Foundation to T Level (Electrical)

Learn by doing as you develop the core electrical skills and knowledge needed to take your next step towards a career in the electrotechnical sector.

You will gain an introduction to electrical installation, building technology and the terminology used by professionals in the industry. Practical sessions will help you become confident using tools and equipment while developing the accuracy, safety awareness and technical understanding needed for further study.

You will explore:

• Electrical installation
• Installing wiring systems
• Installing electrical enclosures
• Electrical tools and equipment
• Scientific principles
• Electrical principles
• Health and safety
• Safe working practices
• Building technology
• Technical terminology
• Working accurately to instructions and specifications

Practical sessions will give you regular opportunities to develop your skills through demonstration, guided practice and increasingly independent activities. You will learn how to prepare for electrical tasks, work safely, use tools correctly and apply technical knowledge to practical situations.

Alongside your electrical skills, you will develop wider skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, organisation and taking responsibility for your own learning.

The programme is specifically designed to prepare you for progression to the T Level in Building Services Engineering (Electrical), helping you develop the technical knowledge, practical ability and study skills needed to succeed at Level 3.

You will normally need:

• Five GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and Maths (4+)
• Or an equivalent vocational qualification at merit grade, and Functional Skills Maths and English, preferably at Level 1.

If you have not yet achieved grade 4 in GCSE English and/or Maths, you will continue to study these alongside your main programme.

You will get the most from this programme if you:

• Have a genuine interest in electrical installation
• Enjoy practical, hands-on learning
• Are interested in understanding how electrical systems work
• Pay attention to accuracy and detail
• Are comfortable working with numbers and measurements
• Can follow instructions and work safely
• Are willing to practise practical techniques to improve your skills
• Can listen to feedback and use it to improve your work
• Enjoy solving practical problems
• Are willing to become more organised and responsible for your own learning

Good hand-eye coordination will be useful for practical electrical work, but you will have opportunities to develop your practical skills throughout the programme.

City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Electrical Installation (8202-20)

The main progression route from this programme is the T Level in Building Services Engineering (Electrical) at Newbury College, where you can develop advanced technical knowledge and practical skills and complete a substantial industry placement.

Depending on your progress and career plans, you could also consider an apprenticeship or another route into the electrical and construction industries.

Possible next steps include:

• T Level Building Services Engineering (Electrical) at Newbury College
• An electrical installation apprenticeship
• An electrotechnical apprenticeship
• Further training in building services engineering
• Further training within construction or engineering
• Entry-level employment with training in the electrotechnical sector

With further training and experience, you could progress towards careers in electrical installation, building services engineering, electrical maintenance, renewable energy systems or other technical roles within the construction industry.

The Electrical Installation qualification is assessed through a combination of theory and practical assessment.

You will complete:

• A multiple-choice theory exam
• A practical synoptic assignment
• Employer engagement activities

Your practical assessment will give you the opportunity to demonstrate the electrical installation skills you have developed, including your ability to work safely, accurately and independently.

The theory exam will assess your understanding of the technical knowledge behind your practical work.

Your tutors will provide feedback throughout the programme to help you improve your techniques, strengthen your technical understanding and prepare for your final assessments.

English and Maths, where studied alongside your programme, are assessed separately and may include exams.

You should expect to complete around 2 to 3 hours of independent study each week.

This may include:

• Revising electrical theory
• Reviewing practical techniques
• Completing technical research
• Practising electrical calculations
• Preparing for the theory exam
• Preparing for practical assessments
• Reviewing health and safety requirements
• Responding to tutor feedback

Your independent study will reinforce what you learn during practical and classroom sessions.

Your tutors will support your progress, but you will also be expected to take increasing responsibility for your own research, revision and preparation for assessment.

There is no mandatory industry placement requirement during the Foundation year, but employers and work-related activities will form an important part of your programme.

You will take part in meaningful activities that help you understand how electrical skills are used in professional workplaces and what employers expect from people entering the industry.

Depending on the opportunities available during your programme, this may include:

• Meeting electricians and other industry professionals
• Hearing from employers about electrical careers and apprenticeships
• Taking part in employer-led projects or activities
• Visiting construction or engineering workplaces
• Learning about different roles within electrical installation and building services
• Developing professional communication and workplace behaviours

These experiences will help you connect your College learning with the workplace and prepare for progression to the T Level, an apprenticeship or further training.

• All full-time students are asked to contribute £15 towards the College Subscription Fund
• You may need suitable workwear for practical sessions, including safety boots and work trousers
• Details and costs for any required workwear will be provided before enrolment
• Optional visits to workplaces, construction sites, exhibitions or shows may have additional entrance or travel costs