The Process – training

The Apprenticeship Scheme

STAGE 1

17 Weeks 
College & On Site Training

This phase spans 17 weeks of block release sessions held at a local college. Typically commencing around September, it encompasses five weeks of college attendance, followed by three blocks of four-week periods. The gaps between these college sessions are dedicated to gaining practical site experience.

During this stage, apprentices acquire a blend of practical and theoretical skills, encompassing subjects like health and safety, wiring systems, wiring enclosures, installation regulations, and more.

STAGE 2

11 Weeks
College & On Site Training

Stage 2 comprises 11 weeks of block release, once again conducted at a local college, with intervals for site experience between college sessions.

During this phase, the focus primarily shifts to theoretical knowledge acquisition.

Apprentices delve into topics such as cable selection, lighting calculations, distribution systems, while also incorporating some practical aspects related to motor and control circuits, as well as inspection and testing.

STAGE 3

On Site Training
1 week at College

The final stage revolves around on-site experience, culminating with one week of college attendance at the conclusion of the third year of the apprenticeship.

The skills and knowledge cultivated in this phase are centred on assessing safe working practices, executing safe isolation procedures, conducting inspections, testing and certification, fault finding and carrying out the commissioning of electrical installations.

END TEST

Final Test
Undertake FICA

The Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) is completed by all SJIB registered Apprentices who are approaching the end of their training for the Modern Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation.

The FICA is an integral part of the SQA/SJIB SVQ in Electrical Installation. Jointly awarded SJIB/SQA it may only be undertaken by Apprentices following the SJIB training scheme once they have completed the required competencies through the relevant site experience. Learn more about the FICA test.

The Process – training

The Adult TrainEE Scheme

STAGE 1

28 Days Attendance
College & On Site Training

This consists of 28 days of attendance: 2 weeks of block release and 18 days day release typically every 2nd Friday. Site experience is gained in between the college attendance.

Skills learned at college include: health and safety, wiring systems, wiring enclosures, installation regulations, etc

Note: There is no practical element to the Stage 1 of the adult programme, employers should ensure Adult Trainees have the relevant experience before enrolling (minimum of 1 year experience mandatory).

STAGE 2

11 Weeks
College & On Site Training

This consists of 28 days of attendance: 2 weeks of block release and 18 days day release typically every 2nd Friday. Site experience is gained in between the college attendance.

Skills learned at college include cable selection, motors, Electrical Installation projects, etc.

STAGE 3

On Site Training
1 week at College

This stage consists of site experience with 1 week at college towards the end of the first year in Stage 3.

Skills learned at college include assessment of safe working practices, safe isolation, inspection, testing, fault finding and commissioning of electrical installations.

END TEST

Final Test
Undertake FICA

The Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) is completed by all SJIB registered Apprentices who are approaching the end of their training for the Modern Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation.

The FICA is an integral part of the SQA/SJIB SVQ in Electrical Installation. Jointly awarded SJIB/SQA it may only be undertaken by Apprentices following the SJIB training scheme once they have completed the required competencies through the relevant site experience. Learn more about the FICA test.

 

The Process – assessment

WHAT is fica?

The Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) is an assessment undertaken by all apprentices and adult trainees registered with the SJIB who are nearing the conclusion of their training in the Modern Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation.

The FICA constitutes an essential component of the SJIB Electrical Installation Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 7. It is exclusively available to apprentices and adult trainees who have fulfilled the requisite competencies and garnered adequate site experience as per the SJIB training scheme.

Apprentices and adult trainees are eligible to sit for the FICA after a minimum of three years of training. They are granted a maximum of five years to undergo this assessment. The decision regarding when the apprentice or adult trainee is prepared to undertake the assessment and transition to the role of an electrician lies with their employer.

It’s important to note that the FICA can only be administered at an assessment center that has received approval from the SJIB.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

get ready

To prepare for registration ensure you have your personal particulars readily available, such as your National Insurance Number and SQA Registration Number.

Register

The first step is to your Apprenticeship/Training is to register with SECTT for the Pre-Employment Assessment.

assessment

After you have registered you will be required to complete your assessment covering both technical comprehension and numeracy online under exam conditions by an invigilator.