Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act, which requires individuals to be competent to undertake their roles, CSCS is making changes to the Labourer and Trainees card from 1 February to “better align with the competency expectations of the Act” and encourage more new entrants to start on a ‘Red’ card with a recognised training pathway.

  • Labourer card ‐ The initial validity will be reduced from five to two years and only operatives who continue in a labouring role will be able to renew their card for five years by providing evidence they are employed as a labourer. The accompanying CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test will also have its validity extended to three years so any operatives who do continue in a labouring role can use it to renew their card.
  • Trainee card ‐ In order to provide a simplified route into the industry for new entrants with prior training, individuals who have attained an approved Level 2 (or above) occupation related non‐competence qualification will be eligible for a two‐year Trainee card. More information on the routes to a Trainee card can be found in this flowchart.

All CSCS cards obtained via Industry Accreditation have now expired and the CITB funding available to support individuals who require a qualification to move onto the appropriate card has been extended until 31 March 2026.