Distribution Networks Electrician

Card information

The ECS Distribution Networks Electrician card is for operatives who are working in the supply distribution sector. Typically operatives will be working for a contractor installing, commissioning and testing high voltage electrical networks above and below ground, at sites during their construction or refurbishment.

There is now a qualification requrement for all applications for this card regardless of who you may currently or have previously worked for.

If you do not have the formal qualifications below you may need to apply for an ECS Cabling or Jointing card.

 

Eligibility and requirements

To be eligible for an ECS Distribution Networks Electrician card, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Have successfully completed one of the following routes:  

• Approved Apprenticeship as a Distribution Networks Electrician
• Approved Apprenticeship as a Power Network Craftsperson / Electrical Power Networks Engineer 
• Level 3 NVQ in Electricity Systems Technology Engineering
• Full Level 3 Technical Certificate, PLUS
  • ECITB NVQ Level 3 in Maintaining Plant and Electrical Systems 100/3335/x
  • LV and HV Distribution Networks Operator Company training

2. Hold a current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment. For details visit the ECS H&S Assessment page.

Note: This card is available to applicants who hold the historic qualifications shown on this page. These qualifications my no longer be available to study for new applicants.

 

Existing Cardholders:

Your existing card is still valid until its expiry date.
If your renewal date is before July 2021 then you will have a choice whether to renew your card or move over to the new card requirements above. We recommend that you move to the new card requirements as soon as possible. All existing cardholders will need to meet new requirements when their card is renewed. Once you have met the new requirements the normal renewal cycle will be in place when your card reaches its expiry date.
 

Why are these changes being made? 

The Construction Leadership Council, the body which drives industry improvement, has announced that nationally-recognised qualifications should be in place for all construction-related occupations by 2020. In recognition of this, CSCS has changed its partnership criteria and so the ECS needs to make these changes, in order to meet the new requirements. The JIB supports the introduction of appropriate qualifications for Managers, as part of the overall drive to raise standards across the electrotechnical industry.