In the UK, ECS cards are designed to prove qualification status, main electrical occupation, identity, health and safety awareness, as well as any additional disciplines in which an operative is skilled to work.
A range of cards are available through the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) for the network infrastructure industry, previously referred to as datacomms. AFollowing a consultation and development process to introduce the new Cable Network Installer apprenticeship, work was undertaken to map across qualifications and raise standards in the sector.
The Network Infrastructure Installation Assistant ECS card is for people working in the network infrastructure industry in a supportive role to assist other qualified staff with the installation of cables and other work under supervision. City & Guilds has now mapped its qualification to this standard and this has been approved by the relevant industry committees that oversee the process.
To be eligible for the Network Infrastructure Installation Assistant card, applicants can either undertake an award in Communication Cabling (such as the City & Guilds 3666/3667); or the Network Infrastructure Awareness Assessment, and hold a recognised Level 1 Health and Safety qualification. A current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment or valid exemption is also required with all ECS applications.
Andy Reakes, ECS head of growth, commented: ‘This work by City & Guilds to map across their Communications Cabling and Networks qualification is a beneficial and necessary step for those in the sector. We are working with City & Guilds and other awarding organisations, employers and providers in the sector to promote better formal training and qualification development, including Level 3 awards, the Apprenticeship Standard, which is now in place, as well as a soon-to-be-launched Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) route.’
