New ECS cards for electricians mate

[JimmyT]

Hi all, this is my first post and looking for some advice on re-entering the trade as an electricians mate. I’ve looked for a similar thread on here over the past few years but can’t find any so apologise if it’s been covered before!

I’m 32 years old and been working as an electricians mate for 3 years (mainly domestic). On this forum I commonly see aspiring electricians who have no or minimal experience but have passed 17th edition and a short installation course or even completed their 2365 levels 2 and 3. I’m the opposite of this with decent experience and good electricians I’ve worked with but no formal electrical qualifications

Ive never needed a CSCS or ECS card until now as all the job openings I’m suited to require ECS or at minimum CSCS. What puzzles me is the requirement on the ECS website that in order to apply for ECS labourer or trainee/apprenticeship cards I need to show evidence that I’m currently working in the industry or sponsored by my employer.

It seems like there is no way of getting an ECS card without having one already or being currently employed so I’m a bit flummoxed by it. Seems like a bit of a shutout for someone in my position who just wants to earn a living doing what they enjoy and wants to get better every day

It’s the type of work I would gladly do for free, I love it that much and huge respect to all you sparkies taking pride in what you do!

Looking for some advice on the best way to get back working in the industry and is CSCS enough in my case as a foot in the door. Thanks in advance

 

[JAWS]

To get an ECS card they need to see evidence you are working towards your JIB Gold and studying your level 2 and level 3 that will either be at college and working or just college.

 

[telectrix]

go for cscs if that is what you need to get on site. then consider the ecs card at a later date. JIB do have a mature candidate's entrance procedure where by experienced sparks without the paper qualifications can get graded.

 

[gazdkw82]

In all honesty I can only see the industry making more difficult for tradesman without any evidence of suitable training or qualifications.

Give in 20 years I doubt we will see any jobs that will accept a tradesman with no quals/papers.

Looking forward, it may be wise for you to enrol onto a recognised course and get some quals behind you.

 

[telectrix]

glad i'm coming out of it.....too much paperwork, too many hoops and associated drains on finance, hardly any of the old skills left, even plumbers call themselves "defined scope" electricians. not seen MICC for 20 years and can't even remember lead sheathed twin. woops, need to go up to the attic and re-tension the knob & tube.