This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

NICEIC. NAPIT no can do!

One of the very capable chaps on my 2396 course has been refused application to both NICEIC and NAPIT. Not one of those 5 week wonder graduates but someone with a load of unbroken experience with a well known large contractor and the NVQ 2330-07 Level 3 Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology Installation (Buildings and Structures) dated July 2007 along with his AM2. Simple reason given was that the NVQ is no longer recognised! 
That is bonkers as it was the foundation stone for competence recognition for thousands of electricians! Does anyone know why the qualification is not recognised?

  • Oh ek! Do we have to be qualified now to do sparking? I must search for the old certificates and blow the dust off 'em.

    Z.

  • I keep losing track of which Government department is actually responsible for electrical safety and the Building Regulations, I assume it’s now the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities which really does not inspire confidence.

  • Any update with this. I'm in the same boat. My employer sent a form to add me as an operative and they came back saying his 2330 city & guilds is not a core qualification, according to EAS. My employer is asking for more clarification at the moment. Has something been sorted here or do I have to go back to college? 

  • Shahab,

    See my post above. Without knowing your full details I cannot comment on your individual case. A recognised NVQ L3 qualification is required!

  • So what your saying Is I have to do the experienced worker qualification. I checked and its nearly £2000. That's ridiculous. After 15 years of doing electrics. I am suddenly not qualified. Sorry not having a go but very frustrated. 

  • At my centre it is £2500 plus vat! I am currently typing up an observation report for a lad with over 20 years site experience and was an apprentice under my tutelage. I know him well and would be happy to sign a affidavit to confirm his competence for free! Still, he has to jump through a load of hoops, including the AM2E to get his JIB card. 

    Now all of this could be viewed as a seriously frustrating for people like you, and you have my sympathy for I dont have the requisite NVQ either! For those operating in public sector and large commercial projects, proof of electrician status is fast becoming the norm. Most of the larger contractors here wont entertain an application for electrician unless the candidate has the NVQL3. Similarly, NICEIC and NAPIT require the NVQ L3 before accepting application for a QS.  

    All this being the case, I think it will enhance the status of operatives within the industry and hopefully will reflect on remuneration. I remember one major hospital construction project back in the early 2000s, there were hundreds of "sparks" pulling in cables and fitting wiring systems. Once the project was over, many went back to their normal work as taxi drivers, farm labourers etc! That doesn't happen now thanks to initiatives like Sparksafe and a general refocusing on competence in the workplace!

  • One of the requirements if you wish to be registered with the Engineering Council as an Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) is to have a “Recognised Qualification”. For instance, in the case of IEng this is a Bachelors Degree, CEng a Master.  There is also recognition for legacy qualifications e.g. for IEng an HNC started before 1999.  This is known as underpinning knowledge and understanding (UKU).  If you do not have the relevant degree you can show the equivalent in work- based learning and experience, where the knowledge and understanding gained on the job is evaluated to be equivalent.

     I am surprised that NICEIC and NAPIT require a particular recent qualification with no recognition of legacy qualifications or allowance for COMPETENCE.

  • I'm in the same boat. just been told by NICEIC that the 2330 isnt suitable for becoming a QS as its not on the EAS list!! Did you get anywhere with this?

  • No. And it isnt just Electricians. A Plumber at the site Im working at has got to do his NVQ to renew his Pipe Fitting card. It also doesnt seem as easy as the electrician experienced worker route (2346) either.

    One of the Site Managers has also got the problem in that eh cannot renew his Black Card (management?) without an NVQ, which he doesnt have, but he is doing the Building Services HND which will allow him to get the card.

    He reckons there are something like 80000 tradespeople who need to get their qualifications updated to continue working on sites. (well, that is sites that do not allow you entry as a Trade on a Labourers card, which used to be common 5 years ago.)

  • I wonder how many of you see a "training" opportunity for certain bodies here? If the qualifications list is changed regularly enough there is a significant cash flow in certain directions? The strange thing is that "competence" has little correlation with the possession of various bits of relatively worthless paper! Since all of the alleged qualifications have been significantly dumbed down to ensure high pass marks (which are rarely achieved), and are sold at high prices via course fees, what is really happening?