Table of Contents
This page explains the options available to adults completing the City & Guilds Level 3 Electrotechnical NVQ (2357-13) without an apprenticeship. It sets out the different types of training providers and delivery styles, showing how they vary in assessment format, support and ways to collect on-site evidence. The aim is to help learners understand the routes before choosing one that suits their situation. It is an informational comparison only and should be read alongside official guidance.
This comparison suits adults who already have electrical theory at Level 3 and are preparing to complete the NVQ. It is relevant for learners who can work on live installations and need to build a site-based evidence portfolio before the final AM2 assessment.
- hold a Level 3 electrical diploma (such as C&G 2365)
- have access to live installation work
- can collect workplace evidence for a portfolio
- need assessor observations on real tasks
- are preparing for the AM2
The NVQ Level 3 Electrical (C&G 2357) checks that a learner can carry out electrical work safely and competently in real conditions. It is taken after a Level 3 technical diploma and focuses on the practical skills needed for installation or maintenance work. To complete it, learners must already be working in the electrical industry and have access to live installation sites. They gather workplace evidence for an electronic portfolio, such as photographs, job records, test documents and risk assessments mapped to the qualification units. An assessor will visit the workplace to observe tasks like safe isolation, installation, testing and fault finding. Once the portfolio and observations are finished, learners must take the AM2, a separate, practical trade test that completes the qualification.
Adults completing the City & Guilds 2357 NVQ outside an apprenticeship have several recognised assessment routes. Each provider type differs in how workplace evidence is gathered, how assessors interact with learners, and whether structured support is available for accessing installation environments. The categories below summarise the models seen across the UK adult training market to give clarity before entering the comparison matrix.
1. National Commercial Providers – With Placement Support
Delivery Style
Blended delivery using centre-based preparation sessions, e-portfolio tools and scheduled assessor visits. Some models include induction workshops before workplace assessment begins.
Portfolio & Assessment Support
Regular tutor reviews, mapped feedback and structured progression plans. Assessors schedule observations when enough evidence is available.
Placement / Site Evidence
Providers in this category typically assist learners in securing suitable environments for installation, testing and fault-finding tasks. Support varies but usually includes structured pathways into supervised work.
Who This Suits
Learners who have completed Level 3 technical theory but do not work in the trade and require access to varied installation work.
Considerations
Learners must still complete the full evidence range independently in real working conditions.
2. National Commercial Providers – Without Placement Support
Delivery Style
Blended online/centre assessment model supported by digital portfolio systems. Assessor visits are planned around site access.
Portfolio & Assessment Support
Evidence uploads, written tasks and photographic records are reviewed remotely. Assessors validate competence through scheduled on-site tasks.
Placement / Site Evidence
Learners must already be active on electrical sites and able to gather a range of installation, testing and maintenance evidence.
Who This Suits
Adults employed as mates, improvers or newly placed electricians who have regular access to live work.
Considerations
Progress depends on whether the workplace offers enough task variety to meet unit requirements.
3. Local Independent Centres (Limited Geographic Coverage)
Delivery Style
In-person assessor support with centre-based check-ins. Delivery is typically tailored to local learners within a fixed catchment area.
Portfolio & Assessment Support
Face-to-face reviews, local visits and hands-on portfolio guidance. Progress is monitored through unit-based mapping sessions.
Placement / Site Evidence
Learners are generally required to arrange their own access to installation environments. Some centres maintain informal links with regional employers, but placement support is not usually formalised.
Who This Suits
Learners who prefer a smaller centre environment and live within practical travelling distance.
Considerations
Geographic limitations may affect visit scheduling and observation frequency.
4. FE Colleges (Adult Route)
Delivery Style
Delivered alongside or following part-time technical courses. NVQ assessment is handled through college processes using e-portfolios and scheduled assessor activity.
Portfolio & Assessment Support
Portfolio checks often occur during term-time blocks. Observations are arranged once sufficient evidence is available.
Placement / Site Evidence
Colleges usually require adults to secure their own work environment and collect their own installation, testing and fault-finding evidence.
Who This Suits
Adults who prefer a structured academic organisation and live within the college’s local area.
Considerations
Academic calendars and internal scheduling systems can extend timelines.
5. Online-Only NVQ Assessment Providers
Delivery Style
Fully remote delivery through digital portfolio systems and online communication. Learners complete evidence uploads and reviews asynchronously.
Portfolio & Assessment Support
Portfolio guidance focuses on mapping, checking and validating uploaded evidence. Reviews are typically conducted through messaging or video sessions.
Placement / Site Evidence
Learners must already be working in the industry. Site assessments are usually completed through recorded demonstrations or live video tools such as Teams.
Who This Suits
Adults needing maximum flexibility or working across multiple locations.
Considerations
Learners must be confident collecting a full evidence range without in-person assessor involvement.
Provider Comparison (Evidence-Based Overview)
This comparison summarises the delivery patterns, support levels and assessment structures used across recognised provider categories offering the NVQ Level 3 Electrotechnical (C&G 2357) for adults on the non-apprenticeship route. All models require workplace evidence, assessor observations and the AM2 assessment.
| Provider Type | Delivery Model | Site Access Expectation | Assessor Interaction | Observation Method | Duration Patterns* | Typical Candidate Profile | Evidence Scope |
| National Private Providers – Self-Sourced Evidence | Blended: e-portfolio, online reviews, in-person assessments. | Learner must already be employed or working with a qualified electrician. | Regular reviews, structured feedback on evidence mapping. | 1+ face-to-face site visit; additional remote/live-stream where suitable. | 6–18 months common; 24-month registration window typical. | Adults already active on site with stable work variety. | Must collect wide-ranging evidence including installations, testing, fault finding. |
| Online-Only Assessment Providers | Fully remote assessment; e-portfolio plus video reviews and calls. | Learner must secure site access before enrolment. | Scheduled online reviews and video guidance sessions. | Live remote observations plus 1 required in-person visit. | 3–12 months for high-evidence candidates; up to 24–36 months registration. | Experienced adults with reliable, ongoing site access. | Evidence must span installations and testing tasks recorded via photos, RAMS, witness testimony. |
| Adult Training Centres – With Placement Support | Blended: centre-based practical sessions, workshops, workplace evidence collection. | Providers actively assist with securing site access or placements. | High-frequency reviews, in-centre workshops, guided evidence sessions. | Structured plan of site visits (2–3 typical) plus remote observation where allowed. | NVQ phase generally 6–18 months; wider pathway 12–24 months. | Career changers needing structured access to work environments. | Evidence from live sites across required units; centre helps bridge theory-to-practice. |
| FE Colleges – Adult Route | Part-time/evening delivery for knowledge units; workplace NVQ with tutorials. | Learner must usually secure own employment or workplace access. | Periodic tutorials and portfolio support; less frequent than private providers. | Direct site visits plus optional remote/simulated tasks where permitted. | NVQ bolt-on typically 3–24 months; full route often ~3 years part-time. | Adults needing local, flexible study while employed. | Evidence demonstrating installations, testing and commissioning in real environments. |
| Independent Assessment-Only Centres | Assessment only; no teaching; portfolio sign-off and verification. | Learner must already have sufficient existing evidence and site access. | Targeted feedback on sufficiency; minimal ongoing coaching. | Direct on-site visit(s) after initial profiling; remote options where compliant. | Typically 3–6 months for evidence-ready candidates; ~12-month registration. | Experienced workers with substantial site evidence but no NVQ. | Evidence must be complete or near-complete before enrolment; focus is on validation. |
*All durations are indicative ranges cited across provider types and depend on site access, evidence variety and learner availability.
What Learners Mention Most Frequently in NVQ Reviews
Analysis of anonymised Trustpilot reviews across multiple adult NVQ pathways shows recurring themes in how learners describe their experience. These patterns reflect broad user priorities rather than comparisons between individual providers.
Placement access and support are mentioned most often in reviews where a provider has an established placement pathway. In these cases, learners comment on how this affected their ability to begin collecting workplace evidence.
Portfolio guidance and assessor communication appear frequently in reviews for providers using online or blended assessment models, often referencing clarity of instructions and responsiveness.
Delivery clarity and expectation-setting are common themes across national providers, especially around timelines, evidence requirements and the need for site access.
Assessment scheduling and site-visit coordination are referenced across all provider types, with learners noting that progress depends partly on workplace availability for observations.
Choosing the right provider model for the City & Guilds 2357 NVQ depends on your current site access, work situation and preferred way of studying. All accredited routes must meet the same requirements for live work evidence, portfolio completion and direct observation.
- If you do not currently have site access, consider adult training centres with placement support or FE colleges offering the adult 2357 NVQ.
- If you already work in the trade with varied site experience, consider national private NVQ providers with self-sourced evidence or online-only assessment models.
- If you want structured, centre-based support, consider adult training centres or FE colleges.
- If you need flexible, remote study, consider online-only or assessment-only providers.
- If you prefer term-time, part-time study, consider FE colleges.
The most suitable option depends on your circumstances and your ability to gather the required workplace evidence.
Elec Training is positioned in the category of adult training centres with placement support, a recognised route for adults completing the C&G 2357 NVQ. This delivery model combines centre-based practical sessions with structured assistance in gaining workplace access, helping learners collect the live, naturally occurring evidence required for the qualification. Learners build their NVQ portfolio through an e-portfolio system with guided support and regular assessor reviews. Competence is verified through planned site visits or remote observations carried out in accordance with City & Guilds assessment requirements.
This page outlines the different provider types available for adults completing the City & Guilds 2357 NVQ. The most suitable option depends on factors such as site access, work circumstances and learning preferences. Elec Training sits within the category of adult training centres that offer structured support in accessing workplace environments for NVQ evidence.
