NVQ 2356-99

For Experienced Workers

NVQ Level 3 Electrical Online Courses With XS Training

The City & Guilds NVQ 2356-99 for Experienced Workers is/was also known as the Mature Candidate Assessment.

To be eligible for the NVQ 2356-99 you MUST have relevant technical certificates and at least five years experience within the industry.

If you do not have five years experience or more, you can still complete the NVQ 2357 which will also enable you to gain your JIB Gold Card.

There are 6 different NVQ’s within the 2356-99, each with 8 units which are then broken down into a number of elements.

PLEASE NOTE: The NVQ 2356-99 closed for new learners on 30th November 2020 and has been replaced by the NVQ 2346-03 as the Experienced Worker Qualification. Candidates already registered have upto 3 YEARS from their date of commencement to complete their NVQ on any of the previous pathways.

NVQ 2356-99 Electrical Installation
NVQ 2356-99 Electrical Maintenance
NVQ 2356-99 Panel Building
NVQ 2356-99 Installing Instrumentation and Associated Equipment
NVQ 2356-99 Installing Public Lighting Systems and Associated Equipment
NVQ 2356-99 Electrical Machine Repair and Rewind
NVQ 2356-99 Electrical Installation
NVQ 2356-99 Electrical Maintenance
NVQ 2356-99 Installing Instrumentation and Associated Equipment
NVQ 2356-99 Installing Public Lighting Systems and Associated Equipment
NVQ 2356-99 Panel Building
NVQ 2356-99 Electrical Machine Repair and Rewind

How We Can Help You Achieve Your Gold Card

When you undertake your NVQ with XS Training you will be allocated your personal assessor who will help you to successfully complete the NVQ.

All of the Assessors at XS Training are experienced electricians who are all time served within the industry. We have all enjoyed many years working within the industry before moving into education for the electrical contracting industry. We have taught at various colleges throughout the UK and pride ourselves on delivering outstanding service to our fellow electricians.

On-Site Assessments

We offer a variety of assessment methods for the NVQ 2356-99 such as on-site assessments where we visit you anywhere in the UK. The visit will be carefully planned with your assessor and the evidence collected will count towards your NVQ. On-site assessments are not included within this price plan, if you wish to have on-site assessments then you will need to contact us for a price.

There are many, many benefits of undertaking on-site assessments, however on-site assessments are not without their problems and can impose restrictions on the progress of your NVQ. For example:

• On-site assessments can be difficult to arrange or change at short notice.
• On-site assessments can be costly for the candidate as the assessor charges for travelling time and time spent on site.
• On-site assessments are often not welcomed by the site manager or employer / supervisor.
• On-site assessments are often viewed as interfering with the work that needs to be completed on site.

Remote On-Site Assessments

To overcome these difficulties and remain competitive we now offer remote live assessments using a video-conferencing system compatible with mobile devices.

Your assessor can carry out a direct observation of you without the need to physically visit your site. This is carried out using your mobile phone and a Bluetooth headset.  This will enable you to engage with the remote assessments in a safe manner and add more flexibility to the time and date that your assessor carries out the on- site assessment.

The added benefits are:

• Remote on-site assessments can be arranged at short notice.
• Remote on-site assessments can be taken at any time of your working hours, even at weekends or in the evenings
• Remote on-site assessments are cost effective and will save you money
• Remote on-site assessments will not interfere with your working schedule
• Remote on-site assessments allow the assessor to speak with your supervisor and/or site manager to verify the work you have covered and provide act as witness to your competency
• Remote on-site assessments allows your witnesses to join the videoconference via their mobile phone, tablet and/or PC so they do not need to be with you at the time of your assessment

Online Portfolio System

The e-Portfolio system we use is OneFile and it is regarded as the best e-Portfolios on the market for assessment of QCF, NVQ, SVQ and BTEC qualifications. All major awarding bodies within the UK have accredited OneFile as it is recognised as a robust and high quality resource that is of great use to both candidates and training providers. The system is easy to use and full training will be provided during your telephone induction.

Onefile E portfolio System

How To Achieve The NVQ 2356-99

To gain the City & Guilds NVQ 2356-99 you will need to prove your competence whilst working as an electrician. This means being able to prove your practical skills AND underpinning knowledge, to a satisfactory standard.

Proof of underpinning knowledge is usually by production of a technical certificate such as 2330 Level 2 and Level 3 or equivalent.

What Is The NVQ 2356-99

The JIB and City & Guilds launched the new NVQ 2356-99 in the summer of 2014. This has replaced the City & Guilds 2356-31 and is designed specifically for mature candidates who have been working in the electrotechnical industry for a number of years but have so far been unable to be formally recognised at NVQ level 3.

This new NVQ 2356-99 will allow candidates to demonstrate their technical knowledge, performance and competence to the industry standard level 3. This will enable experienced workers the opportunity to get their skills properly accredited for an Installation Electrician ‘gold card’ under the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS).

What is The NVQ 2356-99

Do I Also Need To Achieve The AM2?

Candidates will also need to pass the industry achievement measurement competency assessment from NET (the AM2) to successfully complete this NVQ. The AM2 is NOT included in the price for this NVQ and this must be arranged between you and the AM2 Centre. Typically, the cost of the AM2 is £765.00 Plus VAT.

We can however arrange this for you as part of our Gold Package option of the NVQ 2356-99.

Candidates will naturally open up more work opportunities upon completion of the NVQ as the JIB gold card is recognised internationally and has become the industry standard within the UK.

Eligibility For City & Guilds 2356-99

To undertake this NVQ and become eligible for your JIB gold card you must meet the following criteria.

• Have relevant Technical Certificate(s) and be able to demonstrate understanding of industry theory and UK Wiring Regulations.
• Have several years experience within the electrotechnical industry.
• Be able to meet the standards and criteria of the NVQ and be able provide evidence of doing so from your place of work.

Eligibility For City & Guilds 2356- 99

What If I Am Not Eligible For The NVQ 2356-99

If you are not eligible to undertake the 2356-99 we may be able to offer you a place on the City & Guilds 2357. The 2357 can also be used to gain your JIB grading.

Please contact us if you do not meet the above criteria.

The 8 Units Of The NVQ

There are 8 Units in the NVQ, which are broken down into a number of elements. To show consistency, the range of assessment activities will need to be covered over three separate occasions for each of the eight units.

This does not necessarily mean three separate jobs; rather, this is three separate occasions and may be covered on one large job if you have the relevant evidence to cover the units 3 times. You will also need to complete the AM2 and this counts as one occasion for four of the eight units, namely, units 301, 302, 304 and 308.

Unit 301. Ensure safe site working (to be covered over two separate occasions and the AM2 covers one additional occasion).

Unit 302. Diagnose and correct faults in electrotechnical systems and equipment (to be covered over two separate occasions and the AM2 covers one additional occasion).

Unit 303. Provide technical and functional information to relevant people about electrotechnical systems and equipment (to be covered over three separate occasions).

Unit 304. Maintain a safe and healthy working environment (to be covered over two separate occasions and the AM2 covers one additional occasion).

Unit 305. Prepare to install electrical wiring systems, wiring enclosures and equipment (to be covered over three separate occasions).

Unit 306. Install electrical wiring systems, wiring enclosures, and equipment (to be covered over three separate occasions).

Unit 307. Connect wiring systems and equipment using safe and approved methods (to be covered over three separate occasions).

Unit 308. Inspect, test and commission an electrical installation (to be covered over two separate occasions and the AM2 covers one additional occasion).

The Criteria For The NVQ 2356-99

In order to cover the elements of the 8 Units you will need to consider the following in your working practices.

Do you have contact with and provide information to at least TWO of the following
• Customers
• Clients
• Supervisors
• Charge-hands
• Colleagues
• Other contractors and non-electrotechnical operators

Do you work in at least TWO of the following environments?
• Confined spaces
• Working near machinery
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Agricultural

Do you work in ALL of the following conditions?
• Inside
• Outside
• Working with non-electrical contractors

Does your work involve at least TWO of the following safety aspects?
• Safe isolation
• Permits to work
• PPE
• Method statement/Risk assessment

Do you use at least TWO of the following access systems?
• Ladders
• Steps
• Trestles
• Scaffolding/towers
• Platforms/MEWPS

Do you work on at least THREE of the following types of wiring system?
• MIMS
• PVC/SWA
• PVC Singles
• PVC Twin
• FP200
• SY/YY

Do you work on at least THREE of the following types of wiring enclosure?
• PVC Conduit
• Steel Conduit
• PVC Trunking
• Steel Trunking
• Cable Tray
• Ducting Systems

Do you work on at least THREE of the following types of electrical equipment?
• Luminaires
• Control Systems and components
• Switchgear and distribution panels
• Electrical Plant
• Motors and Starters
• Components and Accessories

Do you work on at least THREE of the following types of electrical system?
• ELV
• LV Single phase
• Multiphase
• Power
• Lighting and Controls

Do you undertake ALL of the following types of electrical tests?
• Continuity of Circuit Protective Conductor
• Continuity of Ring Final Circuit
• Insulation Resistance
• Polarity
• Earth Fault Loop impedance
• Operation of RCD’s

Do you diagnose and rectify THREE of the following types of electrical faults?
• Overload
• Earth leakage
• Open circuits
• Short circuits
• Over-sensitive RCD’s
• High resistance joints
• Incomplete ring circuits

Summary of City & Guilds NVQ 2356-99

How To Achieve The NVQ 2356-99

To gain the City & Guilds NVQ 2356-99 Level 3 you will need to prove your competence whilst working as an electrician. This means being able to prove your practical skills AND underpinning knowledge, to a satisfactory standard. Proof of underpinning knowledge is usually by production of a technical certificate and professional discussion.

You will need to gather evidence from the workplace, which will be assessed and verified by XS Training Ltd.  The evidence should indicate that you are working to the standards expected of an electrician, over a variety of activities, and, have an understanding of the appropriate electrical theory.

The assessment process involves working with your assessor to produce a portfolio of evidence using the e-Portfolio system, OneFile. This will be assessed and verified prior to being submitted to City and Guilds for approval. Your assessor will provide you with ongoing support and feedback until you successfully complete your NVQ.

Still Have Questions About Your NVQ Level 3 Electrical?

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