The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is reminding employers in the electrotechnical industry to register potential apprentices for the ECS Pre-apprentice card, which has been designed to support the employer and potential apprentice in achieving a successful probationary period before the full apprentice registration is made by a training provider.
To have the facility added to the company’s ECS Employer Portal account, an email request needs to be made by the employer stating that they have a defined pre-apprentice probationary policy in place. The employer must have access to the ECS Employer Portal in order to complete the application if granted. This is part of the free-to-access online services for employers to manage their electrotechnical workforce, undertake H&S assessments and monitor supply chain activity.
Before the employer applies for the ECS Pre-apprentice card they must ensure that the potential apprentice has been provided with a suitable induction and has undertaken and passed the ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness Assessment.
Andy Reakes, ECS Head of Growth, said: “Potential apprentices will usually start their employment via a recognised training provider or through local contacts with an employer. Some companies may offer trial periods of work to potential apprentices to give them experience of the reality of working on site before committing to an apprenticeship and allows the company to gain a better understanding of the individual. We recommend that employers register any potential apprentice for the ECS Pre-apprentice card to ensure a smooth transition to full apprentice status.”
Ruth Devine, Managing Director at SJD Electrical and Chair of The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership, explained: “It’s essential that apprentices coming into the industry are well-prepared and comfortable with the realities of the working environment. To successfully train the number of apprentices the industry needs, employers require confidence that apprentices will be right for their organisations. We work with colleges and the local community to offer potential apprentices this necessary experience before starting their formal training programme. The ECS Pre-apprentice card helps us ensure that all people coming onto site have a fundamental awareness level of health, safety and environmental issues, as recognised by industry, which helps to reduce accidents and keep everybody safer.”
For full details about the ECS Pre-apprentice card and how to contact the ECS Team please visit: www.ecscard.org.uk/card-types/Apprentices-and-Trainees/ECS-Pre-apprentice-card