A new digital integration between National Electrotechnical Training (NET) and the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) will allow eligible apprentices to apply for their first ECS gold card more quickly.
Previously, apprentices had to wait for a certificate from the Department for Education confirming they had successfully completed their apprenticeship before uploading it as evidence during their ECS card application.
Under the new process, NET can notify ECS of an apprentice’s achievement directly through an Application Programming Interface (API). The evidence is then automatically added to the apprentice’s MyECS account.
The integration applies to Electrical Installation and Maintenance and Domestic Electrical apprentices in England who successfully complete the AM2S.
The automated process is intended to reduce the time between completing an apprenticeship and applying for an ECS gold card, whilst also reducing administration for apprentices and employers.
For apprentices, the changes mean achievement information can be added automatically to their MyECS account, reducing waiting times and allowing them to progress into employment more quickly.
Employers will also have earlier visibility of apprenticeship completion and can endorse applications sooner.
Digital process removes additional waiting time
The integration forms part of wider work by NET and ECS to automate processes and reduce administration for apprentices and employers.
Dan Woods, Standards & Development Manager at ECS, says, “This integration represents an important step in simplifying the transition from apprentice to qualified electrician.
“By connecting NET and ECS systems, we can support apprentices completing their AM2S with faster access to ECS gold cards and onward career progression.”
Carolyn Mason, Chief Executive at NET, adds, “NET has been really pleased to work with the JIB and ECS to get this new process in place.
“It will reduce waiting times by several weeks and – now that we can automatically notify ECS of the apprentice’s AM2S pass – it removes the need for apprentices and their employers to wait for the government-issued apprenticeship certificate before gaining formal recognition as a qualified electrician.”
The automated process became available from 3 August 2026.
