Thing is Jim, here I am, a time served sparky, also a chartered engineer, and I had some work done on my house recently that included extension work and new installation...

I had to get my son to sign it off and issue a certificate. Interestingly, one small issue regarding the size of an unblanked hole in the top of the consumer unit. Had to sort it before he signed it... (Moaned like hell, but proud as hell at the same time. Confusing for a simple soul like me.)

I do like the recent change in legislation as it does make it more difficult for cowboys and chancers. Gas engineers have had this for years.

That said, it does raise the cost of being a tradesman, and that has to be passed on to customers.

My point was that measuring the term "competent" and giving consumers a safety net is the best option for safety and quality, (dunno what other options tick enough boxes?) so I questioned how it got on a thread about direct action... (?)

In terms of the cost of registration, regulation and validation? I am comfortable with it being borne by those who seek to profit from it. (Subsidised training for new careers is a good thing, but once there... You have chosen a trade with a commercial aspect. That certificate is an asset to success, not an imposition.)