On this page we have posted all updates and advice for Options Skills learners. The most recent posts will appear at the top; please read from the bottom up for the full advice.
Update 18 June
EAL and C&G have confirmed that the Level 3 NVQ qualifications (C&G 2357 / EAL 1605) are identical in their learning and assessment outcomes. Centres delivering either qualification, and with access to the learner history (EAL or C&G), can RPA units achieved and advise learners of the extra steps for them to complete their qualifications. Although unit titles may vary slightly, assessment outcomes are the same thus previous achievement/results will be accepted by either awarding organisation.
Any Options Skills learners who are part-way through their Level 3 NVQ should show their EAL learner history to the centre. If learners have any questions on progressing to a City & Guilds qualification they can call C&G customer services team for support.
Update 13 June
We continue to work closely with EAL who are issuing learners with detailed tracking documents that set out what they have achieved and the gaps that need to be filled. The hope is that providers will be able to support learners to completion, charging a fair price to reflect the work that is required.
We warned previously that learners should not be panicked into signing up for further expensive packages and that some unscrupulous providers were actively targeting these learners. Sadly, it seems that this profiteering and misinformation continues and we are hearing of learners being told to pay thousands of pounds to start from scratch, or to switch to City & Guilds qualifications and pay again. Our advice is:
> Wait for your final tracking document from EAL which will show what gaps need to be filled.
> Remember – many of the courses in Options Skills packages are not actually required for qualified electrician status. The training routes on the Electrical Careers website set out what you need.
> Look at our Rogue Trainers website for tips on choosing a training provider.
> In many cases, EAL and City & Guilds offer equivalent qualifications – such as the Level 3 NVQ (EAL 1605/C&G 2357). Both are recognised for qualified status by the ECS card scheme and EAS. Work is underway to see how C&G centres can ‘credit’ units achieved in EAL qualifications – until this is confirmed we strongly advise against starting a qualification again from scratch when this might not be required.
We understand that there may still be up to around 200 Options Skills learners who have not yet made contact with EAL. We urge anyone in this position to contact EAL via their dedicated form.
Update 16 April
EAL has issued a further update for learners registered with Options Skills: see the EAL website for more details
Update 28 March #2
EAL has posted an update on its website: https://eal.org.uk/news/options-skills-update
Update 28 March #1
EAL has now been contacted by 903 learners and staff are working hard to support and clarify each person’s position.
EAL will perform record checks free of charge and will waive their costs for issuing replacement certificates. So far, EAL has identified 77 whose qualifications were not with EAL- they have been given contact details for the alternative awarding body they need to get in touch with.
Work is ongoing to determine the position of each learner and this will take some time. Please wait for EAL to get in touch with you and do not be misinformed or panicked into signing up for new contracts or parting with more money until your position is confirmed by EAL. Unfortunately in this situation we are seeing the very best and the absolute worst of behaviour by training providers.
Update 26 March
580 learners have now registered with EAL – if you have not yet done so please complete the form urgently as this is the only way for EAL to be aware of you.
As these forms are received, EAL is urgently categorising learners to understand what qualifications they were taking and the stage they were at, so that it is clear what support is required. We repeat our earlier advice not to sign up for anything outside of this formal process. The picture is complex and it will take some time.
If you have not yet tried to download any of your evidence from the Options Skills system, please do this as soon as possible. It is a bespoke system and we have no way of knowing for how long it will remain open.
EAL and TESP will post updates as more information becomes available.
Update 25 March – Online Evidence
We understand some learners are still able to log into their online accounts and access their evidence – please try to do this as soon as possible and download, take copies of everything or screen shot anything if you are able to – as this will be very valuable as we work with EAL to support you.
Update 21 March – Retrieving Evidence
You may see media reports saying that Options Skills students have been told their evidence/credits cannot be used to continue their training elsewhere. Please be assured that work is underway to try to retrieve evidence submitted by learners and every effort will be made to ensure work can be credited in line with the requirements of the relevant qualifications.
This is a complex process- please do not be panicked into signing up for any new training package and refer to the guidance issued by EAL and TESP which will be kept updated. Any learners registered with EAL are strongly advised to complete the contact form in our earlier post which will help EAL to identify your records.
Update 21 March – for Options Skills learners registered with EAL:
EAL has confirmed it is urgently assessing the situation and has spoken to the regulator, Ofqual, and will continue to liaise with them. This is a complex situation, and we will continue to provide further updates when we are able.
TESP advice for those learners currently undertaking a qualification with Options Skills is as follows:
– Register your details with EAL using this form below. This will provide EAL with your details and will avoid them having to wait for this information to be supplied by Options Skills.
– EAL and ourselves are now aware that Options Skills has appointed Begbies Traynor Group to act on its behalf. Once we have more detail on who you need to contact to register your claim we will pass this on.
Please await more information and we recommend not to sign up to any new contracts until your position is clear. Where possible, we advise learners to make a note of work/evidence submitted while this is fresh in their minds.
We understand that this is a very difficult situation for you. Please be assured that EAL and TESP are doing all that is within our power to support you.
Update 21 March – For Options Skills learners registered with City & Guilds:
Options Skills was only registered to deliver one qualification for City & Guilds: the 2382-22 Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018.
Contact details for any centres who pick up these learners and need access to their learner history is customersupport@cityandguilds.com or telephone 01924 930800. Learners registered on this qualification can also contact C&G on this number.
We are aware that most learners were registered with EAL and hope that an update will be available shortly.
First post – 19 March – initial announcement:
Learners registered with Options Skills are understandably very concerned. TESP is liaising with awarding organisations EAL and City & Guilds who are urgently reviewing what can be done to support learners according to their individual circumstances and the qualifications they were enrolled on.
We strongly advise learners not to sign up to any new financial agreements or contracts until their position is clear.
The terms of any existing finance arrangements should be reviewed carefully, Citizens Advice can advise on individual circumstances.
The TESP Rogue Trainers site has useful advice on choosing a training provider: find out more
