What are your plans for 2017? For any contractor looking to stay ahead of the competition, keeping up to date with the latest training requirements is imperative. But how do you choose the best course for you? NICEIC explains the options
Training provides individuals with a chance to refresh their knowledge, learn new techniques and stay up to date with the latest industry thinking.
In the electrical contracting sector, which is constantly evolving and incorporating new regulations, additional training is particularly necessary.
But what sort of training should you be getting and what training is best suited to your business?
Electrical training courses
The Electricity at Work Regulations (1989) make it a requirement that all persons involved in carrying out electrical work (at whatever level) must be sufficiently competent to do that particular type of work.
This means they must possess a certain level of knowledge or experience or are at least suitably supervised by a person with the right level of knowledge or experience.
Therefore, choosing the appropriate training is dependent on the type of contractor you are – based on the skills, knowledge and experience you hold.
There are a number of different levels of qualifications that may be suitable and range from a certificate from an awarding body through to a certificate of attendance.
The apprenticeship route generally follows the awarding body guidelines and providing a successful outcome culminates in the individual obtaining a certificate from an awarding body.
However, those who are already qualified, but require additional training for specific tasks, may prefer to update their skills and knowledge with further training. This could be in the form of an awarding body qualification (EAL or City & Guilds Scotland) or one that is CPD accredited. Both of these should be matched against ‘occupational standards’ and provide the framework with which a course or qualification is developed.
Alternatively, some contractors may want to learn new skills that will allow them to diversify their business into new areas such as fire alarms, data cabling or security.
Here, with the help of NICEIC, we take a look at some of the most popular and essential courses:
17th Edition
The 17th Edition should be a basic requirement for anyone actively working in the electrotechnical industry. The course provides attendees with a knowledge and better understanding of how
to apply the requirements of BS 7671 to electrical installations. This course is aimed at the individual who has been working in the electrical industry for some time but has not obtained any formal qualification. Attendees should have a basic knowledge and understanding of electrical science and the principles of electrical installation work.
3rd Amendment
Published in January 2015, the Third Amendment was the latest update to the 17th Edition IET Wiring regulations. It introduced several major changes to the regulations that all contractors should be now aware of.
Periodic Inspection & Testing
This is for anyone looking to complete an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Although there are no formal entry requirements to attend, the qualification is ideally for an experienced contractor looking to gain an understanding of the procedures involved in carrying out an EICR. With private sector landlords in Scotland now duty bound to carry out an EICR on a property every five years (at least) this is particularly relevant to electricians in Scotland.
CDM Regulations 2015
The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations (CDM 2015) are the main set of regulations for managing the health, safety and welfare of construction projects.
Previously, CDM (Construction, Design and Management) requirements were more relevant to larger commercial or industrial projects. However, following changes to the regulations in 2015, they now apply to all building and construction work and includes new build, demolition, refurbishment, extensions, conversions, repair and maintenance. Contractors wanting to find out more about their obligations surrounding CDM can attend a one-day workshop or take a course online.
Data cabling
More and more properties are having data and network cabling installed to cater for the digital world. Many electricians are now being asked to install data networks, when installing the electrical installations, incorporating smart networks. Courses are available for both domestic and commercial installers.
Portable Appliance Testing
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an additional service contractors can offer customers in the commercial sector.
This course provides attendees with a qualification in PAT Testing of electrical equipment and includes the Learners Guide for Level 3 Award in In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (PAT).
Range of courses
All of the courses above, plus many more, are available from NICEIC.
They are developed in co-ordination with third party training partners such as EAL and City&Guilds and delivered by leading industry experts whose wealth of knowledge and experience ensures the training is clear, manageable and relevant.
Each course is specifically designed to help individuals develop their skills and broaden their knowledge base.
In recent years, NICEIC has expanded its range of courses to include training in renewables, electric vehicle charging and home automation – reflecting the changing nature of electrical contracting and providing firms or individuals with an opportunity to diversify their business into new areas. It has also developed the way it delivers its courses making it even easier for contractors to access training.
Learn in a classroom or online
More and more courses are now available online or as part of a blended option (classroom and online), which makes it easier for contractors to train alongside their day-to-day work commitments.
Online learning provides a practical solution to the demanding challenge of trying to fit training in around work. This innovative style of training allows users to gain the necessary qualifications at a time and pace that best suits them.
The learning is structured into short assessments with revision tests available online so the learner is fully prepared for the final assessment in the classroom. The pass rate stands at a staggering 95%, reflecting the quality and the success of the learning tools available.
Bespoke training
Ensuring all staff are fully trained and qualified can often be difficult, time consuming and costly – particularly for businesses with a large team of employees.
To help solve this problem, NICEIC has developed a number of specialist packages. Its bespoke training service means its team of experts can attend a place of work to deliver a training programme at a time and place to fit.
Over the past few years NICEIC has worked with a number of firms, both large and small, to provide training that suits a business’s specific needs.
The courses are tailored to fulfil the objectives set and the ability to deliver in-house means clients save on travel and accommodation costs.
For more information and to find your nearest training centre visit www.niceic.com