SITO says the fast track is "an efficient and economical means of gaining a nationally recognised qualification".
It emphasises that the route is not "a course" but a streamlined assessment process that lets established engineers "quickly and easily" demonstrate their competence to the national level.
Paperwork and time involved, often said to be off-putting to potential candidates, is being kept to a minimum and SITO says engineers ought to be able to complete the award in a couple of weeks or so.
The scheme is open to any engineer who has at least three years experience and has an employer who will allow access to installation records for assessment purposes. SITO says commercial and client confidentiality will be strictly observed.
Candidates must be "competent" installation engineers and be able to provide evidence that four installations have been completed successfully to national standards.
Assessment is in four stages:
The candidate completes an application form and returns it to SITO who will send the candidate a "simplified portfolio" and details of colleges supporting the scheme.
The candidate contacts his chosen college, attends a briefing session which explains the evidence required and how to present it using the portfolio. Evidence comes from work the candidate has completed in recent months. The completed portfolio is handed to the college Assessor who will examine the evidence and, where necessary, will advise where further evidence may be needed.
The Assessor will arrange on-site assessment so that the portfolio evidence may be verified from company records. He will examine a sample of the work installed.
When all the evidence has been assessed as meeting the national standards, the college will apply for the NVQ Level 2 Security and Emergency Systems Installation Award.
Said Noel Sargent, SITO’s Development Manager: "Qualifications will become a major concern for engineers and employers in the future, driven by legislation and European Standards. Against this background, Fast Track offers a significantly improved method of achieving a qualification which can only enhance an engineer’s career prospects in the longer run".
Application forms: Ring SITO on 01905 20004
