Stages of Apprenticeship
19.00 First Stage Apprentices (See Appendix A)
19.01 The apprenticeship will commence on the day the apprentice first attends college.
19.02 This Stage shall incorporate both on-the-job practical training and college training leading to the Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Level 3. Attendance at college during this stage shall be on a block release basis.
19.03 First Stage Apprentices shall be allowed paid block release to attend college to study the appropriate First Stage Competencies.
19.04 Apprentices must successfully complete the appropriate First Stage Competencies and satisfactorily complete the Apprentice Log Book, within 18 months of the commencement of the apprenticeship. If this is not achieved the Apprentice may be removed from the SJIB Register of Apprentices and employment may be terminated by the employer giving the appropriate notice. (See Section C of the SJIB National Working Rules; Appendix 1, Explanatory Notes)
Alternatively, the employer can apply for an extension to the 18 month rule by completing a Request for Extension form (Appendix D).
19.05 Apprentices who successfully complete the appropriate First Stage Competencies and also satisfactorily complete the Apprentice Log Book based on the required site experience shall progress to the Second Stage of the apprenticeship.
19.06 The effective date of change of status from one Stage to another throughout the apprenticeship shall be determined by the SJIB. The employer will be notified of all changes of status.
Second Stage Apprentices
19.07 This Stage shall incorporate both on-the-job practical training and college training leading to SVQ Level 3. Attendance at college during this stage shall be on a block release basis (or day release equivalent).
19.08 Second Stage Apprentices shall be allowed paid block release (or day release equivalent) to attend college to study for the appropriate Second Stage Competencies.
19.09 Apprentices must successfully complete the appropriate Second Stage Competencies and satisfactorily complete the Apprentice Log Book within three years of the commencement of the apprenticeship. If this is not achieved the apprentice may be removed from the SJIB Register of Apprentices and employment may be terminated by the employer giving the appropriate notice. (See Section C of the SJIB National Working Rules; Appendix 1, Explanatory Notes).
Alternatively, the employer can apply for an extension to the three year rule by completing a Request for Extension form (Appendix D).
19.10 Apprentices who successfully complete the appropriate Second Stage Competencies and also satisfactorily complete the Apprentice Log Book based on the required site experience shall progress to the Third Stage of the apprenticeship.
19.11 The effective date of change of status from one Stage to another throughout the apprenticeship shall be determined by the SJIB. The employer will be notified of all changes of status.
19.12 Apprentices shall have the opportunity to re-sit any college assessed work not achieved (See Section 12.00) at their own expense.
Third Stage Apprentices
19.13 This Stage shall incorporate both on-the-job practical training and college training leading to SVQ Level 3. Attendance at college during this stage shall be on a block release basis.
19.14 Third Stage Apprentices shall attend block release for one week to attend college to study for the appropriate Third Stage Competencies.
19.15 This Stage will consist of gaining further site related work experience of at least twelve months. Then subject to Apprentices accurately completing the Log Book based on the required site experience, they may be submitted for the Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA). The employer determines when an apprentice is sufficiently competent to attempt the FICA.
Note: Critical safety areas of electrical work are assessed in the FICA and include:
• Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – see Appendix E.
• Isolation Procedures for Safe Working – see Appendix F.
• Assessment Procedures for Safe Working Practices – see Appendix G.
19.16 Upon successful completion of the FICA, and normally within five working weeks, the apprentice will be graded as an Electrician and will be issued with:
- A modern Apprenticeship Certificate;
- A SVQ Level 3 Certificate, from the SJIB and SQA;
- A Craftsmans Certificate; and
- A SJIB Grade (ECS) Card.
To ensure compliance with legislation, employers should give Apprentices sufficient advance notice of their fixed term contract of apprenticeship being terminated (See Section C of the SJIB National Working Rules; Appendix 1, Explanatory Notes).
19.17 Apprentices failing the FICA shall be offered one re-sit to be completed in their employer’s time and expense. If this is again failed, unpaid time off will be given for any further re-sits and the cost of the re-sit Assessment will be borne by the Apprentice.
19.18 Apprentices who fail to achieve SVQ Level 3 after five years in employment may be removed from the SJIB Register of Apprentices and employment may be terminated by the employer giving the appropriate notice (See Section C of the SJIB National Working Rules, Appendix 1; Explanatory Notes).
Alternatively, the employer may apply for an extension to the five year rule by completing a Request for Extension form (Appendix D).
Approved Electrician Status
19.19 Electricians who have been qraded for at least two years and believe they have gained sufficient site experience should obtain a copy of the Statement of Experience form and complete and return this together with the Job Record sheets to SECTT.
19.20 SECTT will review the Statement of Experience form and Job Record Sheets and if everything is satisfactory they will retain a copy for their records, return the original to the Electrician and send a copy to the employer together with a copy of an Employer Declaration form and the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) Application form.
19.21 If the employer supports the application he should complete and return the Employer Declaration form and the ACA Application form to SECTT who will make the necessary arrangements for the Electrician to sit the ACA.
19.22 Electricians who successfully pass the ACA will be re-graded as Approved Electricians by the SJIB.
19.23 Electricians who fail any of the components of the ACA may re-sit these sections again in their own time and at their own expense.