National Electrotechnical Training (NET), the charity responsible for the AM2, the practical assessment of occupational competence (AOC) for electrical installation and maintenance work, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with employer-led awarding organisation EAL (EMTA Awards Limited).
The MoU agrees the terms by which the two organisations will work together for the provision of the national electrotechnical Level 3 NVQ Diploma qualification assessment of occupational competence unit, for which EAL will provide the theory and NET the practical assessment.
From September 2011, following an overhaul of all national qualifications and the subsequent introduction of the Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF), the Sector Skills Council, SummitSkills, has specified that every individual entering the electrical industry at Level 3 will have to demonstrate their occupational competence in order to qualify. To satisfy this requirement, the AM2 assessment has become an integral part of the National Occupational Standards (NOS), drawn up by SummitSkills, as a formal unit under the QCF. It means that like registered apprentices, all Level 3 trainees are now required to pass the industry assessment, bringing the two entry routes into line.
Ann Watson, EAL managing director, said: “Because the AM2 has been developed by the electrical industry for the electrical industry, we know that it is a true, and importantly, impartial Assessment of Occupational Competence. Any employer whose apprentices pass the AM2 through the EAL NVQ Diploma can be certain that their newly qualified staff member has received the highest possible quality training and is fit for work.”
Stephen Plant, NET business development manager continued: “NET oversees the AOC in trust for the industry and is delighted to work with EAL to ensure NVQ 3 candidates are trained and assessed to the industry’s needs. As an employer-led awarding organisation, EAL holds many of the same principles as NET – primarily to work for the industry and its employers – and we look forward to a strong working relationship together.”
He concluded: “The AM2 is a critical part of an electricians training and the gateway to a career in the industry. By forming an integral part of the apprenticeship and now the NVQ Level 3 diploma, the AM2 is there to ensure that everyone who wants to practise as an electrician is fully competent. This will ensure training standards are adhered to and can only be beneficial to the industry.”
