Competency
There are two reasons for this post one is my rant on on Reddit the other day
https://www.reddit.com/r/Theecoukelelectrical/comments/1gpelb5/making_it_up_as_we_go_along/
and the second is as follow up to the interviews post
How do we test competency before we see our candidate at work especially with an on the tools skill Like electrics, the old answer used to be simple, I remember when I used to go to as interview for an electrical position the interview was at 0800, you were told to bring your tools,
First test if you didn’t bring tools you didn’t get the job.
Then you were given a set of instructions on part of a installation and put to work, if you completed the works in good time, to and acceptable standard and to BS7671 at the time this was 16th edition, you got the Job.
It must be said that at this time there no such thing as Part P of the building regulations which was not released until the 1st of January 2005 and updated in 2013. so back then you were assessed more on your skills and knowledge rather than what qualification you held. I.e you could be competent but not qualified to carry out the works.
I will not lie this form of interview process worked, you could be seen to be good or bad at your job from the very beginning and if you were no good at your Job you pretty much became un employable,
Then along came the ere of accessing electricians by qualification and a Rise in courses designed to fast track your entry into the electrical industry for example the 8 week course to reach a level 2 diploma previously 2330 and now 2365 meant as a beginners course and introduction to the electrical industry.
What I see from carrying out interviews for of candidates looking to enter the industry as electrician’s there qualifications stop here, making them a great candidate for working under a QS ( Quality supervisor) but not as the companies main electrician.
This made me wonder if so many candidates are entering the industry as electricians with this qualification has the course limitation ever been explained?.
for those wondering what the ideal candidate would be in terms of qualifications they would need to hold
City and Guilds 2365 level 2 and level 3 diploma
City and Guilds 2357 NVQ level 3 diploma
AM2 (Achievement measurement 2) Practical performance skill test
Be qualified to the latest regulations currently 18th edition Amendment 3 City and Guilds 2382
City and Guilds 2391
Information sourced from https://www.totalskills.co.uk/course/nvq-electrical-installation and https://www.napit.org.uk/schemes/electrical-assessment-specification.aspx
Some one holding the above qualifications and holding at least 2 years of practical experience in the industry is the ideal first candidate and if you find this candidate with an up to date CPD log and a JIB gold card you have indeed struck gold.
The above demonstrates a commitment to continued learning and a dedication to being a industry professional and in my opinion ticks 2 of the 3 boxes
Knowledge: Its is almost practically impossible to obtain the above without good knowledge of the electrical industry and the CPD log shows a commitment to expanding industry knowledge.
Qualified: Simply put, if you or your candidate holds the above qualifications you are a qualified electrician.
The third box, skill: How can we check if a candidate is skilled when in the field, this is the hardest part with out the use of the old school interview process I was subjected to, their is no real way to access how good some one is on the tools, so here is a suggestion.
Before the interview inform the candidate you would like to see some photos of their past works (If they are not willing to do this alarm bells should ring about how serious they are about joining you organisation).
In the interview allocate some time to view the photos and ask questions some questions could be:
What materials they used in the installation and why they selected these materials.
What was the installation process.
How long the installation took.
Get them to explain the process of testing the installation for the purposes of completing an electrical installation certificate (EIC).
This way you will be able to see first hand their workmanship and their knowledge around selection and erections of materials
Some confident answers here and the qualifications listed above give a good indications this is the candidate for.
Your first engineer should be your best engineer!
In the beginning of this post I gave beginner electricians a hard wrap, we all started some where and I know some beginners that would give most qualified electricians a run for their money, why competency they started in the industry as a labourer or electricians mate and paid attention.
These guys would make a great second or third engineer working under a qualified, knowledgeable and skilled electrician if you are the reading this and you are the qualified electrician, grab those with experience and starting out to become qualified they will become your greatest asset.
If you are a business owner your first engineer should be your best engineer, when growing an electrical contracting business, they will have the knowledge and experience you need to grow a successful business.
This article has been provided to give you some insight into finding the right competent electrician for you and to provide you with information of what a qualified electrician actual is, to help you avoid employing the wrong person for you.
And remember if you are unsure or need help choosing the right person for your business The E.C.O is here to help contact us today
