The Gold Card & Fast Track Programmes
Two fast-track routes into the electrical trade — achieve a Level 3 qualification in less than a quarter of the time it takes at traditional local colleges, or complete the full pathway to fully-qualified ECS Gold Card status.
Pricing for the Gold Card & Fast Track
Localised pricing for training at our Manchester centre. See exactly which courses are included in each programme.
Gold Card Programme Fast Track
From beginner to fully qualified, this programme has everything that you will need.
eLearning + Practical Workshops · £7,995 Instructor-Led
📍 Price shown is for our Manchester centre- 18th Edition – BS7671£495
- Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation£3,995
- Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation£3,540
- NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation£1,995
- 2391-52 Inspection & Testing£1,395
- EV Charge Point Installers£345
Fundamental Three Fast Track
Achieve a Level 3 qualification in a fraction of traditional college time, with weekend or evening classes to fit your schedule.
£6,495 Instructor-Led · Manchester
- 18th Edition – BS7671£495
- Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation£3,995
- Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation£3,540
- Standard total£8,030
Earn while you learn — spread the cost with 0% interest
On our more extended programmes you can make interest-free weekly or monthly payments, so you can complete your course while managing your finances effectively.
Optima Reviews
"Finished of my NVQ Level 3 with Adam at Optima Electrical Training Manchester, also did my inspection and testing practical with him. Real world knowledge shown in the City & Guilds format. Super helpful throughout my portfolio process, observations and examinations. Very greatful. Thanks for your patience, help and time. Regards, C Colclough."
"Been doing my 2391-52, had a really good course, taken a lot away from the people here. Had my theory with Stephanie and practical with Adam. Both really clued up and knowledgable and a credit to the company! Thank you."
"Great course. Adam Kerrigan the tutor delivered the course in an easy to understand manner. Smaller groups so we had the time to look at the tasks required and get help as needed. Really friendly and approachable team."
"One of the best electrical training colleges in the UK, which is well structured and has dedicated support staff throughout the course work and practical sessions. The overall structure of Optima is highly organised and efficient, which is very suitable for both new students and experienced persons."
Fast Track to Level 3, or the full Gold Card
Both are fast-track routes built for career changers. Start with the Fundamental Three, or go all the way to fully-qualified ECS Gold Card status.
The Fundamental Three Fast Track Programme
Our most sought-after course among adults seeking a fresh start in the electrical trade — achieve a Level 3 qualification in less than a quarter of the time it takes at traditional local colleges.
- C&G 2365-02: Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations
- C&G 2365-03: Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations
- BS 7671 18th Edition: IET Building Services Regulations
The Gold Card Training Programme
The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is the occupational certification scheme for electrotechnical workers within the UK. From beginner to fully qualified, this programme has everything that you will need.
- C&G 2365-02: Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations
- C&G 2365-03: Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations
- C&G 2382-22: 18th Edition BS7671 Wiring Regulations
- C&G 2357: NVQ Level 3
- C&G 2391-52: Inspection & Testing
- C&G 2921: Electric Vehicle Charge Point Installers
The road to becoming a fully qualified electrician
Each stage in order — from your very first diploma through to ECS Gold Card status.
Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations
A structured, step-by-step route into the industry — building your knowledge and confidence from the ground up.
Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations
The next stage of the diploma route, advancing your knowledge toward qualified competence.
18th Edition BS7671 Wiring Regulations
The current UK wiring regulations every practising electrician works to.
Inspection & Testing
Inspection and testing of electrical installations.
NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation
Completed through on-site assessments to prove competence in the workplace.
AM2 Assessment
The end-point assessment on the pathway to full qualification.
ECS Gold Card Status
Recognised occupational certification for electrotechnical workers in the UK — you're now a fully-qualified electrician.
Why train with us?
We take pride in being a family-run business with a track record of delivering courses for over two decades. With an impressive pass rate exceeding 95% and our ongoing investments in our centers and facilities, we are confident that your choice in selecting us will be met with satisfaction.

