Gold Card holder a first for GCS Training

An electrician from Clydach has become the first candidate to graduate from GCS Training’s Energy Centre and qualify for a Gold Card from the Joint Industry Board.

Shaun Farthing, who has completed the EAL Level 3 Diploma in Electrotechnical Services (Experienced Worker Scheme) is employed by Hornbill Engineering in Llandarcy.

The Joint Industry Board – the governing body for the electrical contracting industry - introduced the Experienced Worker Scheme to ensure that everyone working within the industry has relevant, up to date qualifications.

To apply for the scheme, electricians must have worked within the electrotechnical field for at least five years and they must have completed an NVQ and an AM2 trade test…and this is where the college comes in.

“We are the only training organisation in Wales currently offering the Experienced Worker Scheme, which we deliver from our specialist Energy Centre at Tycoch,” says Brian Morris, Electrical Commercial Co-ordinator with GCS Training. “We are delighted to work in partnership with the JIB to ensure that all electricians have the necessary qualifications to satisfy the requirements of the electrotechnical industry.”

“We are all very pleased with Shaun’s progress and the flexibility of Brian and his team at Gower College Swansea in bringing this to fruition,” adds Richard Manley, Workshop / Facilities Manager at Hornbill Engineering.