Can you apply for a ECS card if you have not studied the am2 course?

This Q & A is one of the thousands posted in our Technical Expertise area and answered on a daily basis by our Voltimum Experts.

Question:

I am the niceic QS for a large M&E contractor and I was shocked to find out I cannot apply for my gold card has I haven’t done my am2. My qualification are city & guilds 236 parts 1& 2 - 2391 - bs;7671 15th,16th,17th and 18th as you I have been in the game since 1986 and worked in all aspects of the electrical industry. Domestic, commercial , light and heavy industry. I have also mentored 10 apprentice over the years. I progressed into the office in the early 2000 as a project engineer and have worked for a couple of large m&e contracts since then. For me to get my gold card I now have to pay circa £2k and go back to college or apply for the white labourers card. I am Just wondering what the ECA’s thoughts are on the above especially with the skills shortage in the electrical industry
As a foot note Some of the work I find whilst carrying out my niceic role during my sites visits beggars belief and I do ask myself how did this person get a gold card.

The ECA’s comment would be appreciated

From a very competent electrician

Answer:

Gary Parker, ECA 

Thank you for your question, apologies for the delay but I have had to speak to some colleagues who are better informed on this than I am.

By way of background, the Construction Leadership Council are requiring all card schemes linked to CSCS (which includes ECS) to withdraw cards from those who cannot demonstrate that they hold the industry-recognised qualification for that occupation. The process for withdrawing such cards has to be in place by 2020. 

For ECS gold cards (including the QS card) this means withdrawing the card from anyone who does not hold the industry-recognised level 3 electrotechnical diploma qualification + AM2, or equivalent. 

Depending on which qualifications you do hold, it might be possible to argue that you possess something equivalent. Further details can be found at: https://www.ecscard.org.uk/how-to-apply/routes-to-gold-card

For experienced people such as yourself, the Mature Candidate Assessment (MCA) route provides an additional option. Since its establishment in 2014, over 2000 people have completed this route, and another 2000 are currently enrolled or on track to do so. Like everything, there is a cost to this, however it is worth contacting the MCA providers close to you to see if there are reduced fees available.