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A range of ECS cards are available through the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) for the Network Infrastructure industry, previously referred to as Datacomms. After an extensive process of consultation and development to develop the new Cable Network Installer apprenticeship, work was undertaken to map across qualifications and raise standards in the sector. The Network Infrastructure…

National Electrotechnical Training (NET) has announced the launch of the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) Experienced Worker Assessment, which provides a new route for fire industry technicians to become accredited to the industry Level 3 standard. The FESS Experienced Worker Assessment is for people who have been working with fire, emergency or security systems…

Braid Mechanical and Electrical, a member of the Joint Industry Board (JIB), has become the 750th organisation to register for ECS Check. Based in Ballymena, Braid Mechanical and Electrical has been providing mechanical and electrical services to industrial and business customers for over 85 years and is one of Northern Ireland’s longest running electrical contracting…

The JIB Skills Development Fund, the charity providing course grants and financial assistance for upskilling in the electrotechnical industry, has increased the number of courses eligible for funding following a record year of course grants. The Fund distributed £30,000 in course grants in the last funding year and has set about helping even more people with…

The Joint Industry Board (JIB) is delighted to announce that Jacobs has recently joined the organisation. Jacobs, a global technology-forward solutions company, has a 150-year heritage in the UK. It provides clients with capability such as Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment services, with hundreds of conducted and defended studies and reports in the…

The JIB Skills Development Fund, the charity providing course grants and financial assistance for upskilling in the electrotechnical industry, has seen another record year. The Fund extended its annual cap on funding in 2019 and this has now been reached with £30,000 distributed by the charity in this funding year. This year has also seen…

The new Head of the Building Safety Regulator, Peter Baker, has been speaking about the role of the new regulator and the work underway to improve safety and competence standards in the industry. In the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, and following recommendations in the “Building a Safer Future” report by Dame Judith Hackitt,…

The Shadow Secretary of State for Employment Rights, Andy McDonald MP, has voiced his support for ECS Check and the benefits an ECS Check registration can bring for contractors and local authorities. The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is the sole ID, qualification and competency card registration scheme for the electrotechnical industry run by the Joint…

It is easy for an Annual Review to focus on the many problems 2020 brought to the electrical contracting industry. The Joint Industry Board (JIB) releases its 2020 Annual Review by recapping its key announcements and achievements from last year. The speed and spread of Coronavirus made 2020 one of the most difficult years in…

Improving standards in public projects: Faster, greener, better The Government has recently published a Construction Playbook outlining how government will work with the industry to improve standards in public projects with the objective of delivering these faster, better and greener. Construction will be key to the UK’s recovery from Covid-19 and this follows Boris Johnson’s…

With the UK showing a commitment to tackling the climate crisis by setting a target to meet net-zero emissions by 2050, the Joint Industry Board (JIB) is urging electrical contracting companies to evolve and broaden their skill sets. The JIB believes that the increasing adoption of greener technologies presents contractors with a number of opportunities…

The Network Infrastructure industry’s new Occupational Qualification Structure leading to Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Card recognition comes into play on 1 January 2021. From this date onwards, all new (initial) applications must comply with the Structure, and there are cards already available that recognise all levels of Network Infrastructure occupations, including Network Infrastructure Assistant, which includes…

With the introduction of changes to IR35 due to come into force on 06 April 2021, the Joint Industry Board (JIB) is urging clients and large contractors to enforce direct employment in their workforce and build back better by investing in the skills which are needed to meet the demands of the industry and deliver…

With another lockdown announced in response to the rising Coronavirus infections, the Joint Industry Board (JIB) has issued a reminder of the benefits a JIB membership can bring. During the first lockdown period in March the JIB worked swiftly to implement flexible and supportive measures to ensure jobs and businesses were fully protected. The JIB,…

The Joint Industry Board (JIB) is delighted to confirm that Sir Brendan Barber, former general secretary of the United Kingdom’s Trades Union Congress (TUC), has agreed to chair the Major Contractors’ Committee (MCC) and will join the JIB National Board as a Public Interest Member.   Sir Brendan Barber spent most of his working life at the TUC, joining in…

After taking a proactive approach to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Joint Industry Board (JIB) is aiming to build on its longer-term strategic priorities of raising employment standards, achieving significant business growth and creating a safer built environment.   To help its members during lockdown the JIB announced the introduction of a Temporary Furlough Benefits Credit, which…

Excellence Achievement and Learning (EAL) has announced the launch of a new NVQ Level 3 certificate for Cabling and Jointing following work by the JIB Cabling and Jointing Committee to develop recognised qualification routes in the sector.   The EAL L3 Certificate in Power Supply and Distribution Cabling is an occupational qualification for learners who…

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is delighted to appoint Phil Wilbraham, formerly of Heathrow Airport Limited, as the new Chair of its Steering Committee. Mr Wilbraham replaces Newell McGuiness, who took on the role of Chair in 2018. Phil previously worked for Heathrow Airport for over 17 years where he led the completion of T2,…

The JIB is an impartial organisation that sets the standards for employment, welfare, grading and apprentice training in the electrical contracting industry. Its work is targeted at improving the industry, its status and productivity. The JIB membership comprises over 650 SMEs as well as the UK’s largest electrical contractors representing over 12,500 employees.