What Sort of Things Do We Cover in the Experienced Worker Assessment Technical Discussion?
If you're considering the Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA), one of the first questions you'll probably ask is:
"What happens during the technical discussion?"
The technical discussion is a normal part of the Experienced Worker Assessment process and is designed to help us understand your knowledge, qualifications, work history and current experience as an electrician.
For many candidates, this is the stage they worry about most.
The reality is usually very different.
The technical discussion is not intended to catch you out. It is simply a professional conversation that helps us determine whether the Experienced Worker Assessment route is suitable for you and identify any support you may need before progressing.
Watch: What We Cover During the Technical Discussion
We've recorded a short video explaining the process.
Video:
The video gives a brief overview, but below you'll find much more detail about what we discuss and why it forms such an important part of the EWA application process.
Why Is a Technical Discussion Required?
The Experienced Worker Assessment is intended for experienced practising electricians who have built their skills through years of work in the industry.
Before registering a candidate, training providers must verify that they have the knowledge, understanding and experience required to complete the qualification route. This includes reviewing experience against the Skills Scan and discussing areas that may require additional evidence or support. This requirement is described here is our article about the wider process.
The technical discussion helps us:
Understand your background
Review your experience
Confirm eligibility
Identify any knowledge gaps
Create a realistic assessment plan
Ensure the EWA route is right for you
Most candidates leave the conversation feeling much more confident than they were beforehand.
Who Conducts the Technical Discussion?
At Renew Elec Training, the technical discussion is normally carried out remotely via Microsoft Teams.
The discussion is typically led by:
Alex Tranter
Sam Lawler
Both are experienced electrical assessors and Internal Quality Assurers who work with EWA candidates across the UK.
Although much of the process can be completed remotely, we also have an on-site assessor based in London who supports practical observations and evidence gathering where appropriate.
This flexible approach allows us to support candidates nationwide whilst keeping travel and disruption to a minimum.
What Qualifications Will I Need to Show?
One of the first things we'll discuss is your existing qualifications.
This may include:
Level 2 electrical qualifications
Level 3 electrical qualifications
18th Edition
Inspection and Testing qualifications
Other relevant industry training
You may already have an AM2 of some sort - although this is an end point assessment so we almost hope that you haven’t got this yet. Have a look here for the NET advice.
We'll ask you to provide copies of certificates wherever possible, as part of the qualification verification process. The Skills Scan process and candidate background documentation both reference the need for qualification verification before progression.
What If I've Lost My Certificates?
Don't panic.
This is extremely common.
Many electricians completed qualifications years ago and no longer have easy access to their certificates.
If certificates are missing, we'll discuss the options available and help put together a plan to obtain replacements or alternative evidence where possible.
A missing certificate doesn't automatically mean you can't progress.
Reviewing Your Skills Scan
The technical discussion is closely linked to the EWA Skills Scan.
We'll talk through:
Installation experience
Fault finding experience
Inspection and testing
Domestic work
Commercial work
Industrial work
Containment systems
Safe isolation
Inspection procedures
Current regulations
Renewable technologies where relevant
The purpose isn't to conduct an exam.
Instead, we're trying to understand where your experience sits and whether there are any areas that might need further development before assessment.
Discussing Your Candidate Background Form
Before the discussion, you'll normally complete a Candidate Background Form.
This helps us understand:
Current employment
Previous roles
Types of installation work undertaken
Typical projects
Electrical responsibilities
Qualifications already achieved
Future career goals
The follow-up discussion is used to review and verify the information provided and determine the level of support a candidate may need during the EWA process.
This often provides valuable context that helps us build a personalised assessment plan.
Will I Be Asked Technical Questions?
Yes, but not in the way many candidates imagine.
We may discuss topics such as:
Safe isolation
Circuit protection
Inspection and testing procedures
Fault diagnosis
BS 7671 requirements
Selection of equipment
Earthing and bonding
Containment systems
Electrical safety
We're not trying to trip anybody up.
We're simply establishing your current level of knowledge and understanding.
Most experienced electricians find the conversation flows naturally because we're discussing work they carry out every day.
What Happens If There Are Knowledge Gaps?
Finding a knowledge gap is not a failure.
In fact, identifying gaps early is one of the most valuable outcomes of the technical discussion.
If additional development is required, we can often create a support plan that may include:
Guided self-study
Refresher training
Additional evidence gathering
Technical updates
Qualification support
The goal is to help candidates succeed, not eliminate them from the process.
Technical Discussion Frequently Asked Questions
Is the technical discussion a test?
No.
It's a professional conversation designed to review your experience, qualifications and knowledge.
Can I fail the technical discussion?
In reality, the discussion is more likely to identify areas where additional support or training may be beneficial.
The purpose is to understand your position and determine the most appropriate route forward.
Do I need to come into the training centre?
No you can send across your qualifications to us to review. In fact we even cover London!
We can complete the technical discussion remotely through Microsoft Teams.
For EWA candidates, practical observations are typically arranged at your workplace rather than requiring regular attendance at the centre.
We normally carry out one in-person site visit and can complete further observations remotely using video technology where appropriate.
How long does the technical discussion take?
Most discussions take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on your background and experience.
What should I prepare beforehand?
It's helpful to have:
Qualification certificates
Employment history
Details of current work
Completed Skills Scan
Candidate Background Form
The more information available, the more productive the discussion tends to be.
I'm mainly a domestic electrician. Can I still apply?
Yes!
The discussion helps us determine whether the route is suitable and whether additional evidence or experience may be required. We can also look to get you onto the domestic electrician experienced worker assessment.
What if I haven't done a certain type of electrical work recently?
That's exactly the type of thing we'll discuss.
Many experienced electricians have specialised over time, and we can help identify the most appropriate way to evidence competence across the required areas.
What happens after the technical discussion?
Following the discussion, we'll advise whether:
You're ready to start the EWA immediately
Some additional evidence would help
Further training would be beneficial
An alternative route may be more suitable
You'll then have a clear understanding of the next steps.
Speak to Renew Elec Training About Your Experienced Worker Assessment
If you're unsure whether the Experienced Worker Assessment is right for you, the technical discussion is often the best place to start.
It's an opportunity to talk to experienced assessors, review your qualifications and experience, and build a realistic plan towards becoming a fully qualified electrician.
Whether you're based in London, the Midlands, Wales or anywhere else in the UK, we can support you through the process.