In the United Kingdom, an ECS Gold Card is the benchmark of a fully qualified installation electrician. It proves that the holder has met the industry standard of technical competence, underpinning knowledge, and site safety compliance required to work unsupervised.
To qualify, you must achieve a defined series of nationally recognised qualifications. These are issued by awarding bodies such as City & Guilds and EAL and endorsed by the Joint Industry Board (JIB) and the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS).
According to current guidance, the qualifications required are:
Official details can be verified via City & Guilds, EAL, and the ECS website.
The traditional apprenticeship pathway has long been a respected route into the electrical trade, but it isn’t suitable or accessible for everyone. Many adults who want to retrain or change careers cannot commit to a multi-year apprenticeship that depends on employer sponsorship. Others prefer a structured, independent route that allows them to gain recognised qualifications on their own terms while still meeting the same professional standards.
Recognising this gap, Learn Trade Skills (LTS) became the first training provider in the United Kingdom, in 2023, to design and deliver a complete Gold Card Electrical Course Package — a fully accredited and employment-focused alternative to the apprenticeship system.
This pioneering course package brought together every qualification required to achieve ECS Gold Card status under one structured programme. Learners progress from Basic Electrical Skills (EAL-approved) through to the Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, Part P Building Regulations, Inspection and Testing, and finally the NVQ Level 3 and AM2.
Since introducing this model in 2023, other training centres have attempted to replicate the concept. However, Learn Trade Skills remains the benchmark setter — the only provider offering a truly complete and site-ready Gold Card course that integrates safety, competence, and professional standards from start to finish.
In 2024, we strengthened our programme even further by embedding EAL-approved site-safety CPD modules directly into the Basic Electrical Skills course, which forms the foundation of the Gold Card package. These modules cover Asbestos Awareness, Manual Handling, and Working at Heights, ensuring that every learner develops safety competence from day one.
Unlike other providers that focus primarily on classroom delivery, our approach is built around real-world readiness. Every stage is delivered in-centre by qualified instructors and assessors with extensive trade experience, giving learners both the technical ability and the practical confidence needed to perform safely and effectively on site.
While other centres now offer their own versions of a “Gold Card course,” Learn Trade Skills created it — and continues to lead the industry in completeness, accreditation, and site readiness. Our course remains the most comprehensive and employment-focused route to becoming a fully qualified electrician in the United Kingdom.
The traditional apprenticeship pathway remains a respected route into the electrical trade, but it is not accessible to everyone. Many adults who want to retrain or change careers cannot commit to a multi-year apprenticeship that depends on employer sponsorship. Others want a structured, independent way to qualify without having to wait for workplace experience to accumulate over several years.
Upon completion, learners meet all requirements to apply for their ECS Gold Card.
LTS provides every stage of the qualification ladder in one structured package. Learners do not need to source additional training elsewhere; the pathway progresses seamlessly from foundation to NVQ completion.
The centre is approved by both City & Guilds, EAL and LCL ensuring its qualifications are recognised across all major certification schemes and by employers nationwide. Very few providers hold triple accreditations of this type.
The programme is built around the needs of adults entering the trade. No prior electrical experience or apprenticeship sponsorship is required. Flexible scheduling options allow learners to train full-time or part-time alongside existing work or family commitments.
All technical units are delivered in purpose-built workshops using professional-grade equipment. This ensures that learners develop genuine competence, not just theoretical knowledge.
Unlike many competitors, LTS integrates mandatory CPD safety modules directly into the Gold Card package. This enables graduates to work safely and legally on UK construction sites immediately after qualification.
Learners who maintain 95 percent attendance and an 80 percent assessment average are eligible for the LTS Job Guarantee. Graduates have already contributed to large-scale renewable projects, including the 250 kWh Holland Bazar solar installation, demonstrating the employability outcomes of the programme.
Class sizes are limited to fourteen to sixteen students, allowing close supervision and individual feedback from tutors with current industry experience.
All learners gain access to an online platform containing revision materials, e-learning modules, and communication tools for tutor support outside classroom hours.
| Qualification / Component | Learn Trade Skills | Able Skills | Essex Electrical Training | Optima Electrical Training | Access Training UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EAL Approved Basic Skills | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| C&G 2365-02 (Level 2) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Unconfirmed |
| C&G 2365-03 (Level 3) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Unconfirmed |
| 18th Edition (2382) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part P (2393) | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Inspection & Testing (2391-52) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| NVQ Level 3 (2357) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| In-Centre Safety CPD | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Employment Support / Job Guarantee | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | NVQ Placements |
Many private training centres now advertise Solar PV, EV Charging, and Battery Storage modules as part of their Gold Card or Fast-Track packages. This can mislead new entrants into believing they can train in renewables before becoming fully qualified electricians.
In reality, that is not permitted under current industry standards.
Renewable and low-carbon technology courses — including those accredited by City & Guilds, EAL, and LCL Awards — are designed only for fully qualified electricians.
To enrol on these qualifications or to be recognised as a competent installer, candidates must already hold:
This requirement is in place because renewables installation involves complex electrical design, grid connection, and verification under BS 7671 (18th Edition) and MCS standards. Without a full qualification or CPS registration, a person cannot legally carry out or certify renewable installations in the UK.
In other words, being “qualified” for renewables means more than just completing a short course. You must already be recognised by industry bodies as competent to design, install, and test electrical systems — the same competence proven through your NVQ Level 3 and ECS Gold Card.
At Learn Trade Skills, we ensure learners follow the correct order:
This approach protects learners from wasting money on premature courses that hold no value without the right foundation.
It ensures that when you do train in renewables, your skills are fully recognised, your work can be certified, and you can operate legally under CPS or MCS accreditation.
Please check all our electrical courses
Together, these features position Learn Trade Skills as the UK’s leading non-apprenticeship Gold Card electrical training provider. The course produces work-ready electricians who hold every qualification required by the JIB and ECS to operate at professional level.
Do I need an apprenticeship to gain a Gold Card?
No. The Learn Trade Skills Gold Card Course follows an alternative route that mirrors the apprenticeship framework without employer sponsorship.
How long does the full programme take?
Around 15–17 weeks of in-centre training, followed by up to one year for completion of the NVQ portfolio and AM2 assessment.
Are the qualifications recognised by employers?
Yes. All qualifications are awarded by EAL and City & Guilds, recognised nationally by the ECS, JIB, NICEIC, and NAPIT.
What happens after qualification?
Graduates can apply for the ECS Gold Card and begin working as installation electricians. LTS continues to provide employment support and guidance for those wishing to progress into renewables or design-level training.
The modern electrical industry demands both competence and compliance. Learn Trade Skills provides a clear, accredited, and employment-ready pathway to achieve both. By combining full qualification coverage, hands-on learning, safety certification, and post-training employment support, Learn Trade Skills has established itself as the flagship Gold Card training provider in the United Kingdom.
For those seeking a professional, apprenticeship-free route to becoming a qualified electrician, this programme represents the most complete and credible option available today.
Tolga Aramaz is the Director of Learn Trade Skills (LTS), a family-run training centre specialising in electrical installations. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the electrical industry, Tolga is known for their exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering outstanding results. They provide valuable insights and guidance to electricians, contractors, and businesses, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety protocols. Through engaging training programmes and consultancy services, Tolga empowers professionals to excel in their roles, fostering long-term relationships built on professionalism and customer satisfaction.
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William Goss
Electrician course
11/11/2024
