Electrical trainees need to be aware of how the introduction of the Qualification Credit Framework (QCF) has changed the way qualifications are achieved within the industry.
Before the introduction of the QCF, the traditional route into the electrical industry was through completing the City & Guilds 2330 Electrotechnical certificates at both levels 2 and 3.
The 2330 electrical courses qualification was supposed to be replaced by the recent introduction of the City & Guilds 2357 Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment but it will now remain in place until January 31st 2013 at least.
Trainees can choose to take either qualification to gain access to the electrical industry because, although the 2330 will eventually be phased out, it still remains the most accepted avenue into the sector.
Both qualifications are industry accredited with the 2357 possibly having the edge over the 2330 because it includes aspects of renewable energy technology which are becoming more popular.
Finding where to take either of these qualifications can prove difficult as some further education colleges are no longer providing trade training courses due to budget cuts brought about by the current economic climate.
Private training providers are able to offer a wide range of electrical qualifications because they are not dependent on government finances in the same was that further education colleges are.