SELECT, the campaigning trade body for Scotland’s electrical sector, is going live on YouTube to help FICA apprentices and the electricians of the future. On behalf of SJIB, they have created a series of detailed instructional videos that will benefit young people during the apprenticeship training.
The videos, which can be found on YouTube or on SJIB’s website, are particularly aimed at those facing the Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) to help them join the ranks of qualified electrician. However, the information that the videos provide is of value to existing electrical professionals as well.
The series of ten videos focus on the test sequence and specific tests required to verify that a new electrical installation complies with BS 7671:2008 (as amended). “Inspection and Testing is vital. It is about verifying that an electrical installation is safe before it goes into use, and the regulations require that the person verifying it is suitably competent,” explained Fiona Harper from SELECT.
According to SJIB, Inspection and Testing is one of the most difficult FICA part to learn and young people have been looking on YouTube for help; “that was when we decided to use that medium to provide clear, accurate, accessible and authorised guidance for our candidates,” said Fiona.
Candidates can use the training videos before they are subjected to a regime in which they face a gruelling two days of practical simulations of various aspects of electrical installation in a modern and up to date environment. They also have a written test that consists of a series of multiple choice questions, which will help assess their ability to safely and effectively carry out their future profession. The assessment centres for the FICA in Scotland are located in Aberdeen, Cambuslang, and Edinburgh.
SELECT has 1200 member companies, which account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. Their collective turnover is approximately £1 billion and they provide employment for 15,000 people.
