EAL prepares to launch new 17th Edition qualifications

The qualifications will help to ensure the industry is ready when the new standards come into play on 1 July 2008. From then on all commercial, domestic and industrial wiring installations must be designed to the specification laid out in BS7671:2008.

The finished package will add four new qualifications to the range of products developed by EAL for the building services sector. The 17th Edition Update VRQ will deal with changes to the existing set of standards while the 17th Edition Full VRQ provides the necessary training for those returning to the trade and covers every aspect of the new regulations in full.

For new entrants and those undertaking an apprenticeship, the Electrotechnical Services Level 3 VRQ is a complete VRQ that also takes the 17th Edition into account and meets the Joint Industry Board’s requirements for Electrician grading. The Testing & Inspection VRQ provides qualified electricians with a route to achieving the extra requirements of the Approved Electrician grading.

The content has been developed through close consultation with SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council, along with key organisations such as the ECA and NICEIC. The Joint Industry Board has been kept fully informed throughout the development process and is expected to recognise the new qualifications as soon as they are officially accredited. Sample materials will be available from September/October and EAL will be welcoming new centre approvals as early as October 2007.