A new assessment process to recognise existing skills and experience has been launched by the electrotechnical industry. 

The ‘Experienced Worker Assessment’ (EWA), which will replace the JIB Mature Candidate Assessment, accredits occupational competence for people who have been working as an electrician for typically over five years but haven’t been able to complete an apprenticeship or achieve an equivalent Level 3 vocational qualification. 

Available from City & Guilds and EAL training centres, the new EWA is based on the same content as the current electrotechnical apprenticeship, so both new entrants and existing workers are assessed and accredited to the same industry standard.

Before embarking on the EWA, candidates have to complete a detailed self-assessment ‘Skills Scan’ to help them consider if the route is right for them, before working with a training provider to complete the Experienced Worker qualification via a combination of assessments and portfolio building.

To complete the whole assessment process, learners will have to gain the updated Experienced Worker Qualification, which comprises six practical performance units, plus units for BS 7671:2018 and Initial Verification. A key benefit of the EWA is that existing qualifications, skills and experience can count towards the Experienced Worker qualification criteria, so they will only need to provide evidence against any gaps.

Once the qualification is gained, learners must undertake the AM2E assessment, which mirrors the AM2S End Point Assessment taken by apprentices at the end of their training.

The Experienced Worker Assessment has been developed via an industry group comprising The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), ECA, JIB, NET and Unite, Certsure, ECS, NAPIT, City and Guilds and EAL. It is recognised in the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification as equivalent to an industry apprenticeship, and achievement of the qualification, along with the AM2E assessment, meets the qualification criteria for an ECS gold card application. www.ecscard.org.uk/ewa

“At a time when there is acute focus on competence and skills across the whole sector, the Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Assessment is a truly inclusive cross-industry effort, providing clear leadership on how we accredit and recognise individuals to the same standard as our highly-regarded apprenticeship. This will increase opportunities for individuals working in the sector,” said Ruth Devine, Managing Director of SJD Electrical and Chair of TESP and the EWA working group.  

“By working together to improve how existing workers demonstrate occupational competence, we collectively drive standards and quality with this standardised and transparent process.”

To find out more about the Experienced Worker Assessment visit www.the-esp.org.uk/ewa