Electrotechnical - level 3 apprenticeship framework

About the framework

The framework specifies the standards and the criteria for the delivery of a level 3 apprenticeship framework to achieve qualified status within the electrotechnical industry.

Successful completion of the framework will lead to the award of a level 3 qualification showing recognition as a qualified person within the industry.   

Mandatory outcomes

Achievement of a level 3 apprenticeship in electrotechnical will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body. You must complete a combined competence and knowledge based qualification from one of the pathways provided.

Mandatory essential skills

The following essential skills are mandatory and are to be completed as part of the apprenticeship:

• information and communication technology (ICT) – level 2

However, any qualifications you already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.

Competency and knowledge qualifications

You need to complete both a competency-based and a knowledge-based qualification, chosen from the lists below.

Competence-based qualifications (one from the following):

• EAL Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification (601/7345/2)
• City &Guilds Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification (601/6299/5)

Knowledge-based qualification (one from the following):

• City & Guilds Level 3 Award in the Fundamental Principles and Requirements of Environmental Technology Systems (600/4282/5)
• EAL Level 3 Award in the Fundamental Principles and Requirements of Environmental Technology Systems (600/0665/1)

In addition, you must complete the AM2S (industry qualification).

Eligibility and entry requirements

You must be employed and have achieved a minimum of grade C in both GCSE maths and English or their equivalent, and be assessed by the training contractor and employer as having the aptitude and ability to successfully complete the apprenticeship.

Employment is at the discretion of the employer who may have specific expectations in terms of medical/physical requirements. In particular, it is recommended that you visit an optician for a colour blindness test, the result of which may determine your ability to do the job.

See also the Department for the Economy's apprenticeship guidelines and operational requirements.

Duration

Apprenticeship duration can vary and will be agreed between the apprentice, training contractor and employer.

Assessment

The quality assurance aspect of assessment is the responsibility of the awarding organisations – city and guilds and EAL.

In general, evidence of competence (skills) must come from the workplace or a realistic working environment (RWE) and may be gathered into a single portfolio in hard or soft copy. This portfolio will then be assessed by a qualified assessor and then subject to the QA systems of the awarding organisation.

Evidence of knowledge may be identified during the practical assignments and/ or through formal assessment by online, on-demand testing using multiple-choice questions (e-assessment).

The AM2S end test is a synoptic practical/ knowledge assessment. This single common assessment is externally set and marked by an independent body within an independent assessment structure.

The AM2S electrotechnical end point assessment is designed for those who wish to practise either as an installation electrician, or as a maintenance electrician.

It shows you have the level of competence expected by the industry in the following key occupational areas:

• risk assessments and health and safety
• safe isolation
• the interpretation of specifications, drawings and diagrams
• planning and preparing to install, terminate and connect identified wiring systems
• installing, terminating and connecting identified wiring systems
• inspection, testing and certification
• fault diagnosis and correction of electrical faults
• the understanding and application of industry recognised procedures, working practices and the requirements of statutory and non-statutory regulations

In line with the installation specification and the relevant statutory and non-statutory regulations, you'll be expected to install, terminate, connect, inspect, test and commission:

• a three-phase distribution board and sub-circuit
• a three-phase direct-on-line motor circuit
• single phase lighting and power circuits
• a central heating/sustainable energy system
• a safety services circuit and device
• a data-cabling system

The assessment is in five sections:

• section a - composite installation
• section b - inspection and testing of the completed composite installation
• section c - safe isolation
• section d - fault diagnosis and rectification
• section e - assessment of applied knowledge

Enhancements

You may need to satisfy the requirements of the electrotechnical certification scheme (ECS) or equivalent card scheme.

The ECS is the occupational card scheme for UK electrotechnical workers.

Whether you're a technically qualified manager or a trainee electrician, you'll need a valid ECS card which proves your competence to industry standards. You must hold a current ECS (or equivalent) card to get onto specific work sites and carry out electrical work.

You may, on successful completion of all Framework components, have generated enough work-based evidence to support an application for eng tech status with the engineering council.

Related knowledge

You must be given mandatory induction. Employee rights and responsibilities (ERR) must be covered and confirmation of completing ERR must be included with the request for the apprenticeship certificate.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the training contractor/ college to make sure that the requirements of this framework are delivered in line with DfE apprenticeship guidelines and operational requirements.

Further information

The content of this framework (framework no 342 and issue no 11: 8/20.) has been developed between the Department for the Economy and the Built Environment Sectoral Partnership (working with the Building Services  Engineering (BSE) Skills Limited).

For further information, contact:

• Department for the Economy - Apprenticeships Delivery and Performance Branch
• BSE Skills Ltd
• ECA