The ECA has given its backing to EAL’s new Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs), designed to support the 17th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations (BS7671:2008).
The education and training division of the association has joined forces with EAL in a bid to ensure that ECA members have the right skills and qualifications in place to meet the requirements of the new wiring regulations, before they come into force on 1 July 2008.
At the request of employers, as well as those working in the training and education sector, the 17th Edition Update and Full qualifications are due to incorporate external assessments which can be carried out through multiple choice question papers online or in a written format.
EAL has also provided a specially tailored training option for ECA members who are looking to adopt the new standard. This features a self-study assessment-only option, which has been designed especially for UK-registered gold or platinum Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card holders within the industry.
According to EAL’s Managing Director, Ann Watson, the organisation’s ongoing partnership with ECA has been a major factor in successfully putting together the right package to support those people working in, or looking to enter, the industry. She says: “This is the most significant overhaul of the wiring regulations in nearly twenty years and so people need to equip themselves with the right skills. Luckily everyone from local employers through to national multi-service organisations can now tap into joint support from EAL and ECA.
EAL prides itself in being a very customer-focussed organisation.  That is why our pricing, assessment and delivery strategies for the new qualifications are based on extensive market research. This means that the new qualifications are flexible, competitively priced, offer great value for money and follow a simple assessment process – which is exactly what people have been asking for.” 
Although it is several months before the new regulations will come into force, ECA training courses and assessment for BS7671:2008 IEE Wiring Regulations are already scheduled to start running nationwide from January 2008.