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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: 6 weeks

NVQ Electrical training is delivered in small groups at an Options Skills, fully equipped training centre. It will take 30 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.
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.
NVQ Electrician Wiring
NVQ Electrical Training
NVQ Electrical Training Course

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.

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.

Up to 31st December 2020 Regulated qualifications and UKAS Accredited certificates of competence issued in the UK were widely recognised by other EU member states. However since the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, individual member states that previously recognised a UK qualification may now no longer do so. Learners undertaking qualifications on the basis that it is recognised by an EU member state should in the first instance make enquiries with the relevant bodies in that Country to confirm its recognition status.

Prices for the NVQ Level 3 Electrical Training course start from £7,500*

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?
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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