Closure of “Conditional” ECS Cards and Funding for Assessment
24 March 23
There are now fewer than 50 Conditional Electricians remaining and the ECS is urging them to take advantage of funding opportunities to complete an Experienced Worker Assessment before withdrawal of “Conditional” ECS cards.
Under the partner scheme requirements set by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) as part of the Construction Leadership Council’s One Industry Logo requirements, ECS will be withdrawing cards issued under the Conditional route, sometimes known as Industry Accreditation, from the end of 2024.
The electrical industry and the Joint Industry Board (JIB) have always championed high standards, since the introduction of modern apprenticeships in the 1980s, NVQs in the 1980s and 1990s and more recently the introduction of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and the higher standards required to achieve ECS Registered Electrician status.
For many ECS card holders under the Conditional grading, no action will need to be taken as card holders will be moved over to the correct card upon renewal in the period leading up to December 2024. Individuals are being contacted directly about this and whether any action is needed. Much of this has already been undertaken in the background to make this process as smooth as possible and this only affects a small number of historical cards issued.
Experienced Worker Assessments can be done with a combination of on-site assessment and portfolio building and could require only two to three days. In addition, Government will fund 100% for full qualifications under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme also known as the Lifetime Skills Guarantee.
Andy Reakes, Director of Growth and Development at the Joint Industry Board and ECS, explained: “Since July 2019, those who held Conditional and Restricted grading cards which expired and weren’t subsequently renewed within a 12-month period have needed to meet ECS Registered Electrician status on renewal. This is the industry agreed standard for electricians under ECS including relevant qualifications, latest edition of the Wiring Regulations and commitments to ongoing learning. We are in the process of assisting the last few individuals to either move over to another relevant card type, or obtain their full gold card. Many have already completed apprenticeships, NVQs or equivalents and so no action is required on their part. For those who haven’t had this opportunity yet, the Lifetime Skills Guarantee or JIB Skills Development Fund provides a route for full funding and upskilling.”
For those who hold Conditional Gradings , the JIB Skills Development Fund has agreed to provide full funding for those who wish to undertake the Experienced Worker Assessment and cannot obtain funding through the Lifetime Skills Guarantee. If this applies to you, and you want to find out more about the support available, please email ir@jib.org.uk and a member of the Team will be able to advise on potential funding routes.