lyledunn:

Just to add to AJs reply, whatever route you take I would think it prudent to hold on to and maintain your ECS card. It provides an added degree of flexibility should you have need to sub in a site where workforce competency measures are in operation. Personally I would avoid the domestic stuff but in the early days of self-employment the doors that open may not offer much in the way of choice. Regardless of direction just be the best you can be. Our industry needs good guys.

The very best of luck to you. 

Thank you Lyle this is very relevant. As you mentioned, for flexibility i thought best to get my ECS card sorted as people have asked me about it in the past and if work is slow I thought i can do some agency work to tied me over. However Im kicking myself now as when i got qualified initially it was off my own back and the college never recomended i complete my NVQ level 3 and now its come back to bite me in the ass! I have to now Pay £2000 to complete my NVQ level 3 and to get assessed as a mature candidate which can take up to 12 months! 

I do feel it will be money well spent so i will be going ahead with it. Its a shame though at this point in my career as feel im back tracking but hopefully it will be worth it down the line.

lyledunn:

Just to add to AJs reply, whatever route you take I would think it prudent to hold on to and maintain your ECS card. It provides an added degree of flexibility should you have need to sub in a site where workforce competency measures are in operation. Personally I would avoid the domestic stuff but in the early days of self-employment the doors that open may not offer much in the way of choice. Regardless of direction just be the best you can be. Our industry needs good guys.

The very best of luck to you. 

Thank you Lyle this is very relevant. As you mentioned, for flexibility i thought best to get my ECS card sorted as people have asked me about it in the past and if work is slow I thought i can do some agency work to tied me over. However Im kicking myself now as when i got qualified initially it was off my own back and the college never recomended i complete my NVQ level 3 and now its come back to bite me in the ass! I have to now Pay £2000 to complete my NVQ level 3 and to get assessed as a mature candidate which can take up to 12 months! 

I do feel it will be money well spent so i will be going ahead with it. Its a shame though at this point in my career as feel im back tracking but hopefully it will be worth it down the line.