ECS grading

Ben,

I completed my craft apprenticeship as a contracting electrician back in 1985, and gained my SJIB Electrician grade card, progressed and got my technician card in early 90's. I have always renewed it before current card expired as its far easier to keep that card status than let it lapse and then try and apply fresh.

Although I'm now a CEng and very seldom "Working" on the tools, what I have found over the years is "Challenges" from some of my clients when I get some tools out to access equipment or parts of the installation and they indicate I'm not "Qualified" they see me as the consultant and have no practical skills, when I take my gold card out my pocket, suddenly everything changes and its " I didn't know you were an electrician"??

Obviously the choice is yours but if you have worked and earned the right to have the card already then my advice would always renew it before it expires, that's far easier than trying to apply again in say ten years when criteria has changed, could also assist prove competency when you are on site as well.

Regards GTB

Exactly my thoughts, thank you so much for the reply, the only obstacle is just having to do the health and safety test which is no real issue , i will endeavour to get it updated asap, it was alot of hard work to get in the first instance ! 

Couldn't agree more, Ben, well put. 

What should be my next step after updating my ECS card? I had briefly looked into professional registration a few years back then life took over 

What should be my next step after updating my ECS card? I had briefly looked into professional registration a few years back then life took over