What experience do I need to get onto the Experienced Worker Assessment? I’ve heard mixed reports from people who have spoken to different training providers.
Since its launch there have been a significant number of people completing the Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA); and with the recently strengthened EAS requirements even more individuals are now going to be following this route.
To have gained the knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete the assessment, you should have a minimum of five years working in the industry as a practising electrician, not including time spent in full or part time training. Many training providers operate within this requirement, however there are a number who are far too flexible over the entry requirements and some individuals are being put through with insufficient experience.
The EWA is not a box-ticking exercise or short-cut to becoming qualified. In addition to completing the qualification units, you also need to complete the AM2E which is an in-depth practical assessment of competence. Those who don’t have sufficient breadth of experience or knowledge are unlikely to meet the standard needed.
In the short term, NET is checking AM2E applications and flagging any issues or suspicions to be investigated by the awarding organisations responsible for the EWA qualification.
Revisions to the assessment are underway and soon there will be much tighter direction of training providers – if they don’t adhere to the pre-requisites, they will not be allowed to offer this route.
The EWA is an opportunity for people who perhaps didn’t get a chance to do an apprenticeship but are working in the industry and have significant experience.
If you don’t have much experience but are employed, you could consider registering on an apprenticeship as your training will be funded, or completing via the self-funded route on the TESP website, which might also attract funding for candidates in England.
Visit the TESP website here
