electrical coursesWhats the ECS Card?

 

Many of us are familiar with the ECS card that proves the competency of those who work within the electrical industry. But for those who may not be...

It refers to the requirements set out by the Electrotechical Certification Scheme who offer such a card  created the card which

Changes are on the way

 

As of the 1st of August, those who are looking to apply for their first Labourer or Manager card now need to adhere by a new set of rules stating they need to undertake a health and safety qualification that is recognised by the JIB. Such qualifications include the 'CCNSG Safety Passport' or the 'IOSH Working Safely'.

But that's not all....

 

Those who are looking to apply for Related Discipline Cards can expect to take a new mandatory Electrical Safety Unit Test  as well as having to provide evidence pf additional training relevant to the field they're in.

Not only can you guys expect changes this summer, but the ECS plans to introduce even further changes that will come into affect as of January 2019 which involves having to re-new your ECS card as well as the introduction of a new 'Site Support' Card for those who support electrical contracts such as design engineers, quantity surveyors and commissioning engineers.

ecsWhy the changes?

 

Well it all started due to an announcement made by the Construction Leadership Council who stated that all people working in construction need to hold a nationally recognised qualification by 2020. Obiding by such annoucement, will see the ECS meeting criteria held by their partnerhsip with the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).

Interesting stuff! Here's what Steve Brawley - the Chief Executive of the JIB had to say...

 

“The JIB has supported the electrotechnical industry card scheme for 50 years and we are pleased to continue our partnership with CSCS. The more robust card requirements, being introduced in line with the CLC’s construction strategy, reinforce the high standards needed for today’s sites and are a realistic picture of what employers require from managers, labourers and site support occupations.”

Make sure you visit the ECS's website for full details on each card!

Now this is obviously set to affect many jobs for those who work within the UK. Whether starting out on sight or working your way up to manager as stated earlier, it's very likely you guys may undertake the following electrical courses:

Other useful changes to know!

 

ecs card

Well we would be surprised if you hadn't already heard about the 18th Edition now up and running. And with so many changes being made to the electrical industry, we thought it would be a good idea to keep you guys updated.

For those that may not know about the changes to the 18th Edition, last month we gave you guys the low-down in our article '20 Things You Need to Know about the 18th Edition'.

You might be in the position where you have to learn both! But with the big bucks at stake, we must make staying up to date a priority if it means career progression is up for grabs!

Click here for the 18th Edition 1 day update Course and here for the full 18th Edition Course... We hope the above information helps!