What’s in the Experienced Worker Qualification?

There are five Level 3 Performance Units to be assessed before you can gain the Domestic Electrician Experienced Worker qualification (EAL Level 3 Electrotechnical in Dwellings Experienced Worker Qualification 610/2859/9):

  • Apply Design and Installation Practices including Termination and Connection of Conductors in Dwellings
  • Plan and Oversee Electrical Work Activities in Dwellings
  • Apply Health, Safety and Environmental Considerations in Dwellings
  • Apply Fault Diagnosis and Rectification in Dwellings
  • Inspect, Test, Report and Commission Electrical Systems in Dwellings

To pass these units, you must provide evidence from one or more sites where you are working to demonstrate you can fully meet the performance requirements of each unit.

Only performance evidence after you have registered on EWA can be counted towards the performance requirement. Previous work evidence can help demonstrate your eligibility for EWA but cannot be used as evidence towards the performance unit assessments.

You’ll be assessed via a range of methods and an assessor will need to observe you at work on at least one occasion during the evidence gathering process. At least one assessment must be carried out live and in person, with both the candidate and assessor physically present in the same location.

You will also need to complete awards in BS 7671:2018 and full Inspection and Testing covering Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection if you don’t already have these qualifications.

What ECS card am I eligible for throughout this process?

Once you are registered on the Domestic Electrician EWA programme you can apply for an ECS Experienced Worker card which is valid for 18 months.

The best way to apply for the ECS EWA card is to ask your training provider to apply for the card on your behalf. Alternatively, you can apply directly to the JIB yourself by making an application with your training documentation and existing underpinning knowledge certificates.

Once you successfully complete the AM2ED assessment, you can apply for an ECS Domestic Electrician Gold Card. You will still also need to hold a valid ECS Health, Safety & Environmental test as part of the application process. For more information please visit the ECS website.

Can an existing Inspection & Testing qualification count towards the EWA?

Yes – the full I&T qualification covering Initial Verification and Periodic Testing is a requirement of the Domestic EWA

If learners have an existing Inspection & Testing qualification, this may be used to meet the EWA requirements with no need to repeat.

The training provider should verify that skills and knowledge are up to date as part of their initial discussion and skills scan interview in order to credit the Electrical Inspection and Testing qualification against the EWA requirements.

Why is the Inspection & Testing qualification within the EWA?

The Inspection & Testing qualification is there because the EWA has been designed in parity with the Domestic Electrician apprenticeship, so those on either route are both qualifying to the same industry standard. If the apprenticeship content changes, the EWA will be updated in line with this.

Why is metal containment assessed within the Domestic EWA?

The core principle of any EWA is that it mirrors the performance units of the related apprenticeship standard. This ensures parity of occupational competence for apprentices and experienced workers.

Metal containment is part of the Domestic Electrician apprenticeship standard. Therefore it must be included within the EWA, and competence will be verified at the End Point Assessment. The employer group responsible for developing the apprenticeship standard asked for metal containment to be part of the apprenticeship due to the rapidly increasing prevalence of equipment such as inverters that require containment to support the cable installation. It was widely supported as a key skill of a Domestic Electrician in the apprenticeship consultations.

It is important that all performance evidence is genuine work and not de facto simulation. If potential candidates do not have sufficient experience and proficiency with metal containment this should be identified on the Skills Scan. Candidates should not be registered until they have addressed any experience / training gaps on the Skills Scan.