I agree with Paul, qualifications don't always mean competence. (An example is I hold PRINCE2 but would neaver call myself a project manager) Back to electrics (I am however an electrical engineer) I would look for some of the following qualms: NVQ level 3 electrical installation City & Guilds 2382 - wiring regulations City & Guilds 2391 or 2394/95 - electrical testing Possibly look to see if they are members of IET or another engineering institute. I would also look at some examples of previous work on there CV, see if they have done similar work. Hope this helps?

Pikeman, From HSR25 Regulation 16 Persons to be competent to prevent danger and injury No person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger or, where appropriate, injury, unless he possesses such knowledge or experience, or is under such degree of supervision as may be appropriate having regard to the nature of the work. Guidance para 234: 234 The object of the regulation is to ensure that people are not placed at risk due to a lack of skills on the part of themselves or others in dealing with electrical equipment. It goes on to say: “... prevent danger or, where appropriate, injury ...” 235 This regulation uses both of the terms, ‘injury’ and ‘danger’. The regulation therefore applies to the whole range of work associated with electrical equipment where danger may arise and whether or not danger (or the risk of injury) is actually present during the work. It will include situations where the elimination of the risk of injury, ie the prevention of danger, for the duration of the work is under the control of someone who must therefore possess sufficient technical knowledge or experience, or be so supervised, etc to be capable of ensuring that danger is prevented. For example, where someone is to effect the isolation of some electrical equipment before they undertake some work on the equipment, they will require sufficient technical knowledge or experience to prevent danger during the isolation. There will be no danger from the equipment during the work, provided that the isolation has been carried out properly; danger will have been prevented but the person doing the work must have sufficient technical knowledge or experience so as to prevent danger during that work, for example by knowing not to work on adjacent ‘live’ circuits. Then it says: Technical knowledge or experience 237 The scope of ‘technical knowledge or experience’ may include: (a) adequate knowledge of electricity; (b) adequate experience of electrical work; (c) adequate understanding of the system to be worked on and practical experience of that class of system; (d) understanding of the hazards which may arise during the work and the precautions which need to be taken; (e) ability to recognise at all times whether it is safe for work to continue. So, yes you can train anyone to work safely with electricity. Once you ensure that they meet the requirements of the above guidance, generally. However, the OP is looking at unskilled persons undertaking modifications to & maintenance on the fixed electrical installation as covered by BS7671, which HSE endorse as a good way of meeting the requirements of EAWR89. Also in a commercial environment, where potentially members of the public have access as far as I can see. Now I don't think that a couple of weeks training covers the requirements, just ask the family of Emma Shaw.