Recognising professionalism

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) – jointly administered by the Joint Industry Board for the Electrical Contracting Industry (JIB) and the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) have launched a reciprocal partnership to increase recognition of professionalism in the electrotechnical and construction industries. The partnership is intended to provide a fast track career pathway for ECS cardholders into membership of the IET. The intention is to offer a professional membership route to ECS cards in the second phase of the programme, later in the year.
Government and industry have long emphasised the need for industry-wide certification schemes to confirm the levels of competence of properly skilled craftspeople and eliminate unsafe working practices. In the electrotechnical industry, this need is met by the ECS scheme.
37,000 ECS Installation Electrician cardholders will be eligible to become Technician Members of the IET (TMIET) via this fast-track process. A further 3,500 electrotechnical managerial cardholders will be eligible to become Members of the IET (MIET).
Paul Jackson, IET director of professional operations said: “This is an exciting initiative, which will increase professional standards and show commitment to those in the electrotechnical and construction industry. This partnership has been made possible because both organisations share similarities in their goals and objectives to provide support and recognition to the professions they serve. The IET supports a wide variety of engineering sectors including the electrical and electronic industries. Recognising skills and competence levels of their members is of significant importance for both organisations so we can ensure that quality and safety are top priorities.”