In the 1980s the Joint Industry Board (JIB) established the Apprenticeship and Craft Training Schemes to support industry by delivering a highly skilled and competent workforce within the electrotechnical sector. The aim was to set up a standardised and industry-endorsed training pathway to ensure that apprentices receive consistent, high-quality education and practical experience.
The JIB developed the first modern apprenticeship, first NVQ, and the first end point assessment. More than a quarter of a million people have qualified through these routes. There are currently almost 15,000 individuals registered on these schemes, working to achieve the competency requirement set by industry and evidence this with an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) gold card. Employers benefit from the reliable benchmark for evaluating qualifications which ECS provides, resulting in enhanced safety and productivity.
Training Providers benefit from this alignment of standards and the mark of quality which the JIB represents. Apprentices can feel assured that they are on the right track to succeed in the industry.
More than 75 training organisations and colleges, across the UK have signed up to become a JIB Registered or Preferred Provider, granting them access to ECS online services and providing their learners a solid start in their careers.
The scheme provides a range of benefits for training organisations accommodating apprentices and students undertaking T Levels and other courses requiring an Industry Placement, such as sandwich degrees. This includes:
- JIB Apprentice or Trainee Registration
- ECS assessments
- ECS Industry Placement Cards
- ECS Lecturer or Assessor Cards for staff
- ECS Experienced Worker Cards for those working towards EWA
Further details and information on fees applied is available here.
The JIB also provides information on safe isolation procedures, warning cards, and other materials to assist with essential training and development.
Apprentices registered with the JIB can access the Skills Development Fund for help with fees for additional qualifications – such as low carbon qualifications or further education – to help their career progression.
The JIB also offers apprentices, and their employers help and support with work related issues such as redundancy, disciplinary and grievance procedures, and progression through apprenticeship stages.
JIB Preferred Providers pay an annual fee to access additional benefits, such as discounted rates for apprentice registration and ECS Assessments.
Find out more about the benefits associated with becoming a JIB Registered or Preferred Training Provider here.
