Day November 24, 2025

The question appears constantly across Reddit, ElectriciansForums, and training enquiries: "I've completed Level 3, am I qualified now?" Followed immediately by confusion when the answer is no. Then comes: "I've worked as a sparks for 8 years, can I start the NVQ?" Sometimes yes, sometimes no, depending on what that 8 years actually involved. And the classic: "My training provider said I can do NVQ online in 6 months, is that legit?" Absolutely not.

NVQ Level 3 eligibility is confusing because training providers deliberately blur the lines between theoretical diplomas and competence-based qualifications, between years of experience and verifiable evidence, between domestic installation work and the breadth required for full electrician status.

In January 2025, thousands of JIB-graded electricians saw their hourly rates increase by 5%. That's the second step in a two-year pay deal agreed between the ECA, Unite the Union, and the JIB National Board back in 2023. The first uplift, a 7% increase, landed in January 2024.

On paper, it sounds decent. Combined, that's a 12.35% increase across two years. But if you're working on a JIB site, scrolling through Reddit threads, or comparing your payslip to what self-employed sparks are charging,