ECA backs new vocational qualifications

The ECA’s education and training division has joined forces with EAL in a bid to ensure that ECA members have the right skills and qualifications in place to meet the requirements of the new Wiring Regulations before they come into force on 1 July 2008.

At the request of employers, as well as those working in the training and education sector, the 17th Edition update and full qualifications are due to incorporate external assessments, which can be carried out through multiple choice question papers online or in a written format.

EAL has provided a specially tailored training option for ECA members who are looking to adopt the new standard. This features a self study assessment only option, which has been designed especially for UK registered gold or platinum Electrotechnical Certification Scheme card holders within the industry.

EAL’s managing director, Ann Watson, said: “This is the most significant overhaul of the Wiring Regulations in nearly 20 years and so people need to equip themselves with the right skills. Luckily, everyone from local employers through to national multi-service organisations can now tap into joint support from EAL and ECA.” She added: “The new qualifications are flexible, competitively priced, offer great value for money and follow a simple assessment process – which is exactly what people have been asking for.”

Although it is several months before the new regulations will come into force, ECA training courses and assessment are already scheduled to start running nationwide from January 2008.

ECA Group chief executive officer, David Pollock, said: “EAL has proved consistently responsive and willing to understand the business environment in which ECA members operate. Their flexibility and customer focus sets a model for the industry.”