The underpinning knowledge element of the experienced worker qualification must now be formally ratified by a recognised qualification prior to candidate registration. TESP list the acceptable qualifications on their website.
Hitherto, the assessor would need to have been satisfied that the candidate had the necessary theoretical knowledge to carry out the task correctly and safely. Now it is back to school for all those chaps who don’t have one of the qualifications listed!
I have over 30 candidates on the slipway, most have no formal qualifications. Having interviewed all and because I would know most of them and their employers, I would have been content to acknowledge their standing as competent electricians without further ado. However, each produces a comprehensive portfolio of solid evidence to meet all performance objectives, undertakes a technical interview, achieves at least the 2391 initial verification and 18th Edition qualifications and is required to pass the AM2E.
That’s a lot of hoops for someone who is already working as an electrician and has been doing so consistently for at least five years post apprenticeship!
For those first class experienced electricians who are without the formal qualifications and want to get the ESC/JIB card, for whatever reason, life just got harder!
