I am writing to express my feelings regarding my application for enrolment with the JIB.

I have not registered before as I have been running my own contracting business and I never felt the need to.

My new employer runs a system which, quite rightly, keeps track of any training its employees have undertaken. Because of this I applied for registration. I was shocked to read that the JIB would require me to enrol in an NVQ Level 3 to receive a permanent grading.

I have run my own business for ten years, which involved me designing and carrying out contracts up to £250 000 with up to 12 employees. I have taken City & Guilds 15th and 16th edition update courses as well the 2400 design & verification course.

I have spoken to JIB’s external verifier, CTD Quickstep, and it explained that I will have to take pictures and detail my work over the next six months and get this work signed off by somebody who is quite possibly just out of short trousers but will be a more competent engineer than me because he holds a piece of plastic saying so.

I’m sorry, but if this is the way I must be treated to obtain industry approval, then I will have to stay a Labourer. After all my labourer status has provided me with a fantastic salary, five weeks holiday, a company car, BUPA and the status as contracts manager with a great company which took me on to expand their major electrical contracts.

Carl Fernandes, Roberts & Prowse, Swindon

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor

Postscript

Carl wins this month’s drinks vouchers.