17th Edition - Demand for updated skills
For the electrical industry, 2008 has already brought the need for training and 
development into sharp focus. The January publication of the 17th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations (BS7671: 2008) has impacted on electricians across the UK and created a new demand for specialist qualifications to update their skills
The 2008 regulations are the most significant overhaul of safety standards in nearly twenty years, and the challenge for awarding bodies has been to develop flexible training options to cater for the industry. The revised 17th Edition has been adapted to fit in with European and international standards, and from 30 June 2008 electricians will have to ensure their installation work complies with the regulations.
The standards now permit the use of RCD-protected socket outlets in bathrooms up to 3 meters from the bath or shower. The principles and scope of BS7671: 20008 include new requirements for protection against voltage disturbances and electromagnetic emissions, and many definitions have undergone alterations. The requirements for protecting socket outlets have also changed, with new rules affecting domestic installations with cables buried up to a 50mm depth or enclosed in partition walls with metallic parts.
Industry demand
For companies like NG Bailey, one of the UK's leading providers of building services, mechanical, electrical and engineering solutions, planning ahead is an important part of adapting to the 17th Edition. As Mark Jones, craft apprenticeship training manager at NG Bailey, explains, "The changes will mean a big influx of people whose skills need updating. So that things run as smoothly as possible, it is imperative that training providers, colleges and those working in the industry equip themselves with the right knowledge up front."
EAL has responded quickly to this demand and developed a new range of 17th Edition qualifications to compliment its existing building services portfolio. As an awarding body, EAL awards 76% of vocational qualifications for the engineering and technology sectors, with a reputation for high quality materials and excellent customer service. Jones continues, "I know from NG Bailey's previous work with EAL that their vocational qualifications are of a very high standard, yet the simple documentation means that they are easily understood by the candidates."
The priority in developing the 17th Edition qualifications has been to match these high standards and ensure that the finished products are fit for purpose and hold industry recognition. Detailed consultations were held throughout the development process with SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for building services engineering, along with employers and industry bodies like the Joint Industry Board (JIB), NICEIC and the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), the UK's leading trade association for electrical installation.
Broad appeal
As the new regulations mean new ways of working with all types of electrical installation, the training options need to cater for everyone from new apprentices to qualified electricians and those returning to the trade. The EAL portfolio consists of both full and update diplomas for the 17th Edition, covering the regulations in full and the changes from the 16th Edition.
These are complemented by diplomas in Electrotechnical Services and Inspecting & Testing Electrotechnical Systems & Equipment. As Level 3 Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs), all four options are based on national occupation standards and balance academic knowledge with practical skills. According to EAL's electrical expert Kevin Sparrow, the new portfolio has something to offer for electricians at every level.
"The Electrotechnical Services diploma gives a broad overview of electrotechnical servicing, legislation and technical information. It also provides the opportunity to progress and gain practical experience that will make candidates more employable," Kevin explains.
Continued training and development is crucial to the industry, which relies on a pool of staff with nationally recognised qualifications. Individuals with an understanding of BS7671: 2008 and the relevant skills and competencies will also have a much easier route towards employment.
"The 17th Edition diplomas ensure that the candidate can establish the requirements of the regulations in terms of their own on-site working practice," Kevin continues. "The Inspecting & Testing Electrotechnical Systems & Equipment diploma gives the opportunity to study all aspects of testing single and three phase low voltage installations, including the use of instruments, and how to correctly complete documentation."
Flexible design
Mastering the new standards will help electricians to work safely, pitch for contracts with confidence and increase their earning potential. With many having to balance training with ongoing work commitments, it is important to provide a range of practical and flexible alternatives.
The guided learning hours of the 17th Edition portfolio have been determined through consultation with employers to ensure both the learner and deliverer have time to complete the training and assessments.
Tailored forms of assessment help to achieve the best results: for example, the Inspecting & Testing Electrotechnical Systems & Equipment diploma combines practical components and a written exam with form-filling to give a realistic feel. A further self-study, assessment-only option for the 17th Edition has been developed in conjunction with the ECA, catering for UK registered gold or platinum Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) cardholders.
The process has been informed throughout by those directly affected by the new regulations. EAL's Managing Director, Ann Watson, explains: "Employers and contractors wanted external assessments which can be carried out through multiple choice question papers online or in a written format. 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 in place."
With the full range of 17th Edition qualifications now available for registration, the electrical industry is well on the way to updating its skills and tackling the revised safety standards.
Leading training centres like Clarkson Evans have already experienced a demand following the publication of the BS7671: 2008. As Gerald Crittle, Training Director of Clarkson Evans, reports, "We have very close links with industry, and the feedback from customers indicates they are thrilled to be given a choice of high quality training options to increase the skills of their workforce."
For further details on EAL and the full range of qualifications for BS7671: 2008, please visit www.eal.org.uk
Share this article with others
Post to del.icio.us
Printed from http://www.electricalreview.co.uk/features/117890/17th_Edition_-_Demand_for_updated_skills.html
Comment on this article
Skip to comments
We encourage users to analyse, comment on and even challenge Electrical Review's articles, including the one above - '17th Edition - Demand for updated skills'
User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site.
Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site.