The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP)'s Rogue Trainers campaign warns people against unscrupulous training providers. Its chair, Ruth Devine, explains how to spot them.
Debbie Shields | Communications Manager
Rogue trainers offer packages that look attractive to the untrained eye but leave learners paying thousands of pounds for qualifications that aren't required for qualified electrician status and don't give them the full range of skills they need.
Since the launch of our Rogue Trainers campaign, we've been contacted frequently by people who believed they were training to become a qualified electrician, but sadly found that wasn't the case.
The recent demise of training provider Options Skills has been a wake-up call to the industry, as around 1,500 learners have been left in the lurch after paying thousands of pounds for packages of training courses that promised a fast-track route to qualified status.
It's really important that all aspiring electricians know the correct training routes - and what to avoid. If you have friends or colleagues looking to become qualified but don't know where to start, please share this advice with them.
Our Rogue Trainers video campaign warns against certain training packages and has advice on the qualifications commonly found in these 'bundles' and what they actually provide. Check out the Rogue Trainers website for recognised training routes.
Fakes will be spotted
We're all too aware that fake Qualifications and certificates are being sold over social media to make fraudulent NICEIC or ECS card applications. While we can't as an industry stop these counterfeits, robust measures are in place to verify certificates and identify fakes. Anyone tempted down this route will be wasting their money and risks action being taken. If NICEIC finds that a fake certificate or qualification has been submitted, it will make the principal duty holder aware and may cancel the application.
The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP)
TESP is a not-for-profit 'community interest company' that works on skillls projects to benefit the electrotechnical industry. Its core members are the Electrical Contractors' Association, the Joint Industry Board, National Electrotechnical Training, Unite the Union and SELECT. Certsure works closely with TESP on projects such as the Experienced Worker assessment and the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification Qualifications Guide.
TESP provides resources and guidance, including the Electrical Careers website, the Industry into Education campaign and industry approved training.
Since the launch of our Rogue Trainers campaign, we've been contacted frequently by people who believed they were training to become a qualified electrician, but sadly found that wasn't the case.
The recent demise of training provider Options Skills has been a wake-up call to the industry, as around 1,500 learners have been left in the lurch after paying thousands of pounds for packages of training courses that promised a fast-track route to qualified status.
It's really important that all aspiring electricians know the correct training routes - and what to avoid. If you have friends or colleagues looking to become qualified but don't know where to start, please share this advice with them.
- Take one course at a time. We strongly advise against paying out for expensive training packages that tie you in and contain unnecessary courses or qualifications. If you're considering a package, check carefully what's included. Many contain courses that aren't essential, or are unsuitable for new entrants and aren't required for NICEIC or Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card applications. Don't be taken in by terms such as 'professional electrician' or 'full scope electrician'. These aren't official terms and most of these packages contain a mix of knowledge qualifications and other courses that are best taken only once you've qualified.
- Work-based training is essential. The classroom-based qualifications you'll gain at a college or other training provider can be a good foundation, but on their own they don't mean you're a qualified electrician. You can't qualify without working in the industry.
- Avoid hard sells. Most providers want to do the right thing and will happily answer questions. Be wary if you're being pressurised to commit to anything without having time to reflect or check out any claims, especially if you're being asked to enter into a financial agreement. Reputable providers will have detailed information on their websites, including prices.
Our Rogue Trainers video campaign warns against certain training packages and has advice on the qualifications commonly found in these 'bundles' and what they actually provide. Check out the Rogue Trainers website for recognised training routes.
Fakes will be spotted
We're all too aware that fake Qualifications and certificates are being sold over social media to make fraudulent NICEIC or ECS card applications. While we can't as an industry stop these counterfeits, robust measures are in place to verify certificates and identify fakes. Anyone tempted down this route will be wasting their money and risks action being taken. If NICEIC finds that a fake certificate or qualification has been submitted, it will make the principal duty holder aware and may cancel the application.
The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP)
TESP is a not-for-profit 'community interest company' that works on skillls projects to benefit the electrotechnical industry. Its core members are the Electrical Contractors' Association, the Joint Industry Board, National Electrotechnical Training, Unite the Union and SELECT. Certsure works closely with TESP on projects such as the Experienced Worker assessment and the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification Qualifications Guide.
TESP provides resources and guidance, including the Electrical Careers website, the Industry into Education campaign and industry approved training.
