ACCELERATED ELECTRICAL TRAINING | NVQ LEVEL 3
Our Accelerated Electrical Training has been designed and developed to suit those who already have experience within the electrical industry. Whether you are part qualified or a time served electrician, we can tailor our training programme to suit you and enable you to gain your JIB ECS Gold Card as simply as possible.
To be eligible for the accelerated training you must be able to provide proof of your past experience and qualifications. Upon completion of your training, you will hold an NVQ Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification. Following that, you will complete your AM2 assessment which will allow you to apply for your ECS Gold Card.
The JIB (Joint Industry Board) ECS Gold Card serves as proof that an electrician is a qualified and competent installation electrician. It is also a prerequisite for many employers and agencies within the mechanical and electrical or construction industry. It often paves the way through a job application process.
If you are a new entrant to the industry and want to gain your ECS gold card, visit NVQ Level 3 Electrical Training Course. Alternatively, we also offer the Domestic Electrical Installer Award.
You will have a minimum of 5-years verifiable experience in the industry and must hold older qualifications such as City & Guild 236 Parts A & B, City & Guilds 2360 Parts 1 & 2, City & Guilds 2351 Level 2 & 3, City & Guilds 2330 Level 2 & 3.
Following initial assessment for suitability and induction you will be enrolled onto the programme. You will then be required to complete an on-site portfolio using our online portfolio builder. Your portfolio will consist of 8 Performance Units and you will be subject to on-site assessment by a qualified assessor.
You will not be expected to complete any Knowledge Units, but you will need to hold current wiring regulations. You will also be expected to undertake AM2 assessment before you can apply for your JIB Gold card.
You may already hold Electrotechnical Level 2 or Level 3 Diplomas through City & Guilds, EAL or their equivalents or you may be working in the industry as a time-served and experienced operative.
In order to apply for your JIB Gold Card, you will still be expected to hold an Electrotechnical NVQ at Level 3, the current wiring regulations and have passed your AM2. However, you may be able to accelerate your course as it may not be necessary for you to complete all eight weeks of the centre led training.
You may, if you wish, add additional training from the full course training syllabus, if you feel there are certain areas where you would benefit from extra training.



Interested In Accelerated Electrical Training?
AM/PM | Week 1 - Theory & Practical Workshop Training |
Monday | |
AM Classroom | Introduction to the Electrical Course. Safety for Electricians. Introduction to cable types & equipment standards. Protective Devices. Basic Lighting Circuits. Basic Power Circuits: Radials and Rings. Example of 2-way lighting circuit. |
PM Workshop | Introduction to different cable types and how to strip and terminates cables. Termination of twin & earth cable into different types of junction boxes. |
Tuesday | |
AM Classroom | Radial circuits, Ring Final circuits & Spurs. Circuit Protective Devices. Circuit Breakers. Residual Current Devices. |
PM Workshop | Installation of different types of electrical circuits including 1-way radial lighting circuits and ring final circuits for socket outlets. |
Wednesday | |
AM Classroom | Health & Safety continued, RIDDOR, Manual Handling and Asbestos. Protection for Safety. Electrical Formula - Power, Voltage, Current and Resistance. |
PM Workshop | Installation of different types of electrical circuits including 2-way & intermediate radial lighting circuits and ring final circuits for socket outlets. Radial power circuits and spurs. |
Thursday | |
AM Classroom | Introduction to consumer units. The changes made in the 18th edition wiring regulations that have affected CCU design. Different parts that make up a consumer unit. |
PM Workshop | Installation of consumer units including circuit breakers, busbars and cables. |
Friday | |
AM Classroom | Safe Isolation Procedure. Demonstration of different stages of the safe isolation procedure. |
PM Classroom | Installation of consumer units including circuit breakers, busbars and cables. Practice of safe isolation procedure. |
AM/PM | Week 2 - Practical Workshop Training |
Monday | |
AM Workshop | Installation of Domestic Electrical Installation in Workshop Bays. Consumer units. Ring Final Circuits. 2-way and intermediate lighting circuits. |
PM Workshop | Outside lighting. Smoke detectors. Radial circuits, including cookers, showers and immersion heaters. |
Tuesday | |
AM Workshop | Installation of Domestic Electrical Installation in Workshop Bays. Consumer units. Ring Final Circuits. 2-way and intermediate lighting circuits. |
PM Workshop | Outside lighting. Smoke detectors. Radial circuits, including cookers, showers and immersion heaters. |
Wednesday | |
AM Workshop | Understand how to prepare for the installation of wiring systems. Installation of Domestic Electrical Installation in Workshop Bays. Consumer units. Ring Final Circuits. 2-way and intermediate lighting circuits. |
PM Workshop | Outside lighting. Smoke detectors. Radial circuits, including cookers, showers and immersion heaters. |
Thursday | |
AM Workshop | Installation of Domestic Electrical Installation in Workshop Bays. Consumer units. Ring Final Circuits. 2-way and intermediate lighting circuits. |
PM Workshop | Outside lighting. Smoke detectors. Radial circuits, including cookers, showers and immersion heaters. |
Friday | |
AM Workshop | Introduction to inspection & testing in workshop bays: • Inspection • Dead Testing • Live Testing |
PM Workshop | Continuation of inspection & testing in workshop bays. |
AM/PM | Week 3 - DEI Assessment |
Monday | |
AM Classroom | DEI Presentation – Part 1. 1. Legislation & Standards. 2. Definitions 3. Design Specification |
PM Assessment | DEI Written Paper 1 – Open book, 32 MC Questions. |
Tuesday | |
AM Classroom | DEI Presentation – Part 2. 4. Special locations |
PM Assessment | DEI Written Paper 2 – Open book, 32 MC Questions. |
Wednesday | |
AM Classroom | DEI Practical Assessments. Inspection & Testing. Fault Finding. Identification of electrical components and protective devices. |
PM Assessment | DEI Assignment Tasks in Logic Workbooks. Earthing Arrangements. Cable calculations and voltage drop. |
Thursday | |
AM Classroom | DEI Presentation – Parts 3 & 4. 5. Mains Position. 6. Earthing & Bonding. 7. Inspection & Testing. 8. Lighting |
PM Assessment | DEI Written Paper 3 – Open book, 25 MC Questions. DEI Written Paper 4 – Open book, 32 MC Questions. |
Friday | |
AM Classroom | DEI Assignment Tasks in Logic Workbooks. SWA demonstration, practical and write up. Loft conversion electrical installation scenario. |
PM Assessment | DEI paperwork and resits. |
AM/PM | Week 4 - 18th Edition Wiring Regulations |
Monday | |
AM Classroom | Introduction to BS7671: 2018. Structure and Parts of the Wiring Regulations. Understanding of Parts 1, 2 & 3. End of module questions. |
PM Classroom | Understanding of Part 4. End of module questions. |
Tuesday | |
AM Classroom | Understanding of Parts 5 & 6. End of module questions. |
PM Classroom | Understanding of Part 7. End of module questions. |
Wednesday | |
AM Classroom | Understanding of Appendices. End of module questions. Mock Exam 1 with review. |
PM Classroom | Mock Exam 2 with review. |
Thursday | |
AM Assessment | 18th Edition Online Assessment (60 MC questions – open book). Attempt number 1. |
PM Assessment | 18th Edition Online Assessment Paper (60 MC questions – open book). Attempt number 2. |
Friday | |
AM Assessment | 18th Edition Online Assessment resits. |
PM Assessment | 18th Edition Online Assessment resits. |
AM/PM | Week 5 - NVQ Level 3 Theory & Practical Training/Assessment |
Monday | |
AM Classroom | Introduction to the Electrical Course (NVQ 3 Diploma Units). Understand Health & Safety and Environmental Considerations and how they apply to the Electrical Industry. Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. |
PM Workshop | Workshop Task 1 – Steel conduit 90° bend/bubble set/cutting and threading. |
Tuesday | |
AM Classroom | Health & Safety continued, PPE used in the electrical industry. First aid and emergency procedures. |
PM Workshop | Workshop Task 2 – PVC conduit terminating/90°bend/bubble set. |
Wednesday | |
AM Classroom | Health & Safety continued, RIDDOR, Manual Handling and Asbestos. |
PM Workshop | Workshop Task 3 – Trunking cutting/filing/90°bend/joining. |
Thursday | |
AM Assessment | 18th Edition Assessment Paper (30 MC questions – open book). Attempt number 1. |
PM Assessment | 18th Edition Assessment Paper (30 MC questions – open book). Attempt number 2. |
Friday | |
AM Assessment | Understand the requirements for identifying and dealing with hazards in the work environment. Revision Session: NETK3/01 Understand Health, Safety and Environmental Considerations. EAL Health & Safety online examination - 25 Question MC Exam closed book. |
PM Assessment | EAL Health & Safety practical assessments; • Ladders • Scaffold • Safe Isolation (completed on DEI) • Equipment defects |
AM/PM | Week 6 - NVQ Level 3 Theory & Practical Training/Assessment |
Monday | |
AM Classroom | Understand the regulatory requirements and procedures for terminating and connecting conductors and cables in electrical wiring systems and equipment. Identify and interpret appropriate sources of relevant information for the termination and connection of conductors and cables in electrical wiring systems and equipment. |
PM Workshop | Workshop Task 5 – FP200 Cable termination. |
Tuesday | |
AM Classroom | Methods and procedures appropriate to the installation environment to ensure the safe and effective termination and connection of conductors and cables in electrical wiring systems and equipment. Cover the termination and connection of: Single and multicore thermosetting/thermoplastic insulated cables including flexible cables, PVC/PVC flat profile cable, MICC, SWA cables (XLPE, PVC), Braided flexible cables, Data cables, Fibre optic cable, Fire performance cable. |
PM Workshop | Workshop Task 6 – Single Cable Termination. |
Wednesday | |
AM Classroom | The advantages, limitations and applications of the following connection methods: Screw, crimped, soldered, non-screw compression, insulation displacement. The procedures for verifying that terminations and connections are electrically and mechanically sound. The consequences of terminations not being electrically and mechanically sound in terms of; high resistance joints, corrosion and erosion. |
PM Workshop | Workshop Task 7 – Data Cable Termination. |
Thursday | |
AM Classroom | Revision Session: NETK3/05 Understand Terminations and Connections of Conductors. Assessment: NETK3/05 - 20 Question MC Exam closed book. |
PM Workshop | Workshop Task 8 – MICC Cable Termination. |
Friday | |
AM Classroom | Understand mathematical principles which are appropriate to electrical installation, maintenance and design work. Understand standard units of measurement used in electrical installation, maintenance and design work. |
PM Workshop | Workshop Task 9 – SY Cable termination. |
AM/PM | Week 7 - NVQ Level 3 Theory & Practical Training/Assessment |
Monday | |
AM Classroom | Understand mathematical principles which are appropriate to electrical installation, maintenance and design work. Understand standard units of measurement used in electrical installation, maintenance and design work. |
PM Workshop | Workshop Task 10 – SWA/Braided cables. |
Tuesday | |
AM Classroom | Understand basic mechanics and the relationship between force, work, energy and power |
PM Assessment | EAL Practical Assessment 05D – Mini Trunking & Data Cable. |
Wednesday | |
AM Classroom | Understand the relationship between resistance, resistivity, voltage, current and power. |
PM Assessment | EAL Practical Assessment 05A – MICC. |
Thursday | |
AM Assessment PM Assessment |
Practical Assessment for NETK3/05 – Terminations and connections of conductors. Including; • MICC • Mini trunking & Data cable • Earthing & Protective conductor • Composite Installation |
Friday | |
AM Assessment PM Assessment |
Practical Assessment for NETK3/05 – Terminations and connections of conductors. Including; • MICC • Mini trunking & Data cable • Earthing & Protective conductor • Composite Installation |
AM/PM | Week 8 - NVQ Level 3 Theory & Practical Training/Assessment |
Monday | |
AM Classroom | Understand the fundamental principles which underpin the relationship between magnetism and electricity. |
PM Classroom | Understand the fundamental principles which underpin the relationship between magnetism and electricity. |
Tuesday | |
AM Classroom | Understand the types, applications and limitations of electronic components in electrical systems and equipment. |
PM Assessment | Revision Session: NETK3/08 Electrical Scientific Principles and Technologies. Assessment:40 Question MC Exam Closed book (LO 1-6) |
Wednesday | |
AM Classroom | Introduction to Unit NETK3/04 Design & Installation Practices and Procedures (Project) |
PM Classroom | Understand the characteristics and applications of supply systems and consumer’s equipment. Understand earthing and protection. Understand the electrical design procedure. Understand the requirements for organising and overseeing work programmes |
Thursday | |
AM Classroom | Introduction to on-site performance units and OneFile: Types of evidence to match criteria, Uploading evidence, On-site assessments |
PM Classroom | Tutorials and resits |
Friday | |
AM Classroom | Tutorials and resits. Talk on Employers and mentors. |
PM Classroom | Tutorials and resits. |
- Why Train As An Electrician?
- What Will You Get?
- What Is A Knowledge Unit?
- What Is A Performance Unit?
- What If I Have Previous Experience?
- What Happens If I Fail?
- Will I Get A Refund If I Fail?
- Am I Guaranteed To Pass The Exam?
- Will I Be Taught How To Pass The Exam?
The industry is characterised by poor service and unreliability. Consumers are wary of who they appoint and often find it difficult to find trustworthy tradespeople. When they do, they use them again and again and recommend them to other people.
The size and maturity of the sector combined with the failure of the general competition to meet customer expectations represent a real opportunity to profit from a professional and customer-focused local service.
A shortage of skilled workers and an increase in new housing being built means that electricians are in high demand. Those currently in the trade are earning far beyond the average UK salary, averaging around £30,784 (source: Office of National Statistics)
For more information, read How Much Can I Earn As An Electrician?
By registering you with the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme as a trainee during step one, Options Skills provide you with the opportunity to earn while you're working towards your Gold Card.
During the time in which you’re working on-site to gain experience, Options Skills will be available for help and assistance, with drop-in sessions and Skype and email support also available.
When you’re ready, having done sufficient work experience, Options Skills will put you forward for your AM2 assessment. Passing this allows you to apply for your gold card – and it with this that you can be awarded the title of installation electrician.
The first part of your knowledge units will be undertaken in one of the Options Skills training centres in either Birmingham, London or Manchester. The rest of the knowledge units will be undertaken in your own time during step two of the course.
For these units, you will need to collect evidence of yourself performing a range of electrical work, creating a portfolio. You will need to take photographs and produce write-ups about the work you have done.
An NVQ assessor will visit you on-site a minimum of twice during this time to check your progress and perform assessments.
Whether you have no experience in the trades industry, have already obtained tech certificates or have previously worked on-site as a labourer, we can help you gain your NVQ Level 3.

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