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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.

As an experienced operative that holds older, recognised electrical qualifications, you may be suitable for the JIB Mature Candidate Assessment route.

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.
As a time served and part qualified electrician, you can significantly reduce your training time and continue working whilst working towards your NVQ Level 3 Qualification.

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.
NVQ Electrician Wiring
NVQ Electrical Training
NVQ Electrical Training Course

Interested In Accelerated Electrical Training?

NVQ Electrical Training Course Syllabus

Week 1 - Theory and 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

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 Workshop

Installation of consumer units including circuit breakers, busbars, and cables.
Practice of safe isolation procedure.
Trainees will also be registered for 18th Edition and receive log in details for 18th Edition Home Study during week 1. Candidates will be able to take 18th Edition assessment when they finish home study and are ready to take the invigilated exam.

The course syllabus is intended as a guide. Timings and delivery of course content is subject to change at the discretion of the Electrical Training Manager & Individual course tutors.

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 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 and immersion heaters.
Wednesday
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 and immersion heaters.
Thursday
AM Workshop

Introduction to inspection & testing in workshop bays:
• Inspection
• Dead Testing
• Live Testing
PM Workshop

Continuation of inspection & testing in workshop bays.
Friday
AM Workshop

SWA cable termination and write ups
PM Workshop

Extra testing practice and tuition (if required)

The course syllabus is intended as a guide. Timings and delivery of course content is subject to change at the discretion of the Electrical Training Manager & Individual course tutors.

Week 3 - DEI Assessment
Monday
AM Classroom

DEI Presentation – Part 1

1. Legislation & Standards
2. Definitions
PM Classroom

3. Design Specification
4. Special locations
Tuesday
AM Classroom

DEI Presentation – Part 2
5. Mains Position
6. Earthing & Bonding
7. Inspection & Testing
8. Lighting
PM Exam

DEI Online exam – Open book, 40 MC Questions. (75% pass rate)
Wednesday
AM Classroom

DEI Practical Assessments.
Inspection & Testing, Fault Finding.
Identification of electrical components and protective devices.
PM Paperwork

DEI Assignment Tasks in Logic Workbooks.
Earthing Arrangements. Cable calculations and voltage drop.

Thursday
AM/PM Paperwork

DEI Paperwork
Friday
AM Classroom

DEI Assignment Tasks in Logic Workbooks.
Extension scenario
PM Paperwork

DEI Paperwork & Resits

The course syllabus is intended as a guide. Timings and delivery of course content is subject to change at the discretion of the Electrical Training Manager & Individual course tutors.

Week 4 - NVQ Level 3 Theory & Practical Training/Assessment
Monday
AM Classroom

Introduction to the Electrical Course (NVQ 3 Diploma Units).
Theory on knowledge unit 001 (for ECS Card).
Understand Health & Safety and applications to the Electrical Industry.
Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 place in law and duties of employers and employees under the act.
PM Workshop

Statutory regulations also applicable to working on site.
First Aid and accident and emergency reporting and procedures.
Tuesday
AM Classroom

Theory on knowledge unit 001 (for ECS Card).
Health & Safety continued; PPE used in the electrical industry.
Electric shock (effects actions)
PM Workshop

Risk assessment method statements.
Revision session on items covered (peer marked)
Wednesday
AM

Knowledge unit 001 practical assessments
Ladder safety.
Building a Mobile Tower.
Visual Inspection of Drill.
Safe Isolation procedure.  

PM

EAL Online mock exam 001.
Thursday
AM Classroom

EAL Online actual exam 001 (for ECS Card) (35Q) Pass rate 60%
PM Workshop

Practical Workshop
Measuring and terminating SWA cable, SY cable and FP cable
Friday
AM Classroom

Practical Workshop
Measuring and bending steel conduit
PM Assessment

Measuring and cutting steel trunking

The course syllabus is intended as a guide. Timings and delivery of course content is subject to change at the discretion of the Electrical Training Manager & Individual course tutors.

Week 5 - NVQ Level 3 Theory & Practical Training/Assessment
Monday
AM Workshop

Steel conduit, measure, fabricate 90° bend using different reference points, cut, thread, and install.
Measure, cut, drill for components 50x50mm Steel trunking and install as per model bay
PM Workshop

Fabricate PVC conduit incorporating a bubble set to given dimensions and install
Fabricate steel cable tray to be spaced off the wall, gland and terminate a SWA cable between two fixed points and secure to tray
Tuesday
AM/PM Workshop

Install 5x wiring circuits to EAL assessment criteria using different types of wiring including
SWA, SY cable, single core, FP cable and Twin and Earth.
Complete sequence of dead tests.

Wednesday
AM Classroom

Practical demonstration of MICC cable termination, test for integrity, test for core continuity.
Termination and testing of Mineral Insulated cable
PM Assessment

Protective bonding assessment install of Gas and Water pipes
Thursday
AM/PM Assessment

Complete 005 practical EAL paperwork.
NVQ portfolio discussion/tutorial. How to build a NVQ portfolio and collate evidence. 

Friday
AM/PM Assessment

Resits (as necessary)

The course syllabus is intended as a guide. Timings and delivery of course content is subject to change at the discretion of the Electrical Training Manager & Individual course tutors.

Week 6 - NVQ Level 3 Theory & Practical Training/Assessment
Monday
AM Classroom

Steel conduit, measure, fabricate 90° bend using different reference points, cut, thread, and install.
Measure, cut, drill for components 50x50mm Steel trunking and install as per model bay.
PM Workshop

Fabricate PVC conduit incorporating a bubble set to given dimensions and install.
Fabricate steel cable tray to be spaced off the wall, gland and terminate a SWA cable between two fixed points and secure to tray.
Tuesday
AM Classroom

Practical demonstration of MICC cable termination, test for integrity, test for core continuity.
Termination and testing of Mineral Insulated cable.
PM Workshop

Protective bonding assessment install of Gas and Water pipes.
Wednesday
AM/PM Assessment

Complete 005 practical EAL paperwork.

NVQ portfolio discussion/tutorial. How to build a NVQ portfolio and collate evidence. 

Thursday
AM Classroom

Complete 005 practical EAL paperwork.
NVQ portfolio discussion/tutorial. How to build a NVQ portfolio and collate evidence. 

Friday
AM/PM Assessment

Resits (as necessary)

The course syllabus is intended as a guide. Timings and delivery of course content is subject to change at the discretion of the Electrical Training Manager & Individual course tutors.

Please note: This course syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the Electrical Training Manager and the individual course tutors. Class sizes could also affect timings.

The UK electrical contractors market is reputedly worth around £18.2bn a year (source: AMA Research). However, it is highly fragmented and comprises mostly of independent contractors and sole traders.

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?
Options Skills offer a great service, providing you with the best opportunity to start your new career as a qualified installation electrician - and we will continue to offer ongoing support even after you’ve qualified. Throughout the course, you'll have a dedicated student liaison manager ensuring everything is going smoothly, from your centre-led training to the on-site work experience.

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.
Knowledge units make up stage one of the NVQ Level 3 course. They involve learning essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills, covering health & safety, installation and wiring and connecting conductors, etc.

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.
Performance units take place on-site, where you will be working as a supervised, paid trainee.

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.
We know that those looking to do gain their NVQ Level 3 will range from complete beginners to those with experience in the electrical industry. Because of this, we can offer various options depending on your experience level.

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.
If you fail any of your exams, we do offer students the opportunity to resit them. Options Skills will provide students with extra training or support if necessary, free of charge to help prepare you for your re-examination.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide those who fail their exams with a refund. We do, however, offer the chance for students to retake their exams and we can provide extra training and support necessary.
Options Skills are in no way able to guarantee any student will pass the exam. However, we do provide our students with expert training and that, combined with their hard work and dedication will give you the best opportunity to pass the exam.
While we will provide students with excellent training - both practical and theoretical – we will not teach you how to pass the exam. Passing any exams or assignments is dependent on your level of knowledge, dedication and hard work.

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