The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is introducing changes to a number of its cards, to incorporate new qualification requirements that have been led by the construction industry.
From 01 August 2018, those applying for their first Labourer or Manager card must meet a set of new criteria which will involve holding a JIB-recognised health and safety qualification such as CCNSG Safety Passport or IOSH Working Safely. Applicants for Related Discipline cards will have to pass a new Electrical Safety Unit Test and provide evidence of additional training in their specific field.
From 01 January 2019, all those who already hold one of these cards will have to renew it under the new criteria and gain one of the required qualifications, if they don’t already have it.
A new ‘Site Support’ card is also being introduced for those who support electrical contracts such as design engineers and commissioning engineers.
These changes have been introduced so that the ECS can continue to meet Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) partnership criteria, following the announcement by the Construction Leadership Council that nationally-recognised qualifications should be in place for all construction-related occupations by 2020.
ECS Site Visitor cards will no longer be issued after 01 August 2018, in alignment with the CSCS decision to withdraw the Site Visitor card and the Construction Leadership Council’s announcement that not everyone needs a card to gain access to site and cards should only be issued to those working in construction related occupations.
“The JIB has supported the electrotechnical industry card scheme for 50 years and we are pleased to continue our partnership with CSCS,” said Steve Brawley, chief executive of the JIB, which administers the ECS card in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. “The more robust card requirements, being introduced in line with the CLC’s construction strategy, reinforce the high standards needed for today’s sites and are a realistic picture of what employers require from managers, labourers and site support occupations.”
For more information on the changes to each card visit www.ecscard.org.uk/new-rules