 280 202 or request a brochure online.
“Fantastic training. Every tutor takes the time to explain every section of the course in detail.”
Tommy Smith, C&G Inspection and Testing student
“It was informative and friendly, they provided you with all the right tools and they tried to help you on the way.”
Alan Cobb, C&G Inspection and Testing student