The Laborer ECS card is for individuals assisting electricians and other qualified staff in the electrical industry, performing tasks like cable installation and other unskilled work under supervision. This card is suitable for laborers within the JIB grading structure and those who can’t meet the requirements for other cards like Installation Electrician. However, it can be upgraded to an ECS gold card with further qualifications. Applicants either need a JIB-approved electrical theory qualification or a specified Health & Safety course, along with proof of engagement in the electrotechnical industry.

Entry Requirements

JIB-approved electrical theory qualification: If you already have a qualification such as C&G 2365, 2330 or 2360 (or EAL equivalents), this will be accepted for your card. Only the health and safety element of these qualifications is recognized by the JIB for a Labourer card.
ECS Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment: You will also need to pass this assessment.

If you don’t hold a JIB-approved electrical theory qualification, you’ll need the following:

Health & Safety course: Successful completion of one of the specified Health & Safety courses such as CITB Health and Safety Awareness: Site Safety Plus, CCNSG Safety Passport – National Course or Renewal Course, Safety Passport Alliance (SPA) Core H&S Course, IOSH Working Safely (IOSH Approved Centre Classroom invigilated exam only – not online), or IOSH Safety, Health & Environment for Construction Site Workers – (IOSH Approved Centre Classroom Invigilated Exam ONLY).
ECS Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment: You only need to sit a separate ECS Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment if you passed any of the above courses over three years ago.
Proof of engagement in the electrotechnical industry: This can be a written reference from your employer, a signed letter from the business to confirm your dates of engagement as an Electrical Labourer, an electrical qualification or certificate, or enrolment on a relevant course, or offer letter / contract of employment / payslip from electrotechnical business or similar. If your employer has applied for the card through the Employer Portal, this has already been evidenced.

Who is this qualification for?
The Laborer ECS card is intended for individuals working in supportive roles within the electrical industry. These individuals assist electricians and other skilled staff with tasks such as cable installation and other unskilled tasks, all under supervision. It’s particularly suitable for labourers within the JIB grading structure and those who can’t meet the requirements for other cards like Installation Electrician but plan to upgrade with further qualifications.

Assessment:
The Laborer ECS card assessment involves passing the ECS Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment. If a candidate doesn’t have a JIB-approved electrical theory qualification, they must complete one of the specified Health & Safety courses. Additionally, proof of engagement in the electrotechnical industry is required, which can be a written reference from the employer, a signed letter from the business, an electrical qualification or certificate, or enrolment on a relevant course, or employment documents from an electrotechnical business. If the Health & Safety course was completed within the last three years, the separate ECS HS&E Assessment is not required.

Duration:
The duration of the Laborer ECS card qualification is not explicitly stated, but typically, an ECS card is valid for 3 years. The time it takes to acquire the card can vary depending on the individual’s prior experience, the time taken to complete the necessary courses, and the processing time for the application. However, it’s important to note that the card needs to be renewed every 3 years, which will likely involve reassessment of the individual’s skills and knowledge.

advantages

ECS Gold Card