ECS stands for the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme – it’s a partner of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), so anyone in an electrotechnical-related occupation who’s told ‘you need a CSCS card’ – the ECS scheme is the one to apply for.
The most important thing to bear in mind is that the ECS is a certification scheme, not a card application scheme. If you apply to the ECS, you'll have your skills assessed and certified based on the qualifications evidence you submit.
The card you will receive represents the occupational level you have been awarded following this skills certification process – so for instance Labourer, Installation Electrician, Maintenance Electrician, Site Manager, FESS Systems Technician and so on.
A common statement we hear is: 'I've sent my application and money - can you send me a gold card.' Unfortunately it’s not as simple as that! In order for the scheme to be robust and unbiased, the decision on which card you receive is based purely on the evidence you can provide to show which qualifications you hold, relevant experience and necessary endorsements.
This means the industry, clients and employers can have confidence that if a person is holding a particular card, it means they have the skills in line with the occupation listed on that card.