Recent changes to ECS Gold cards have created a ticking timebomb for experienced workers, warns FESS curriculum lead at Access Training, Ethan Roberts.
To boost industry standards, the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) has introduced new criteria installers have to meet to get a FESS Systems Technician (Gold) card.
Workers now need a relevant Level 3 qualification to acquire a Gold card and, without one, they can only apply for a labourer or an operative card – which limits their access to, and recognition on, sites.
“This presents a serious challenge for FESS companies,” explains Ethan. “Raising the bar on the ECS Gold card will increase competency and professionalism which, of course, is a good thing. But the industry is faced with the potential prospect of highly experienced installers being denied site access, whilst less-experienced apprentices, who meet the qualification criteria, can obtain a full ECS Gold card.
“This creates a situation where seasoned professionals, who have dedicated years to mastering their trade, find themselves at a disadvantage because they lack an official Level 3 qualification.
“The good news is, there is a way for experienced workers to have their experience recognised so they can get their Gold Card and carry on working. It’s called the Experienced Worker Assessment. But what installers, and their employers, need to bear in mind is that it can take up to 12 months to complete. So, if you haven’t got a Level 3 apprenticeship or equivalent qualification and your Gold Card is due for renewal, you need to act quickly to enrol on an EWA course to avoid any downtime.”
Read the full article in the June 2025 edition of PSi magazine
