If you’re looking to reach full electrician status in the UK, the NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation Maintenance CG 2357 is a pivotal qualification. It demonstrates your competence in real-world installations and maintenance work under the industry’s standards.
For folks around Leicestershire, Electrician Courses Leicestershire (https://elec.training/electrician-courses-leicestershire/) via Elec Training give you local access to training, guidance and the support you need to build your portfolio and complete the 2357 route.
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What is the CG 2357 NVQ?
The City & Guilds 2357 NVQ Level 3 is a qualification designed for those who already have technical knowledge (typically through Diplomas like the 2365 Level 2/3) and want to show they can work unsupervised, safely and to regulation. It covers both electrical installation and maintenance work, depending on your chosen pathway.
You will be expected to gather evidence from work you do on real jobs, showing capability across a range of tasks: terminating and connecting, inspection and testing, diagnosing faults, safe working practices, among others. The NVQ is assessed through a portfolio, observations, and performance evidence.
What the Course Involves
From what training providers (including Elec Training) usually require:
- You’ll need prior qualifications/experience (Diploma Level 2 & Level 3 or equivalent).
- Access to a workplace role or job that allows you to carry out varied electrical work.
- Building up a portfolio of evidence: photos, reports, supervisor / assessor observations.
- Completing all units required under the 2357 qualification, including inspection/testing, fault diagnosis, etc.
- Undertaking any regulatory units (health & safety, wiring regs, etc.).
- Finally, often completing the AM2 assessment (or equivalent) once your portfolio is complete.
Why Leicestershire is a Good Place to Train
Leicestershire offers a number of advantages for anyone pursuing the 2357 NVQ:
- There are many job opportunities locally for qualified electricians. For example, current listings show roles paying between £26,999 and £37,499+ in and around Leicestershire.
- Being local means less commuting for practical/training work, more chance to gain hands-on evidence in workplaces nearby.
- Elec Training delivers local course options, so you can manage study, portfolio building and hands-on assessments without needing to relocate or travel far.
Benefits of Completing the 2357 NVQ
Finishing this NVQ gives you several career-moving advantages:
- Recognition as a q ualified electrician by employers and contractors
- Ability to apply for an ECS Gold Card or similar competency cards/schemes
- Access to higher-paid roles, more responsibility, and greater autonomy on site
- Meeting requirements for Competent Person Schemes, regulatory bodies, etc.
Challenges to Be Aware Of
Some common issues people face on the 2357 route:
- Collecting diverse evidence: Sometimes your usual job tasks are not sufficient variety, so you may need to find extra opportunities.
- Meeting all unit requirements: Some units may require work in specific settings (e.g. commercial/industrial vs domestic).
- AM2 assessment: It’s separate and sometimes costly or limited availability. You’ll need to plan around this.
- Time & organisation: Managing portfolio submissions, schedules, employer support etc can be demanding.
Tips to Succeed
To make sure you complete well:
- Start gathering evidence from day one. Take good pictures, record your role clearly, keep job details.
- Ensure you understand all the 2357 unit requirements early — work with your assessor or tutors to map them out.
- Keep your wiring regulations and safety certifications up to date.
- Choose your pathway (installation, maintenance, or both) based on your work experience and the kind of work you want.
- Use local training offers like those from Elec Training to access feedback, mock assessments, and support.
If you’re in or near Leicestershire and ready to move forward, Elec Training’s Electrician Courses Leicestershire can help you along the 2357 NVQ path — from building your portfolio to achieving the professional status you want.