ecs card

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) has released its 2021 annual review, detailing the progress the organisation made in three key areas throughout last year; customer experience, promoting the benefits of being an ECS cardholder and raising industry standards. 

New features

Among the new features introduced in 2021, was a brand-new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) digital system. This allows all 175,000+ ECS cardholders to easily record CPD evidence directly into their online records within the MyECS mobile app. 

A remote invigilation service was also introduced in the app, allowing users to complete the ECS Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) assessment without having to wait or travel to an assessment centre. 

Digitalising the industry

ECS has played a key role in the development of a new game-changing CSCS Smart Check app. Rolling out from April, it has been developed by the 38 card schemes displaying the CSCS logo and will allow the 2.1 million cards currently held across the construction industry to be quickly and easily verified using one single app.

ECS Check, the digital system launched in early 2020 hit a major milestone, with more than 1,000 businesses now registered. Like the CSCS Smart Check app, the platform allows for easy auditing and spot checks of workers through a free-to-access digital database.

After working with the government, a number of updates to apprenticeship and occupation requirements were also put in place, with a particular focus on developing digital support roles, such as Digital Support Technician and Operative, Network Security Technician and Digital Network Engineer.

Upskilling for a greener future

A huge upskilling project involving the JIB and Scottish JIB for the Electrotechnical Industry, Joint Industry Board for Plumbing, Mechanical and Engineering Services (JIB-PMES), Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the Scottish Northern Ireland Joint Industry Board (SNIJIB) is well underway. This seeks to equip the existing electrical workforce with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve the government’s target of net-zero carbon by 2050. 

Finally, the ECS confirmed recognition of a larger number of professional organisations, meaning more flexibility for anyone applying for ECS Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) cards. This accreditation is available to those working in specialised electrotechnical disciplines, but who do not carry out electrical installation work. Following the expanded recognition, the PQP card is now available to those registered with more than 20 electrotechnical professional institutes. 

Summing up the organisation’s latest report, Jay Parmar, Chief Executive of the JIB, said: “The ECS has been focused on making the electrotechnical industry a healthier and safer place as things start getting back to normal, and we have continued to play an active role in upskilling the industry and in the development of a range of new services to support individuals and employers. This Annual Review is a round-up of the key ECS news, campaigns and the fantastic progress made in 2021. I hope that it will inspire some positivity for all ECS card holders and employers in 2022.”

You can read the full report for yourself here.