Qualification and the term "or equivalent"

[milnesj]

I am suddenly on the job market since completing my electrical apprenticeship. I'm having a problem with someof the adverts when they specify a qualification, or the equivalent.
For example when they ask for Part P and/or 17th Edition. When I look for suitable training courses they also talk about what you need to obtain these qualifications "or the equivalent". I've listed below my experience and qualifications and would be grateful for any advice on what I need to do to obtain 17th edition and Part P, If indeed both are required with my existing qualifications. Sorry, there are a few questions in there.

NVQ II (F) Electrical Installation – 1999/2000
NVQ Level 3 – Installing and Commissioning Electrotechnical Systems
Achievement Measurement 2 (AM2)

Advanced Apprenticeship Installing and Commissioning Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment. October 2001to January 2006

C&G 2351 – Knowledge of Electrical Installations

Ensure site safety Completed - North Lindsey College
Prepare to install Completed - North Lindsey College
Install systems Completed - North Lindsey College
Connect wiring Completed - Hull College
Inspect and test Completed - Hull College
Electrical principles Completed - Hull College
Diagnose faults Completed – Hull College
Provide information Completed – Hull College

C&G 2360
2360-102. Basic installation practice & tech. Theory& practice.
2360-103. Associated electronics technology theory & practice.

Achievement Measurement 2 (AM2)
Installing Electrical Systems and Electrical Equipment
Commission Electrical Installation. Inspection and Testing
Safe Isolation and Supplies
Fault Diagnosis
Fault Rectification

Experienced in Industrial, Commercial and Domestic installations.

[electricalqualifications]

There are a lot of employers who look for individuals who can prove they have knowledge of the 17th Edition and the easiest way of proving it is by having the actual qualification. This was the same with the 16th, even for those who completed an apprenticeship on it.

The Part P (or Certificate for Domestic Electrical Installer as it is known) is not of any real use to you with your qualifications ALTHOUGH some companies who do domestic work may be looking for someone with knowledge of the Building Regulations 2000 (and the updates) and this can again be proved by completing Unit 1 of the qualification.

Is this what you were looking for?
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[retiredsparky]

What does that prove [17th edition qualification]. It only proves the applicant can read and find information in a particular book.
To be honest, you could teach a teenager with no experience of electrical work to pass this exam.

[electricalqualifications]

If the applicant can read and find knowledge from the 17th Edition, in my opinion, that demonstrates that they can read and find knowledge from the 17th Edition.

Short of a prospective employer scrutinising previous work, seeking specific references from previous employment, taking them on on a trial basis, designing their own 17th Edition exam or a series of questions based on the Regs or even simply taking their word for it, how else can an employer be aware that the person is capable of deciphering the latest version of BS7671? It may not ultimately be the single most effective solution of determining relevant knowledge, but it is a step in the right direction and at least illustrates that that person CAN find relevant information in the Regulations should the need arise.

In a school system that increasingly year on year leaves young males in a pre-Victorian state of reading and writing, I would personally take on the person who has bothered to update themselves via an external exam and has proved that they can read and decipher information accordingly rather than the person who hasn't bothered updating their knowledge (through whatever means) for the last 20 years. We know they exist, I have worked with hundreds over the last 20 years who couldn't be arsed, working for medium to large size companies doing the same stuff year in, year out and just taking home a wage.
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