BECOME A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN | NVQ LEVEL 3
Staff with decades of industry experience deliver a three-step NVQ Electrical Training Course combining practical skills and theory knowledge, giving you the chance to become a qualified electrician. Options Skills provide you with the best platform from which to gain the qualifications, skills and knowledge you need, as well as the opportunity to earn while you train.
Please note; this is not the Domestic Installer Award that is also available at Options Skills.
Duration: 8 weeks
NVQ Electrical training is delivered in small groups at an Options Skills, fully equipped training centre. It will take 40 days on either a full or part-time basis. The NVQ Level 3 course will combine practical training and essential theory and assessments will take place throughout.
You will be required to pass an assessment and demonstrate understanding, skills and competence. This takes place through a series of Knowledge Units, i.e. exams that take place at the training centre and Performance Units that are undertaken in the workplace during Stage 2.
The course incorporates the new 18th Edition Wiring Regulations and DEI Qualifications - sometimes referred to as Part P. These qualifications allow you to register as a Competent Person when setting up your own business working on domestic electrical installations.
You will be registered with JIB/ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) as an Electrical Trainee. Receiving a JIB/ECS Card, you'll be able to seek employment as a trainee and earn while training for your NVQ.
NVQ Electrical training is delivered in small groups at an Options Skills, fully equipped training centre. It will take 40 days on either a full or part-time basis. The NVQ Level 3 course will combine practical training and essential theory and assessments will take place throughout.
You will be required to pass an assessment and demonstrate understanding, skills and competence. This takes place through a series of Knowledge Units, i.e. exams that take place at the training centre and Performance Units that are undertaken in the workplace during Stage 2.
The course incorporates the new 18th Edition Wiring Regulations and DEI Qualifications - sometimes referred to as Part P. These qualifications allow you to register as a Competent Person when setting up your own business working on domestic electrical installations.
You will be registered with JIB/ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) as an Electrical Trainee. Receiving a JIB/ECS Card, you'll be able to seek employment as a trainee and earn while training for your NVQ.
Duration: 1 - 3 years
The second stage of NVQ electrical training is portfolio building.
Your JIB/ECS Card is your passport to work in the industry whether you seek employment with an employer or agency, allowing you to collect evidence towards your NVQ Performance Units. (Performance units must be completed while in the workplace. This is a combination of practical work, evidence building for your portfolio and direct observation from an NVQ assessor).
Whilst working in the industry and building your portfolio, you will continue working on your knowledge, completing them in your own time and returning to the centre for assessments.
You will have access to an online Virtual Learning Environment, and your tutor and the electrical training team to help you to complete these tasks. Regular ‘drop-in’ sessions, email and Skype support are also available.
The amount of time taken to complete stage two isn't set by Options Skills but is entirely down to the student.
The second stage of NVQ electrical training is portfolio building.
Your JIB/ECS Card is your passport to work in the industry whether you seek employment with an employer or agency, allowing you to collect evidence towards your NVQ Performance Units. (Performance units must be completed while in the workplace. This is a combination of practical work, evidence building for your portfolio and direct observation from an NVQ assessor).
Whilst working in the industry and building your portfolio, you will continue working on your knowledge, completing them in your own time and returning to the centre for assessments.
You will have access to an online Virtual Learning Environment, and your tutor and the electrical training team to help you to complete these tasks. Regular ‘drop-in’ sessions, email and Skype support are also available.
The amount of time taken to complete stage two isn't set by Options Skills but is entirely down to the student.
Duration: 3 days
Following completion of your NVQ electrical training, Options Skills will refer you to undertake your AM2 (Achievement Measurement Test).
This is an independent assessment of your skills and knowledge which all trainees must undertake before they can gain Installation Electrician Status (Gold Card) with JIB/ECS.
The assessment is undertaken by an independent AM2 Centre.
Once all three steps of your training and assessment process are complete, you will be able to apply to JIB/ECS for your 'Gold Card'. You will be awarded the status of ‘Installation Electrician’.
‘Gold Cards’ are renewable every 3 years.
Following completion of your NVQ electrical training, Options Skills will refer you to undertake your AM2 (Achievement Measurement Test).
This is an independent assessment of your skills and knowledge which all trainees must undertake before they can gain Installation Electrician Status (Gold Card) with JIB/ECS.
The assessment is undertaken by an independent AM2 Centre.
Once all three steps of your training and assessment process are complete, you will be able to apply to JIB/ECS for your 'Gold Card'. You will be awarded the status of ‘Installation Electrician’.
‘Gold Cards’ are renewable every 3 years.
| 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:
|
| 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. |
| 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.
|
| 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 |
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.
- How Much Does The Course Cost?
- 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?
Prices for the NVQ Level 3 Electrical Training course start from £6,950*
Prompt payment only.
Prompt payment only.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Assigned
Tutor
Tutors provide support
throughout training.
Flexible Payment
Options Available
Spread the cost of
your training.
UK
Training Centres
We have centres in London
Manchester, & Birmingham.
Build Staff
In-house recruitment
services available to students.
Full Time or
Part Time Courses
Courses available on a
part-time or full-time basis.
Industry
Experience
Course delivered by staff
with decades of experience.
Nationwide Student
Job Opportunities
Major companies
looking for our students.
Drop In
Sessions
Available twice a week.
Skype & email support available.
Accredited
Training Centres
We own and operate
our own training centres.
Proven
Qualifications
Industry recognised
qualifications for our courses.
No Experience
Needed
No qualifications or
experience required.
No Age
Restrictions
Anyone 18 and over
can train with Options Skills.
FREE
Trials
Attend a workshop
before you make a decision.
Easy
To Reach
City centre locations.
Great public transport links.
Open Door
Policy
We actively encourage
people to see our facilities.
Personal
Development
A platform for progression
to continue to add to skills.
Country Wide and
International Students
People from all over the UK
& overseas train with Options Skills
Small
Class Sizes
Limited class sizes
for higher standard training.
On-Going
Support
Continued support
after you've qualified.
On-Going
Technical Support
Technical support & advice
for Options Skills Students.
Jargon Free
Terms and Conditions
Full written T&Cs with
customer satisfaction/complaints policy.
No
Hidden Extras
Upfront about costs,
no nasty surprises.