Vocationally Related Qualifications specifically for BS7671:2008 
(15/02/2008)
For those who work or train in the electrical and building services industries, 2008 is set to bring more than party poppers and a handful of New Year resolutions. The new IEE wiring regulations, which were unveiled in January, mark the most significant overhaul of the electrical safety system in nearly twenty years.
The ‘17th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations (BS7671:2008)’ include changes to everything from drawings for electrical installations, through to general use sockets, mobile equipment and bathroom circuits.
This means that those connected to the sector, including contractors, employers and the organisations responsible for their education and training, will have just six months to get their house in order before the new standards take effect from 1st July 2008.
To help address the need for the new skills, EAL has officially launched a series of Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs), which specifically support BS7671:2008.
Their development follows months of research and consultation with individuals and organisations such as NICEIC, JIB and the ECA.
EAL point sout that they have developed suitable qualifications for all levels of existing experience, so that qualified electricians, those returning to the trade and new apprentices who are looking to enter the profession, will be job ready.
The new qualifications at a glance:
- Level 3 Diploma in Requirements for Electrical Installations (BS7671: January 2008) Update VRQ: A simple way for those with experience to add extra units to bring their skills and knowledge up to date
- Level 3 Diploma in Requirements for Electrical Installations (BS7671: January 2008) VRQ: Training for those returning to the trade, which covers every aspect of the new regulations in full
- The Electrotechnical Services Level 3 VRQ: A complete VRQ aimed at new entrants and those undertaking an apprenticeship. This also meets the Joint Industry Board’s requirements for Electrician Grading.
- The Testing & Inspection VRQ: Suitable for qualified electricians, this option provides a route to achieving the extra requirements of the Advanced Electrician Grading
EAL’s Managing Director, Ann Watson, explains: “We already have a first class reputation based on our existing qualifications and our levels of customer service. We’ve gone to great lengths to find out what we could do to support those in the industry and to help make sure that they will have the right skills and qualifications in place.
“The result is a series of vocationally related qualifications which are flexible and follow a simple assessment process. For example, employers and contractors and those working in the training and education sector wanted external assessments which can be carried out through multiple choice question papers online or in a written format.
“We’re also providing a specially tailored training option in conjunction with the ECA, which features a self-study assessment-only option for UK registered gold or platinum Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) cardholders.”
Guidance on delivering the new suite of 17th Edition qualifications is now available from the EAl website including details of prerequisites, qualification design and content, and methods of assessment.
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