This qualification is delivered via On Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) which helps candidates turn their existing skills and experience into a nationally recognised qualification and they only train towards the things they don't know how to do.
OSAT benefits the employer by ensuring limited loss of production and a qualification within 1 year. Upon successful completion of the NVQ, along with a suitable technical certificate and passing the Health & Safety test, the candidate will be eligible for an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card and grading as fully qualified electrician by the JIB (www.jib.org.uk). The ECS card is a mandatory requirement on many construction sites.
The college is tasked by the Government to ensure that the candidate has a safe and healthy work placement. The college will allocate an assessor who will meet with the candidate and the employer to complete the sign-up documentation and carry out a health and safety in the workplace check; they will also need to see a current employer's liability certificate.
The candidate will need to have the relevant work opportunities to collect evidence and complete their portfolio, meeting qualification requirements. They will need their employer's support to do this.
The assessor will carry out regular reviews and observations at an agreed time and whilst copies of these visits are given to the candidate, progress reports can also be supplied to the employer upon request.
In addition to building a portfolio of evidence the candidate will be assessed using a range of different methods which could include observations, photographic evidence, written statements or question papers. The candidate will also need to pass the ECS Health & Safety test (or have passed it no more than 2 years ago).
This Level 3 course is separated into 8 different units covering everything from health and safety to inspection and testing of different installations as well as looking at competency in both first and second fixing and some fault finding. During sign-up the college assessor will discuss the individual needs with the candidate and employer and advise the most suitable methods to complete the NVQ.
If you are a new entrant to the electrical industry, you will also have to complete an external 3 day practical assessment known as the AM2. This is an independent assessment that will need to be taken towards the end of your course. Please note this assessment is not part of the qualification, it is the candidate's responsibility to source the AM2 and provide evidence of achievement to the college.
These qualification develop competent, motivated employees. They demonstrate the high level of employer commitment to the employee and improve the company's image and attractiveness for current and prospective employees. They encourage staff to remain with the company, reducing staff turnover and the cost of recruitment.
Successful candidates will be qualified, competent employees, who do the job better, complete work faster, have fewer accidents, and waste less time correcting mistakes.
Candidates need to meet the skill criteria based on their past 3 years experience, this profile match is carried out by the college assessor who will advise upon further training required if the criteria is not fully met.
Funding may be available
For further guidance and advice including possible funding please contact the Somerset Centre for Enterprise on 01823 366 555 or email enterprise@somerset.ac.uk