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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: 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.
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

Am/Pm Week 1 – Theory & Practical Workshop Training
Am Classroom
Pm Workshop		 Monday
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.
Introduction to different cable types and how to strip and terminates cables. Termination of twin & earth cable into different types of junction boxes.  
Am Classroom
Pm Workshop		 Tuesday 
Radial circuits, Ring Final circuits & Spurs. Circuit Protective Devices. Circuit Breakers. Residual Current Devices.
Installation of different types of electrical circuits including 1-way radial lighting circuits and ring final circuits for socket outlets.  
Am Classroom
Pm Workshop		 Wednesday
Health & Safety continued, RIDDOR, Manual Handling and Asbestos. Protection for Safety. Electrical Formula - Power, Voltage, Current and Resistance.
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.  
Am Classroom
Pm Workshop		 Thursday
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.
Installation of consumer units including circuit breakers, busbars and cables.  
Am Classroom    
Pm Classroom  		 Friday
Safe Isolation Procedure. Demonstration of different stages of the safe isolation procedure.
Installation of consumer units including circuit breakers, busbars and cables. Practice of safe isolation procedure.
Am/Pm Week 2 - Practical Workshop Training
Am Workshop
Pm Workshop    		 Monday
Installation of Domestic Electrical Installation in Workshop Bays. Consumer units. Ring Final Circuits. 2-way and intermediate lighting circuits.
Outside lighting. Smoke detectors. Radial circuits, including cookers, showers and immersion heaters.
Am Workshop
Pm Workshop    		 Tuesday
Installation of Domestic Electrical Installation in Workshop Bays. Consumer units. Ring Final Circuits. 2-way and intermediate lighting circuits.
Outside lighting. Smoke detectors. Radial circuits, including cookers, showers and immersion heaters.
Am Workshop
Pm Workshop    		 Wednesday
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.
Outside lighting. Smoke detectors. Radial circuits, including cookers, showers and immersion heaters.
Am Workshop
Pm Workshop    		 Thursday
Installation of Domestic Electrical Installation in Workshop Bays. Consumer units. Ring Final Circuits. 2-way and intermediate lighting circuits.
Outside lighting. Smoke detectors. Radial circuits, including cookers, showers and immersion heaters.
Am Workshop
Pm Workshop		 Friday
Introduction to inspection & testing in workshop bays: • Inspection • Dead Testing • Live Testing
Continuation of inspection & testing in workshop bays.
Am/Pm Week 4 – DEI Assessment
Am Classroom
Pm Assessment  		 Monday
DEI Presentation – Part 1. 1. Legislation & Standards. 2. Definitions. 3. Design Specification
DEI Written Paper 1 – Open book, 32 MC Questions.
Am Classroom
Pm Assessment  		 Tuesday
DEI Presentation – Part 2. 4. Special locations
DEI Written Paper 2 – Open book, 32 MC Questions.
Am Assessment
Pm Assessment    		 Wednesday
DEI Practical Assessments. Inspection & Testing, Fault Finding. Identification of electrical components and protective devices.
DEI Assignment Tasks in Logic Workbooks. Earthing Arrangements. Cable calculations and voltage drop.
Am Classroom
Pm Assessment    		 Thursday
DEI Presentation – Parts 3 & 4. 5. Mains Position. 6. Earthing & Bonding. 7. Inspection & Testing. 8. Lighting
DEI Written Paper 3 – Open book, 25 MC Questions. DEI Written Paper 4 – Open book, 32 MC Questions.
Am Classroom
Pm Assessment		 Friday
DEI Assignment Tasks in Logic Workbooks. SWA demonstration, practical and write up. Loft conversion electrical installation scenario.
DEI paperwork and resits.
Am/Pm Week 3 - 18th Edition Wiring Regulations
Am Classroom
Pm Classroom    		 Monday
Introduction to BS7671: 2018. Structure and Parts of the Wiring Regulations. Understanding of Parts 1, 2 & 3. End of module questions.
Understanding of Part 4. End of module questions.  
Am Classroom
Pm Classroom  		 Tuesday
Understanding of Parts 5 & 6. End of module questions.
Understanding of Part 7. End of module questions.  
Am Classroom
Pm Classroom		 Wednesday
Understanding of Appendices. End of module questions. Mock Exam 1 with review.
Mock Exam 2 with review.
Am Assessment
Pm Assessment    		 Thursday
18th Edition Online Assessment (60 MC questions – open book). Attempt number 1.
18th Edition Online Assessment Paper (60 MC questions – open book). Attempt number 2.
Am Assessment
Pm Assessment		 Friday
18th Edition Online Assessment resits.
18th Edition Online Assessment resits.  
Am/Pm Week 5 – NVQ Level 3 Theory & Practical Training/Assessment
Am Classroom
Pm Classroom		 Monday
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.
Workshop Task 1 – Steel conduit 90° bend/bubble set/cutting and threading.
Am Classroom
Pm Workshop  		 Tuesday
Health & Safety continued, PPE used in the electrical industry. First aid and emergency procedures.
Workshop Task 2 – PVC conduit terminating/90°bend/bubble set.
Am Classroom
Pm Workshop  		 Wednesday
Health & Safety continued, RIDDOR, Manual Handling and Asbestos.
Workshop Task 3 – Trunking cutting/filing/90°bend/joining.  
Am Classroom
Pm Workshop    		 Thursday
18th Edition Assessment Paper (30 MC questions – open book). Attempt number 1.
18th Edition Assessment Paper (30 MC questions – open book). Attempt number 2.
Am Assessment
Assessment
Pm Assessment		 Friday
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.
EAL Health & Safety practical assessments; • Ladders • Scaffold • Safe Isolation (completed on DEI) • Equipment defects      
Am/Pm Week 6 – NVQ Level 3 Theory & Practical Training/Assessmentt
Am Classroom
Pm Workshop 		Monday
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.
Workshop Task 5 – FP200 Cable termination.  
Am Classroom
Pm Workshop  		 Tuesday
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.
Workshop Task 6 – Single Cable Termination.
Am Classroom
Pm Workshop    		 Wednesday
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.
Workshop Task 7 – Data Cable Termination.      
Am Classroom
  Pm Workshop    		 Thursday
Revision Session: NETK3/05 Understand Terminations and Connections of Conductors. Assessment: NETK3/05 - 20 Question MC Exam closed book.
Workshop Task 8 – MICC Cable Termination.
Am Classroom
Pm Workshop    		 Friday
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.
Workshop Task 9 – SY Cable termination.  
Am/Pm Week 7 – NVQ Level 3 Theory & Practical Training/Assessment
Am Classroom
Pm Workshop    		 Monday
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.
Workshop Task 10 – SWA/Braided cables.
Am Classroom
Pm Assessment    		 Tuesday
Understand basic mechanics and the relationship between force, work, energy and power
EAL Practical Assessment 05D – Mini Trunking & Data Cable.
Am Classroom
Pm Assessment    		 Wednesday
Understand the relationship between resistance, resistivity, voltage, current and power.
EAL Practical Assessment 05A – MICC.
Am Assessment
Pm Assessment    		 Thursday
Thursday Practical Assessment for NETK3/05 – Terminations and connections of conductors. Including; • MICC • Mini trunking & Data cable • Earthing & Protective conductor • Composite Installation
Am Assessment
Pm Assessment		 Friday
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
Am Classroom
Pm Classroom    		 Monday
Understand the fundamental principles which underpin the relationship between magnetism and electricity.
Understand the fundamental principles which underpin the relationship between magnetism and electricity.  
Am Classroom
Pm Assessment  		 Tuesday
Understand the types, applications and limitations of electronic components in electrical systems and equipment.
Revision Session: NETK3/08 Electrical Scientific Principles and Technologies. Assessment: 40 Question MC Exam Closed book (LO 1-6)
Am Classroom
Pm Classroom    		 Wednesday
Introduction to Unit NETK3/04 Design & Installation Practices and Procedures (Project)
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.
Am Classroom
Pm Classroom		 Thursday
Introduction to on-site performance units and OneFile: Types of evidence to match criteria, Uploading evidence, On-site assessments
Tutorials and resits.
Am Classroom
Pm Classroom		 Friday
Tutorials and resits. Talk on Employers and mentors.
Tutorials and resits.
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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