Joint domestic installer qualification launched

As the introduction of Part P finally brings the Building Regulations up to speed in terms of electrical installations, the ECA and NICEIC have acted jointly to ensure that the industry is ready to take on the new challenge.

A new vocationally-related qualification (VRQ), the EAL Level 2 Certificate for Domestic Electrical Installers, has been developed jointly by the two organisations, working with EMTA Awards (EAL), a leading awards body for National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (NVQ/SVQs). The qualification will focus on the essential competencies required for compliance with Part P, giving trainees a clear understanding of the Building Regulations and BS 7671. The certificate will include a unit on applicable Building Regulations linked to Part P, to give trainees a rounded understanding of the environment in which they are working.

Iain Macdonald, head of education and training at the ECA, said: “The qualification is suitable for electrical installers, with or without formal qualifications, and can be taken in its entirety or in separate modules. Those already proficient in the competencies can go straight to the final assessment for each module to achieve the VRQ and gain the full certificate.”

Phil Buckle, business development director at the NICEIC said: “The emphasis of the domestic electrical installer qualification is on understanding regulations, standards and terminology, as well as having the ability to identify unsafe electrical situations and perform electrical test procedures.”

The EAL Level 2 Certificate for Domestic Electrical Installers will be nationally recognised and may be eligible for government funding. It will be available from September 2004 at EAL centres across the UK. For further information call EAL customer services on 0870 240 6889.