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ECS card criteria has changed, and to be recognised on site as a FESS Systems Technician, you now need to hold a relevant level 3 qualification, otherwise you may need to apply for a labourer or operatives card – this why more and more experienced engineers are enrolling on the EWA course.
The Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) route is mapped directly into the Fire Emergency and Security Systems Apprenticeship Standard, and therefore entitles experienced engineers to apply for a full JIB/ECS Gold Card, based on their experience in the industry.
FESS Curriculum Leader at Access Training, Ethan Roberts, said: “The Experienced Worker Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation designed for experienced candidates who have not completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship or for those who do not hold a relevant Level 3 qualification.
“EWA instead allows them to demonstrate their occupational competence and showcase their skills and experience, enabling them to gain recognised industry accreditation in the process.”
EWA is aimed at candidates that have a minimum of 5 years working in the Fire and Security sector, and will enable them to apply for full technician status, covering all aspects of an engineer’s role, including installation, testing and commissioning, and service and repair.
The recent changes to prerequisites for ECS cards suggest that the industry is changing, so it is increasingly important that companies aren’t left behind with skills gaps and a lack of accredited engineers – subsequently, the EWA route is gaining momentum.
Ethan Roberts continues: “Here at Access Training, we want to help companies and their engineers stay as up to date with procedures and regulations as possible, with EWA serving as an obvious route for practiced engineers looking to validate their experience.
“With these recent changes, and the requirement for additional validation, time is of the essence for experienced engineers to get their EWA completed, as the course can take up to 12 months from induction to final assessment.
“Meanwhile, for employers, having your engineers complete EWA not only allows them to meet the requirements to apply for the ECS Gold Card, but also ensures that they are safe, compliant, competent, and ready for career advancement in the fire, emergency, and security systems industry.”
According to the expert training providers, there are many other benefits to completing EWA, such as ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, demonstrating opportunities for career progression and contributing to high standards of quality in the sector.
Engineers can choose to do a single pathway in either fire or security or you can opt for both. The assessment is assured by BPEC and is supported by industry and recognised by the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme.
Gateshead-based Access Training are one of only three approved BPEC approved training centres in the country offering the BPEC FESS Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA).
EWA Learners initially attend an induction, including refresher training on safe isolation procedures, and will then have up to 12 months to produce a portfolio of evidence, complete 60 multi-choice questions and undertake a practical assessment and professional discussion based on the portfolio.
The Expert Training Provider also offers upskilling courses and apprenticeships in HR, project management, team leading and management, accountancy, and business administration.
To find out more about the FESS EWA route contact Access Training’s Business Development Team:
Georgia Aitken – 📞 07821 663684 / 📧 gaitken@accesstraining.org
Gateshead-based Access Training provides upskilling courses and apprenticeships in HR, project management, team leading and management, accountancy, business administration, school support, digital, marketing and fire, emergency & security systems.
We have been delivering training programmes for businesses and individuals across the North East for over 40 years. We have a genuine interest in the success of the companies we work with and the people we train, and we aim to provide a personal, bespoke service.