There is a wide range of information and support available to electrical apprentices. JIB resources for apprentices are broken down into the sections below.
Apprentices unsure whether they are registered with the JIB should speak to their training provider.
Information for JIB Registered Apprentices
Your Training Programme
If you are a JIB registered apprentice, the JIB Apprentice Training Scheme is a very important document. You will be under the terms of the 2017 Electrical Apprenticeship Training Scheme if you have started your apprenticeship in 2017 or later.
The document sets out the agreement between you, your employer, and your training provider – and it also shows what you need to do to progress to the next stage or complete your apprenticeship. This is set out in Section 8 of the JIB Handbook.
It also lists what you are entitled to while you are an apprentice (such as holidays or sick pay), what happens on completion and how issues while training can be addressed.
Holiday Pay
Apprentices employed by JIB member companies under the JIB Training Scheme are entitled to 24 days of annual holiday each as well as bank holidays.
The holiday year for apprentices usually runs between 1st June and 31st May but this may differ. Apprentices should check their contract or any documentation on their contract of apprenticeship terms and conditions received from their employer.
Apprentices will need to submit a request to take annual leave and have this agreed with the employer.
Handtool Replacement Scheme
If you are unlucky enough to lose your hand tools due to fire or theft, the JIB Handtool Replacement Scheme could help. You can receive replacement tools (from an approved list) from Edmundson Electrical, sent straight to your home address.
There are some conditions that you must meet before you are eligible – and you must be a JIB registered apprentice. If you are, then take a look at your Training Scheme document for more information.
If you’re training with JTL, you may be provided with a toolkit shortly after beginning your apprenticeship. Speak to your Training Officer for more information.
If you become a member of Unite the Union, you’ll also be able to claim a free toolkit Starting from only 65p per week in your first apprenticeship year, the value of the toolkit far outweighs the cost of the membership.
Support and Information on Employment Rights
If you have an issue or grievance at work, the JIB may be able to help.
The JIB can help you if you encounter difficulties in your relationship with your employer.
Examples of the types of issues where the JIB can help include:
- Unfair disciplinary action, including unfair dismissal
- Redundancy
- Underpayment of wages
- Holiday pay claims
- Issues regarding non-progression to the next stage of the apprenticeship
You don’t have to be employed by a JIB member company to use this free service. All apprentices that are registered with the JIB can access this support and information. Email ir@jib.org.uk to find out more.
Sick pay
You need to comply with your employer’s procedure for notifying them when you’ll be absent due to illness.
After three waiting days, you’ll become entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). Under the Training Scheme, apprentices employed by JIB member companies will also be entitled to an additional £15 per week after the same three waiting days. Both SSP and the additional sick pay will be calculated pro-rata where parts of a week are taken.
The additional sick pay will only apply for a maximum 12 weeks in any 12-month period.
Skills Development Fund
The JIB Skills Development Fund gives financial support to help people develop their careers in the electrical industry.
All apprentices who are registered with the JIB can apply to the fund. You don’t have to be employed by a JIB member company.
You might want to do further training, such as ONC or HNC, on top of your apprenticeship. The Skills Development Fund could help with up to 75% of eligible course costs.
After your apprenticeship, if you're employed by a JIB member, you can still benefit from the fund once you've completed your training. This might be towards courses such as an HNC, HND or even a degree. The fund also covers courses in special areas such as photovoltaics, so it's worth looking at what you can get help towards.
Find out more on the dedicated Skills Development Fund page.
Counselling and Information Service
If you are employed by a JIB member, the ECIS Benefits Team offers a telephone service to provide counselling and information to support your emotional wellbeing and give you practical support.
Matters could include stress, bereavement, relationship difficulties, family concerns, depression and emotional concerns arising from legal, financial and workplace issues.
If you would like to use this confidential service, then please call 0800 269 616.
ECS Cards and Registered Electrician
If you are an apprentice, you can get an ECS Apprentice card now and a Registered Electrician card when you complete your training. For further details please visit the website
