Routes to Qualification
There are several routes to becoming a qualified Electrician, the following guidance is provided by The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership- making the different routes clear and offering information on options available.
Apprenticeship
The preferred route into the industry, employers can access funding for apprentices of all ages.
An apprenticeship is a job with training. It’s an ideal way to start your electrical career and
earn while you learn. You’ll be employed and will gain your skills via a combination of on-the-job learning in your workplace and other learning supported by a college or training provider.
The apprenticeship programme takes around four years to complete.
Traditionally apprenticeships were only for young people, but now employers in England can receive funding for apprentices of any age, so they’re now an option for those looking to change or progress their career, as well as school leavers.
Importantly, your employer receives funding for the apprenticeship programme and you will not be expected to pay anything towards your training.
Beau Associates contract with JTL to provide training for Electrical Apprentices.
Self funded
For career changers and others who have to fund their own training if not eligible for Routes
1 & 2.
If you can’t access funding and need to pay for your own training, it’s important you
consider your route carefully. There are no shortcuts to becoming a qualified electrician.
The classroom-based qualifications you’ll gain at a college or other training provider are a good foundation, but on their own they do not mean you are a qualified electrician. This comes with time and experience on the job, supporting work-based training, and theinformed judgements you’ll become able to make as a result of this real-life experience.
In fact, if you read the small print, many of the packages offered by commercial training providers acknowledge that you need to be working in the industry to complete the full qualification.
Beau Associates offers the Level 3 NVQ, as well as the 18th Edition Wiring Course to prepare you for your AM2.
Experienced Worker
For those who have been working in the industry for at least 3-5 years but not gained an apprenticeship or equivalent Level 3 qualification.
If you need to get your skills and experience recognised to the industry Level 3
benchmark, the Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Assessments can help.
It’s the assessment process to recognise occupational competence for people who have been working as an electrician for a number of years but haven’t been able to complete an apprenticeship or achieve an equivalent Level 3 vocational qualification.
The Experienced Worker Assessments are based on the same content as the two industry apprenticeship routes so that both new entrants and existing workers are now being assessed and accredited against the same industry standard.
The main benefit is that your existing qualifications, skills, and experience can count towards the Experienced Worker qualification criteria, so you’ll only need to fill in any gaps.
Beau Associates offers the Experienced Worker Qualification, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, and Test & Inspection courses to prepare you for your AM2e assessment.
Get in touch
If you have any questions, would like more information, or would like to book your place on a course please get in touch here
Or phone the centre on 0161 339 8229