CSCS Archives - Page 4 of 4

CSCS online application service

by Clair Mooney | Feb 7, 2020 | CSCS, Main News Feed

Following the launch of the CSCS’s new online application service on 9 December, the site has experienced some technical issues resulting in increased card processing times for some applicants.

Alan O’Neile, Head of Communications at CSCS said: “In most cases cardholders can apply online for their own CSCS card without any issues. These cards are generally processed and delivered within 3-5 working days.

“However, employers applying online for cards on behalf of their employees may be experiencing problems. CSCS is working hard to fix these issues and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

In the meantime, CSCS has issued some advice to assist with card applications:

Employer applications:
There are several issues with the employer application process. These include:

Applications not saving
Missing applications
Cards not processed/delivered

Our team is working to resolve these issues. In the meantime, please apply as normal and your applications will be processed, and cards delivered within 10 days

Non urgent employer applications:
If you are an employer and your applications are not urgent, CSCS request that you wait until the issues with the employer application system have been resolved. Your assistance here would be greatly appreciated.

Renewals:
Several issues have been reported with the renewal of existing CSCS cards. CSCS recently confirmed the renewals issue is now resolved. Individual applicants wishing to renew an existing card can now proceed with their applications. Please note that there are some cards which cannot be renewed. For further information visit the New Not Renew webpage.

Photographs:
All applications currently require a passport style photo to be submitted. This is a temporary measure that will be resolved soon.

When fixed, applicants will not be required to submit a photo. The photo taken during the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test will automatically be uploaded during the application process.
CSCS will continue to keep the industry updated via their website and Twitter account.

CSCS Industry Accreditation withdrawal update

by Clair Mooney | Mar 21, 2019 | CSCS, Main News Feed

Following consultation with industry, CSCS has agreed a plan that will pave the way for the eventual withdrawal of cards issued under Industry Accreditation.

For several years the strategic direction of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has focused on ensuring that all applicants can demonstrate the achievement of a nationally recognised construction related qualification.

With the introduction of the Labourer card, the withdrawal of the Construction Related Occupation card and the planned removal of the Site Visitor card the next step is the withdrawal of cards issued under Industry Accreditation.

Industry Accreditation, also known as Grandfather Rights, allowed workers to obtain CSCS cards on the strength of an employers’ recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification. CSCS closed Industry Accreditation to new applicants in 2010 but those already holding a card are currently able to renew on the same basis.

CSCS has consulted with the industry and agreed a plan that will pave the way for the eventual withdrawal of cards issued under Industry Accreditation.

From 1 January 2020, all cards renewed under Industry Accreditation will expire on 31 December 2024 and CSCS will stop issuing the card from 30 June 2024. CSCS has also announced a new online service to speed-up the card application process – find out more here.

FIS is working with members and the wider sector to support the transition to blue skilled cards. To find out more click here

FIS launches CSCS card upgrade offers for the drylining trade

by Clair Mooney | Aug 2, 2018 | CSCS, Drylining, Main News Feed

FIS has introduced two offers to help drylining operatives upgrade to the Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card, an essential replacement for the expired CRO cards which cannot be renewed.

20% discount
The first offer is a 20% discount off the full price of upgrading their current CRO card in the drylining trade to a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card for £995 + VAT. The old CRO cards are expiring and will not be renewed which means operatives need to upgrade to a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card in drylining. This will include registration, paperwork, onsite assessment and NVQ level 2 completion which will enable them to become qualified in drylining and invest in their future. The Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card is valid for five years.

Updgrade in two days for £300 + VAT
The second offer is a fast track route for experienced drylining finishers to upgrade from their current CRO card to a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card in two days for £300 + VAT. Operatives only spend one day away from site to gain their qualification and get the Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card. This an opportunity for operatives to turn their experience into a qualification so they can work on site.

This is a part of the Fit-out Futures programme which aims to get a carded workforce, this a brilliant opportunity for FIS members to get their operatives upgraded to the Blue Skilled Workers CSCS card and get them qualified and on site.

For more information click here or email CSCScards@thefis.org

CSCS experiencing high call volumes

by Nicky Smith | Mar 14, 2018 | CSCS, Main News Feed

FIS members should be aware that there is currently a substantial call waiting time when telephoning the CSCS call centre run by CITB.

We have heard reports of callers being left on hold for over an hour and/or being disconnected from the call when trying to renew or obtain new Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards.

Are you currently experiencing problems in trying to contact CSCS?

Yes - by telephone (100%, 5 Votes)
Yes - by email (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 5

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A CSCS spokesperson said: “We apologise for the increased length of time it has taken to answer calls and are working with CITB to introduce a number of measures to bring call wait times back to acceptable levels. In the meantime, we ask our customers to bear with us. Our busiest times are between 12pm to 2pm, and 4pm to 6pm. Cardholders who call outside of these times will have a shorter wait on the phones.”

If you have a general question relating to CSCS you can use the new webchat service on the CSCS website; simply wait for the Web Chatbox to appear on the CSCS website, submit your question and a member of the team will assist you.

If your question relates to an ongoing application, you will have to contact the CSCS team by calling 0344 994 4777 or emailing customerservices@cscs.co.uk

For those inquiring about replacing their CRO cards, please visit www.cscs.uk.com/cro. This webpage will explain all you need to know about replacing your CRO card.

Alternatively, for anyone wanting to know what card they can apply for, please use the Card Finder tool on the CSCS website: www.cscs.uk.com/cardfinder

Could members who are experiencing any problems please let FIS know by emailing info@thefis.org

CSCS to withdraw Grandfather Rights card

by Nicky Smith | Feb 8, 2018 | CSCS, Main News Feed

As the CSCS priorities for 2018 continue the drive towards qualifying the workforce, the next step towards a fully qualified workforce is perhaps the most challenging. Industry Accreditation (IA), also known as Grandfather Rights, allowed workers to obtain CSCS cards on the strength of an employers’ recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification.

To meet the requirements of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) the CSCS will develop plans to move all IA cardholders to a recognised qualification.

Achieving this within the necessary timescales will require extensive industry consultation prior to implementation. In the meantime, existing cardholders can renew their cards in accordance with the scheme rules.

The withdrawal of IA will be the final step towards achieving the CLC’s requirement of ensuring nationally recognised qualifications are in place for all occupations.

CSCS closed IA to new applicants in 2010 but those already holding a card are currently able to renew on the same basis.

You can use the card finder to check what qualifications you need for your occupation in order to apply for a CSCS card. Alternatively, you can call the CSCS Contact Centre on 0344 994 4777.