EDIT skills oct21_000_PSI_mar15 28/09/2021 17:11 Page 2
SKILLS
The FESS ECS card explained David Scott, Managing Director of Skills for Security reveals what you need to know about the BSIA Broadcast FESS ECS Card Scheme
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n 2019, organisations, associations and employers from across the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems industry came together to agree a new structure for competence, qualifications and assessment under the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS). This included BSIA taking a leading role in shaping the future skills requirements for the sector and aligning the structure to the FESS Apprenticeship standard which is now in full operation. From July 2021, when you need to renew your ECS card, this will need to be in line with this new structure and you may be refused access to sites without a valid ECS card for your role. Dave Wilkinson, Director of Technical Services at the BSIA and Skills for Security’s Managing DIrector David Scott updated the sector on the latest changes to the ECS Scheme in the October BSIA Broadcast. They discussed how it impacts your business, what it will cost to bring company personnel up to speed with a FESS ECS competence and qualification card and how best to undertake training and assessment for your certification through leading industry training organisations such as Skills for Security. These FESS ECS occupations will replace the existing Fire Detection & Alarm Systems and the Emergency & Security Systems cards and is already in force throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. ECS cards are split across the various FESS disciplines, so depending on your skillset and expertise, you can now apply directly for the most appropriate card: • Fire • Fire and Emergency Lighting • Security • Fire and Security The card structure has changed to better reflect the type of role in each discipline and relevant level of competence. The different card options are, FESS Apprentice, FESS Labourer, FESS Systems Operative, FESS Systems Technician and FESS Technical Manager. The FESS Apprentice ECS card is for new entrants into the sector that are enrolled on a recognised FESS apprentice scheme, which concludes with the competency-based FESS EndPoint assessment. This pathway is one of two that allows you to achieve the ECS Gold Card once the candidate has successfully achieved the Level 3 FESS Apprenticeship criteria. To achieve the FESS ECS
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Apprentice card, the apprentice will need to complete the ECS H&S multiple-choice assessment and provide evidence of being enrolled on a registered apprenticeship. These cards are often applied for through the relevant training organisation, so speak to your training provider first. The FESS Labourer ECS card is for people in a supportive role to assist other FESS industry qualified staff with the installation of cables and other unskilled work under supervision. These people wouldn't have responsibility for the full installation of systems. The FESS Systems Operative ECS card is for those working in specialist roles throughout the sector, such as installer or maintainer but are not able to demonstrate competency at level 3 for the Gold ECS card. The Systems Operative card is recognisable through its white and blue stripe. Those that require this ECS Systems Operative Card will need to demonstrate their competence through the newly developed ECS FESS multiplechoice assessment or a recognised qualification. Each assessment consists of 30 questions across a range of topics relevant to the chosen FESS occupation to be completed in 30 minutes. Each question will require the correct answer to
From July 2021, when you need to renew your ECS card, this will need to be in line with new structures and you may be refused access to sites without a valid ECS card for your role
YOUR SKILLS QUESTIONS ANSWERED As part of this column you can ask David questions directly about training and apprenticeships. We will aim, to publish the question and answer in the next column. If you want to participate in this, then email info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk Last month’s column was excellent, but how do you know an apprentice is on track throughout the programme? We skill scan and assess our apprentices on a quarterly basis. The results of which are uploaded to their online portal for the employer to check and feedback on. I have a trainee but want them to do a formal course but don't know where to start? info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk – the team there will give you all the info you need.
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