The Experienced Worker Route for Electricians: It’s Not as Daunting as You Think
If you’ve been in the electrical trade for years but haven’t yet formalised your qualifications, the Experienced Worker Route (EWR) could be your fast track to achieving full recognition—and it’s not as scary as it might seem.
Why the Experienced Worker Route Exists
The EWR, formally known as the Level 3 NVQ in Electrical Installation (2346), was designed for electricians who have been working in the trade for years and already have extensive hands-on experience. It recognises your practical skills, allowing you to gain the qualifications needed to legally certify your work, including testing and issuing certification.
In other words, completing the EWR isn’t about proving that you know what a screwdriver does—it’s about translating your experience into a formal qualification. It opens doors: you can take on more complex work, manage projects, and ensure your work is fully compliant with current electrical regulations.
Why Some People Have Avoided It
In the past, many electricians avoided this route because it was often called “grandfather rights,” a term that sometimes came with misconceptions. There was a fear that older or more experienced tradespeople would be judged against younger apprentices’ standards or forced to learn everything from scratch again.
We get it. If you’ve been doing the job safely and successfully for decades, the idea of going through a formal assessment can feel unnecessary—or even a little intimidating.
But here’s the truth: the EWR respects your experience. Assessors aren’t looking to trip you up—they’re there to confirm what you already know and document it so you can operate legally and confidently in today’s regulatory environment.
What Completing the EWR Allows You to Do
Once you’ve completed the route, you’ll be able to:
Certify electrical installations as fully compliant
Work on a wider range of projects, including those that require formal qualifications
Increase your earning potential
Ensure your career is future-proof, compliant with current legislation
The process is designed to work with your experience, not against it. Many electricians are pleasantly surprised at how much of the assessment is a validation of the skills they’ve been using every day.
How To Start Your Experienced Worker Assessment
Get in touch to book a skillscan with our professional electricians and assessors. Alex and Sam are our directors who are gold card electricians and have years of experience helping and guiding time served electricians to become compliant.