| By :
Martin Hofschroer
Electrical apprentices will now be tested by a new examination in order to prove their electrotechnical ability. From April 2010 all electrical apprentices will have to take the modernised AM2 Assessment of Occupational Competence, to demonstrate their competence and practically test their skills under observation. The AM2, which had not experienced major changes since 1985, has been updated after a two-year consultation period to reflect the demands placed on the modern electrician. Stephen Plant, business development manager of National Electrotechnical Training (NET), explained the major changes of the AM2 to Professional Electrician. Stephen Plant told the publication that the new AM2 is competence rather than systems based and encompasses methods of installation and termination, safe isolation and risk assessment, inspection, testing and fault finding. The marking system has also been updated and a recommended prerequisite checklist has been introduced to reflect the changes to the content of the assessment. A candidate is ready to sit the AM2 when they are comfortable with each component of the assessment as outline in the check list. NET has claimed that the new AM2 has received full backing from the electrical industry and is now seen as the benchmark for testing an apprentice's competence. Di Johnson, of the Electrical Contractors' Association, said: "The AM2 forms a significant part of the industry's apprenticeship framework. "What makes it so important is that it is also available to those who, while not undertaking an apprenticeship, wish to fully qualify to the recognised standard. This is vital to ensuring professionalism in our industry." The AM2 is not solely a standalone qualification and those who already possess an AM2 certificate will not be required to re-qualify against the new assessment. People who have met the assessment requirement of the NVQ Level 3: Electrical Installations Buildings and Structures and NVQ Level 3: Electrical Maintenance are being targeted by the AM2. People looking to pass electrical courses and become an electrician should start with the City & Guilds 2330 level 2 qualification. A properly qualified electrician should pass the appropriate electrical courses and 17th edition courses to obtain the NVQ level 3, City & Guilds 2382 (17th Edition) and City & Guilds 2391 (Inspection & Testing). These qualifications will give people the scope to carry out work within the commercial and industrial sector but they will have to pass the relevant Part P courses to work in the domestic area. The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has warned people to check that a training centre is properly accredited before enrolling on electrical courses.
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