The regulations and working practices affecting practising electricians can be divided into two main categories: first, the legal electrical safety framework that all electricians must abide by, and second, the industry guidelines that shape best practices in specific sectors.
Legal compliance is non-negotiable. Industry standards, on the other hand, are voluntary codes of practice established by professional associations and approved by nationally recognised bodies.
Both considerations are important for developing your career as an electrician and ensuring safe and high-quality installations, as well as the highest levels of customer satisfaction. There are two types of electrical safety training courses that cater to these legal and industry standards: accredited and regulated electricians’ courses. Let’s look at the differences between the two, and the pros and cons of each for aspiring electricians.
What Is A Regulated Course?
Regulated courses are approved by the government and other legislative bodies to train electricians in the legal rules and requirements for electrical installations and safety. The courses are designed to meet these requirements by enabling electricians to be fully compliant. By undertaking a regulated course, you can be confident that your learning is ratified and approved to meet educational regulatory standards, such as OfQual. Examples of regulated courses include the Level 2 and Level 3 NVQ diplomas in Electrical Installations.
What Is An Accredited Course?
An accredited course is developed by an independent training company as well as quality approved and endorsed by a relative awarding or industry body, often in consultation with industry professional associations. Accredited courses are an essential source of industry-relevant skills and information, backed by recognised organisations. Examples include the courses provided by the City & Guilds, IET and EAL.
Which Type Of Course Should I Choose?
Both accredited and regulated courses are valuable for career progression as an electrician, and both types of courses usually cover the legal and industry framework required to deliver a high-quality service. To begin your career as an electrician on a solid legal footing, it is necessary to undertake a formal training route through the required regulated courses.
Beyond this, however, we also recommend that electricians continue to develop their skills through continuing professional development (CPD), by undertaking various accredited courses in specific areas. Accreditation is a mark of quality and competence and can be used to establish your professional reputation and skills when sourcing work in specialist areas, and for refreshing and updating your skills as you progress through your career.
Accredited courses incorporate the up-to-date standards set by leading industry organisations and may be more responsive to emerging trends and opportunities than regulated courses such as the NVQs.
Find Out More
At PTT, we offer both foundational regulatory and ongoing accredited courses for electricians of all levels of experience, including a fully comprehensive electricians beginner course for newcomers to the industry. To find out more about our training options and how we can help you and your team expand your knowledge, skills, and capabilities, please contact us today.
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