The new CSCS card and qualification for labourers is being introduced on 1 July. CSCS chief executive Graham Wren answers common questions about the new qualification and CSCS card for Labourers
Last November, SHP reported CSCS’ plan to launch a card for construction site labourers that would require achievement of a qualification. Since then, a pilot has been undertaken to assess the effectiveness of training delivery and to gain feedback from trainers and learners. The new card is being introduced on 1 July 2014.
Why is CSCS implementing this change?
CSCS’ role is to provide a scheme for the construction industry that confirms site workers’ training and qualifications. The green Construction Site Operative (CSO) card had been introduced for entry level workers and simply required applicants to pass the Health, Safety and Environment test and for their employer to sign their application form to say they were carrying out “labouring duties only”. In reality, however, many site workers who carry out skilled occupations have been applying for the green CSO card as the easiest route to gain access to construction sites. This made it difficult for contractors and clients to use CSCS cards as a reliable method of checking that site workers have the appropriate skills to work on construction sites safely and effectively. It was important for this situation to be addressed.
A working group was established comprising representatives from across the industry. This included principal and specialist contractors, professional bodies, unions and training providers supported by the construction industry’s sector skills council CITB. The result of their deliberations was a Level One knowledge based award, Health and Safety in a Construction Environment qualification, designed to assess a labourer’s knowledge of the most common risks to safety on construction sites today.
What were the results of the pilot?
The pilot ran from January to March 2014. During this period 525 people registered for the Award of which 334 passed, the remainder were still learning and/or awaiting assessment when the pilot concluded.
A sample of learners was surveyed to determine how wellthis new Level 1 Award met their needs and feedback was extremely positive:
The introduction of an entry level qualification to obtain a CSCS card is an important move in our strategy to ensure that people have appropriate qualifications, skills and knowledge to carry out their work on construction sites. Before we introduced the new Labourer qualificationit was important we tested our proposals were appropriate. The results of the pilot have shown that industry is supportive of this development and that what is being offered is suitable for learners’ requirements.
The specification for the award isavailable from CSCS’ website and most of the awarding organisations that provide services to construction have registered to offer the new qualification. They are offering various methods of training and assessment including online testing and workbooks. This choice is particularly important to cater for different learning styles and needs.
In addition, the number of training providers and colleges that have been accredited to deliver the qualification is growing and is currently up to almost 100. We envisage that this number will grow significantly as demand for the qualification increases from 1 July onwards. From this date anyone applying for the new Labourer card must achieve the new award or a recognised equivalent.
Can the construction industry afford this?
Clearly there will be some additional cost for contractors, but the industry has given widespread support for the need to have a workforce that is fully trained and qualified. A key factor for the working group which developed this new qualification was balancing content with affordability.
Will it duplicate training that already exists?
If contractors or training providers believe that a course they are already providing matches the specification of the Level 1 Award, Health & Safety in a Construction Environment, they can have their training course assessed. If it meets the criteria it can be recognised as an equivalent.
First they should check the course specification here. Then they should Email the full qualification/programme specification of their training course including details of aims, learning outcomes, assessment criteria and assessment strategy.
Currently only the one daySite Safety Plus Health and Safety Awareness Course is accepted as an equivalent.
How do I find out more?
There is more information about the new qualification and changes to CSCS green cards at www.cscs.uk.com/greencard
