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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

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 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.
SWA demonstration & write up.
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 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 Introduction to inspection & testing in workshop bays:
  • Inspection
  • Dead Testing
  • Live Testing
PM Workshop Continuation of inspection & testing in workshop bays.
  Friday
AM Workshop DEI Packs write up prep
PM Workshop DEI Packs
AM/PM Week 3 - DEI Assessment
  Monday
AM Classroom DEI Presentation – Part 1
1. Legislation & Standards
2. Definitions
3. Design Specification
DEI Paper 1 – Open book, 32 MC Questions.
PM Paperwork DEI Paperwork
  Tuesday
AM Classroom DEI Presentation – Part 2
4. Special locations
DEI Paper 2 – Open book, 32 MC Questions.
PM Paperwork DEI Paperwork
  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 Classroom DEI Presentation – Parts 3 & 4
5. Mains Position
6. Earthing & Bonding
7. Inspection & Testing
8. Lighting
DEI Paper 3 – Open book, 25 MC Questions.
DEI Paper 4 – Open book, 32 MC Questions.
PM Paperwork DEI Paperwork
  Friday
AM Classroom DEI Assignment Tasks in Logic Workbooks.
Extension scenario
PM Paperwork DEI Paperwork & 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
End of module questions.
PM Classroom Understanding of Part 3
End of module questions.
  Tuesday
AM Classroom Understanding of Part 4
End of module questions.
PM Classroom Understanding of Parts 4 & 5
End of module questions.
  Wednesday
AM Classroom Understanding of Part 5
End of module questions.
PM Classroom Understanding of Part 6
End of module questions.
  Thursday
AM Classroom Understanding of Part 7
End of module questions.
PM Classroom Understanding of Part 7 & Appendices
End of module questions.
  Friday
AM Assessment 18th Edition Online Assessment.
  18th Edition/DEI 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 applications to the Electrical Industry. Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 their 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 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 Outside Ladder safety.
Transport ladder to site, check ladder, check site, make area safe, erect ladder.
PM Outside Complete risk assessment.
Scaffold, Check components, secure build site, erect scaffold, (each candidate with peer assistance)
  Thursday
AM Classroom Understand the requirements for identifying and dealing with hazards in the work environment.
PM Classroom Revision on multi choice questions
Questions 1-52 EAL blue book page 81
  Friday
AM Classroom/Assessment Mark homework questions as a class
Mock 3001 exam
PM Assessment Any extra revision as required
3001 exam proper
AM/PM Week 6 - NVQ Level 3 Theory & Practical Training/Assessment
  Monday
AM Classroom Understand the regulatory requirements and procedures for installing environmental and renewable energy systems.
PM Classroom Outcome 1 - outcome 2. Power points, class discussion, end of unit questions.
  Tuesday
AM Classroom Renewable energy systems outcome 3 Wind, Hydro, micro hydro, heat pumps, CHP, grey water recycle, rainwater harvesting. Power points, class discussion, end of unit questions.
PM Mock 3002 and revision if required.
3002 M/C questions in book for homework.
  Wednesday
AM Classroom Go through homework questions
3002 exam proper
PM 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.
  Thursday
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.
Short practical exercise in termination of cat 5 and crimp connections.
PM Workshop End of session questions answer and discuss as a class
Mock if time allows
  Friday
AM Classroom Mock if not done
Revision Session: NETK3/05 Understand Terminations and Connections of Conductors.
PM Assessment Assessment:NETK3/05 - 20 Question MC Exam closed book.
AM/PM Week 7 - NVQ Level 3 Theory & Practical Training/Assessment
  Monday
AM Workshop Steel conduit, measure, fabricate 90⁰ 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 Finish off any containment tasks.
Install 6x wiring circuits to EAL spec using different types of wiring systems (7.5hr timed assessment) for the rest of the day
  Wednesday
AM Workshop Finish off practical wiring excercise
Testing demonstrations then student to test verify and record readings
List all components used dismantle rigs and dispose of waste in appropriate receptacles
PM Assessment Protective bonding assessment install in correct manner to Gas and Water pipes
  Thursday
AM/PM Assessment

Practical demonstration of MICC cable terminate, test for integrity, test for core continuity.
Install lighting circuit as per EAL spec using MICC 2L 1.5 cable incorporating one switch and one light, dressing setting and clipping to an acceptable standard.
Test and energise, isolate and dismantle
  Friday
AM/PM Assessment Safe isolation and equipment safety assessments.
List all components used in bonding assessment.
Answer questions for bonding assessment.
Complete drawing for bonding assessment.
List all components used in mineral insulated cable (pyro) assessment.
Complete drawing for 2 way lighting circuit.
Restore workshop to normal state.
AM/PM Week 8 - NVQ Level 3 Theory & Practical Training/Assessment
  Monday
AM Classroom Explain the fundamental principles which underpin the relationship between magnetism and electricity such as in generation. Explain the differences of heating effects of ac and dc voltages and currents. Average and RMS values, sine waves.
PM Classroom Generation and distribution of electricity supply systems, earthing and bonding, adiabatic equation, calculation of Zs using regs data sizing of cpc.
Isolation and switching and consequences of not isolating
  Tuesday
AM Classroom Job Club
Protection against overcurrent
Rcds selection and discrimination of, bullrush diagrams
PM Classroom App A OSG max demand and diversity inc assessor set questions and scenarios.
App B OSG max permissible earth fault loop impedance and differing values as per protective device and disconnection times
  Wednesday
AM Classroom App C OSG use of cables for particular installation and external influences.
App D OSG Methods of support for cable conductors and wiring systems
App E OSG cable capacity of conduit and trunking and assessor devised questions and scenarios
PM Classroom App F OSG current carrying capacities and voltage drop for copper conductors incorporating all correction factors (temp, groups, insulation, fusing factors, buried in ground etc) differing current carrying capacity affected by install method
  Thursday
AM Classroom Introduction to on-site performance units and Ecordia.
  • Types of evidence to match criteria
  • Uploading evidence
  • On-site assessments
PM Classroom App H OSG standard circuit arrangements (classifications of)
App I OSG resistance of copper and aluminium conductors
App L OSG IP ratings
  Friday
AM/PM Classroom

Talk on ESQCR regs, Talk on USP power supplies
Mock 3004a
Revision as required
3004a Proper

Talk on Employers and mentors.
Remaining knowledge units and tutor support.
Tutorials and resits

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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