The Experienced Worker Award (EWA)
A specialised qualification for experienced electricians who have worked in the industry for at least 5 years but never formally completed an apprenticeship or Level 3 NVQ.
For experienced electricians with 5+ years in the trade but no formal apprenticeship or Level 3 NVQ.
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Experienced Worker Award
The C&G 2346 NVQ Level 3 qualification for experienced electricians working toward ECS Gold Card status.
Experienced Worker Award
NVQ Level 3, C&G 2346 (EWA)- City & Guilds recognised qualification
- For experienced workers, 5+ years in the industry
- Route through to the AM2E assessment
- Leads to JIB accredited Gold Card status
See our prices in the online store
Prices for the Experienced Worker Award and all our other courses are listed in our store. Available at all Optima centres nationwide. All prices include VAT. The AM2E assessment is taken separately and is not included in the course fees.
Interest-free payments
Earn while you learn. Spread the cost of your training with an interest-free payment plan, requested as part of the enrolment process.
- Interest-free payment plans
- Typical approval within 30 minutes
- No hard credit checks
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NVQ Level 3 Experienced Worker Award
The EWA is for electricians who have been working in the industry for at least 5 years but have not formally completed an industry apprenticeship or Level 3 NVQ qualification. Successful completion of the NVQ and AM2 assessment will satisfy the entry criteria for JIB accredited Gold Card status.
Bear in mind that a Level 2 Diploma Award or equivalent in addition to both the C&G 2391-50 and 18th Edition courses are pre-requisites to the Experienced Worker Award. Should you not possess them, we can help you with our Pre-Experienced Worker Award course package. Contact us for more information.
PROGRAMME DETAILS
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C&G 2346 - Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification (2346)
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The qualification will be obtained upon completion of the following units:
Understanding health and safety legislation, practices and procedures (installing and maintaining electrotechnical systems and equipment)
Understanding environmental legislation, working practices and the principles of environmental technology systems
Understanding the practices and procedures for overseeing and organising the work environment (electrical installation)
Understanding the practices and procedures for the preparation and installation of wiring systems and electrotechnical equipment in buildings, structures and the environment.
Understanding the principles of planning and selection for the installation of electrotechnical equipment and systems in buildings, structures and the environment
Understanding the principles, practices and legislation for the termination and connection of conductors, cables and cords in electrical systems
Understanding the principles, practices and legislation for the inspection, testing, commissioning and certification of electrotechnical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
Understanding the principles, practices and legislation for diagnosing and correcting electrical faults in electrotechnical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
Understanding the electrical principles associated with the design, building, installation and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems
Applying health and safety legislation and working practices (installing and maintaining electrotechnical systems and equipment)
Applying environmental legislation, working practices and the principles of environmental technology systems
Overseeing and organising the work environment (electrical installation)
Planning, preparing and installing wiring systems and associated equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
Terminating and connecting conductors and cables in electrical systems
Inspecting, testing, commissioning and certifying electrotechnical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
Diagnosing and correcting electrical faults in electrical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
Electrotechnical Occupational Competence
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There is no duration set for the level 3 NVQ as it will dependant on how long it will take for you to complete a portfolio of evidence and obtain the electrical work needed to complete the targets set.
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The NVQ is an assessment programme and therefore can be started at any point.
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Most courses can be booked by paying a deposit with the full balance due 28 days before the course start date.
We also have flexible payment options so you can spread the cost of the course over a number of months - interest free.
For more information on our payment plans please visit: www.optima-ect.com/request-a-payment-plan
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Most questions can be answered by visiting our frequently asked questions page
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Our learners handbook can be viewed by clinking the following link. Here you will be able to find all of the information you require as a leaner and new starter with us.
Experienced Worker Award FAQs
Everything you need to know before you enrol.
Who is the Experienced Worker Award for?
The C&G 2346 Experienced Worker Award (EWA) is for electricians who have been working in the industry for at least 5 years but have not formally completed an industry apprenticeship or Level 3 NVQ qualification.
It recognises the on-site experience you already have and gives you a route to formal Level 3 competence.
What does the qualification lead to?
It's a City & Guilds qualification. Successful completion of the NVQ and AM2E assessment, along with the required certifications, satisfies the entry criteria for JIB accredited Gold Card status.
How is the Experienced Worker Award assessed?
The EWA is assessed in the workplace rather than in a classroom. To complete the Experienced Worker Assessment you will:
- Attend a professional interview, providing written and verbal evidence that can be independently verified.
- Provide current site-based evidence through a site visit, where an assessor observes you at work, supported by verifiable witness testimonies.
- Complete the AM2E — the industry-independent assessment of occupational competence, delivered by National Electrotechnical Training (NET).
What else do I need to gain my ECS Gold Card?
All parts of the Experienced Worker Assessment must be completed before you can apply for an ECS Gold Card. Alongside the C&G 2346 EWA, the required qualifications are:
- Level 2 Diploma or similar (2365, 2330, Part 1) or equivalent
- C&G 2382-22 BS7671 18th Edition Wiring Regulations
- C&G 2391-52 Inspection & Testing (2392 Initial Verification is also accepted)
- The NET AM2E assessment
Speak to a course advisor and we'll confirm which of these you already hold and what you still need.
How long does it take?
There's no fixed duration. Because the EWA is completed in your place of work rather than a lengthy classroom course, how quickly you finish depends on how fast you can gather your portfolio of evidence and carry out the electrical work needed to meet the qualification targets.
How do I pay for my training?
Earn while you learn. Spread the cost of your training with an interest-free payment plan, requested as part of the enrolment process.
- Interest-free payment plans — no interest added on top of your course fees
- Typical approval within 30 minutes of submitting your request
- No hard credit checks — your credit score is not affected
Speak to a course advisor to walk through the options for the Experienced Worker Award.
Still have a question? Speak to a course advisor.
📞 Call 0330 330 8489
Course Breakdown
The Experienced Worker qualification suitable for both self-employed and employed electricians who have worked for several years but have never gained full, formal recognition of their skills or experience. You will need to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and competence to the standard of the Level 3 Electrotechnical apprenticeship.
This qualification is not a technical certificate which you spend most of your time in a classroom or workshop, but rather a qualification that is completed in a place of work. To be able to complete this qualification you must be able to evidence your electrotechnical competency by completing electrical installations on site and then have your work assessed by one of our Assessors.
It allows for Electrical Improvers and Experienced Workers to progress in their career as a qualified Electrician and onto the AM2 Assessment. Upon completion of the AM2, Electrical Improvers and Experienced Workers can do the following:
- Obtain the status of "Electrician" with the JIB. If you wish to join them or work for an Electrical Contracting firm that is a member of the JIB.
- Obtain a JIB Gold ECS card.
- Become a Part P registered "Approved Electrician" with one of the Part P scheme providers such as NICEIC, Elecsa or NAPIT.
There is no duration set for the level 3 NVQ as it will be down to the trainee, depending on how long it will take for he/she to complete a portfolio of evidence and obtain the Electrical work needed to complete the targets set by City and Guilds. The stages include:
- A small qualification bridging unit and assessment is undertaken at the training centre.
- Portfolio sessions will be taken at the centre to guide the trainee.
- Assessments are completed on site.
- A final assessment (AM2) will be completed at an AM2 centre - Not included in course fees.
Don't be caught out by unexpected additional charges. Our NVQ package allows you unlimited site visits for free, you only pay once for this NVQ unlike most other providers.
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.
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How long do I have to complete the assessment?
Participants will have two full years to complete the assessment.
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Can the AM2 Assessment be added to this programme?
Yes, we can add the AM2 as A bolt on to your selected programme.
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Is there an AM2 Revision course?
Yes, it’s best that you undertake the AM2 revision course as close to your AM2 start date.
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 and our ongoing investments in our centres and facilities, we are confident that your choice in selecting us will be met with satisfaction.
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