CSCS addresses queries regarding Industry Accreditation

by Clair Mooney | Feb 16, 2023 | Skills

CSCS will cease renewing cards issued via Industry Accreditation (IA) from 30 June 2024, while all IA cards issued from 1 Jan 2020 will expire on 31 Dec 2024 and will not be renewed.  Below, CSCS have provided responses to some of the common queries and questions around IA, as well as information on how they can be resolved.

IA was a mechanism by which workers could obtain CSCS cards on the strength of an employers’ recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification.  CSCS stopped issuing new cards under IA back in 2010, but if you previously held a card under IA, the scheme rules allowed you to continue to renew.

CSCS together with our 37 partner card schemes, are bound by the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) requirement that all construction industry card schemes must operate with nationally recognised qualifications (usually NVQs and Apprenticeships) in place for all occupations.  This requirement is particularly important when addressing the IA issue.  Further details on the withdrawal can be found here.

To satisfy the Construction Leadership Council’s requirements, CSCS announced plans to withdraw cards issued under IA, which include:

• IA cards issued from 1 Jan 2020 will expire on 31 Dec 2024 and will not be renewed
• CSCS will cease renewing IA cards from 30 June 2024.

There are four ways to move off IA:

• Vocational qualifications already achieved: cardholders who have achieved the qualifications for their occupation can renew their card for the full five-year term as normal.
• Academically Qualified person card: This card is available to people who have completed certain construction related degrees, HNDs, HNCs, CIOB Certificates and NEBOSH diplomas.
• Professionally Qualified person: This card is available to competence assessed members of CSCS approved Professional Bodies of which CIOB is one.
• Not everyone needs a card: There will be IA card holders who no longer require their CSCS cards. For example, you may have moved into a management role, become a director, or rarely visit site.  In these scenarios, you do not require a CSCS card.

Those unable to fit into these four scenarios will be required to register for the appropriate qualification for their occupation before their cards expire in 2024.  Those without qualifications will be required to register for the appropriate qualification for their occupation before their cards expire in 2024, however this does not mean attending college.  Assessments can take place on site, remotely or via a professional discussion depending on the individual circumstances.

Costs will vary depending on a range of factors such as the training provider, qualification and assessment method.  However, CITB grants are available to employers to assist with the cost involved.  Those impacted are advised to read up on the options available to them and follow the interactive flowcharts available via CSCS Applying For Cards Industry Accreditation  CSCS would also urge employers, trade associations, awarding organisations and training providers to put plans in place to support the workers affected ahead of the December 2024 withdrawal.

George Swann Skills and Training Lead said:

“if you are an AI card holder without a qualification FIS has Training Provider members who can help get the qualification applicable to your role. Contact FIS on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org and we may be able to get you your qualification free of charge”.

Shining a light on apprenticeships

by Clair Mooney | Feb 16, 2023 | Skills

CPA seeks SME contractor perspective for development of construction products competence standard at BSI

by Clair Mooney | Feb 16, 2023 | Skills

Last year, the Construction Products Association (CPA) published the document Built Environment – Proposed construction product competence standard – white paper, proposing new competence requirements for all those using or otherwise working with construction products, and is now gearing up to develop a British Standard at BSI. This standard is due to have impact on the entire supply chain, and the CPA is keen to have input in the development from small contractors as well as large to ensure its practicality and usability.

The CPA is seeking a voluntary perspective to join the development group. The project will likely last between 18 months to two years, and though meeting frequency and input will vary according to the task, it will likely have a meeting at least once a month for two hours. The CPA appreciates that SME contractors may have limited resources, so would be willing to have a conversation exploring options as to levels of contribution.

To enquire about the position, or for further information, please contact Hanna Clarke by COP 3 March 2023.

Apprenticeship Reviews in England and Scotland

by Clair Mooney | Jan 26, 2023 | Skills

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) are in the process of reviewing the English apprenticeship standard for Plasterer. The latest update indicates a level 3 apprenticeship outcome is being considered for Plasterers.

Following the outcome of the Plasterer apprenticeship review and some cliches in the End Point Assessment, the Interior Systems Installer Apprenticeship standard will be reviewed this year. At the time of writing no start date has been indicated. Skills Development Scotland is reviewing the Apprenticeship Framework for Interior Systems, to be known as Fitting Building Interiors. To find out more and register for either the Employee Workshops or, Technical Expert Groups, please respond direct to Laura.Brady@sds.co.uk or, register your details using the link below https://www.apprenticeships.scot/about/apprenticeship-development/get-involved/

Although Trailblazer and Technical Groups are in place for these occupations FIS are forwarding details of employers wishing to be involved in these reviews. If you are interested please contact georgeswann@thefis.org or beenanana@thefis.org providing your contact details and stating which nation and which occupation, we will be happy to help.

Reminder issued to avoid further competency crisis

by Clair Mooney | Jan 24, 2023 | Skills

The Construction Leadership Council have issued a statement encouraging and reminding Industry Accreditation card holders to take action to retain their card in light of changes to “grandfather rights” that will be implemented from the end of 2024.  The statement issued was: 

CLC Statement on Industry Accreditation Cards
Building Safety and competence are two of the CLC’s priorities. As an industry, and in accordance with various sets of legislation including the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM) and the Building Safety Act, we must demonstrate to the regulator, our clients, building occupiers and the wider public that those designing, building and maintaining the built environment are competent to do so. The CLC recommendation introduced in 2015 and updated in 2017 and 2020 set an expectation of all CSCS cards being achieved via qualification by the end of 2024.

The different ways in which those individuals who hold a blue, gold or black industry accreditation card (issued by CSCS, via industry accreditation) can move to an appropriate card has been set out. This may be by:

Recognising a qualification they already have.

• Assessing their competence against the relevant qualification for their occupation.
• Undertaking any additional training required.
• For a minority, it may require more extensive training.

Whilst all Industry Accreditation cardholders are required to take action to retain their card from January 2025, it should not be overly onerous for those able to demonstrate their competence and there may be grants and funding available for employers.

Commenting on the upcoming changes and new guidance FIS Skills and Training Lead George Swann stated:

“Companies need to be checking now how their workers are qualified and when this will expire.  As competency checking ramps up in the wake of new legislative requirements, we don’t want to find a new raft of workers becoming unavailable due to administration issues rather than ability.  A green labourer card is not the answer, your skilled workers need to show verifiable proof of competence for their employed occupation to meet the requirements of legislation.  If you need any help getting your workers qualified and carded appropriately for the work they are doing contact the FIS.  The FIS network of Training Provider members give offers and discounts to fellow members you may be surprised at how your FIS membership can support your employees and organisations proof of competence.”

All Industry Accreditation (IA) cards issued from 1 Jan 2020 will expire on 31 Dec 2024 and cannot be renewed.  This guidance is designed to help you understand your next steps to replace your card.  What you need to do next depends on your occupation and what qualifications you may hold.  If you do not visit site regularly, or you have moved into an office-based role you may no longer require a card.  Those needing to obtain a qualification DO NOT need to attend college. The SVQ/NVQ (S/NVQ) can be achieved via various routes and CITB grants may be available.

Further guidance for Industry Accreditation card holders is available at www.cscs.uk.com/ia

For more information please visit the Sector Guide to a Competency Management plan