Employers and the wider industry are being reminded of the importance of ensuring those on, or about to enter, apprenticeships are using the appropriate Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card – specifically the Apprentice card.

Feedback from the industry confirms many employers are either not aware of the Apprentice card or are put off applying for it by lengthy apprenticeship registration processes. This leads to many opting for the Labourer card instead.

In recognition of this issue, in advance of the new academic year, CSCS is simplifying the application process and removing the cost of Apprentice cards. From today, all Apprentice cards will be issued free of charge.

At the same time CSCS will be introducing a new process for anyone experiencing difficulties with their apprenticeship registration. In this scenario, the new entrant can apply for the Provisional Card (at £36), before moving onto the Apprentice card, free of charge.

This means employers and apprentices will apply for a Provisional card prior to completing the apprenticeship enrolment process.

George Swann Skills and Training Lead says

This is great news. Our own FIS BuildBack programme provides individuals who successfully complete the assessment day and two week introductory training with a CSCS provisional card free of charge to the supporting employer.  This allows the employer six months to decide if the individual is capable of completing an apprenticeship.  For details of the apprenticeships available to the sector please see:

If you would like to find out more please contact FIS on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org.