This article will detail some recent developments concerning skills cards. It covers the CRO card replacement options for gate installers and site hoarders and the withdrawal of the CSCS yellow card. The article also covers the increased demand, from sites, for blue skilled worker cards.
CRO Card Replacement – The Solution You’ve Been Waiting For (Gate Installers) (Site Hoarding)
Gate Installers
Since the CRO (Construction Related Occupation) cards were discontinued in October 2017 there have been various issues for automated gate and barrier installers. Well, Fencing and Construction Training (FaCT) have come up with a solution to the problem.
The rules now require installers to hold a formal qualification. However, there was no specific qualification for gate installers. Therefore, FaCT have devised a programme that will allow the installers to gain a formal qualification in a much shorter time. And once again, FaCT have been able to access some funding!
The programme will allow the installer to gain a Blue FISS CSCS card, through the achievement of a Level 2 Diploma, in around 2 months, rather than the usual 6-9 months. The programme will include; just one day of classroom-based learning and one/two site visits. This programme is specifically for gate installers who have held a CRO card and part of the evidence required is the physical installation of a gate.
Hoarding Companies
Hoarding companies have also suffered from the lack of CRO card replacement. FaCT have now been informed that these companies must put their employees through the Level 2 Diploma in fencing to replace the CRO card.
FaCT have funding for you to do this.
Get in touch with FaCT for more details about either of these programmes 0121 476 4731
Or email joe@fctrain.co.uk
Sites Reportedly Demanding Blue Cards from Workers
Fencing and Construction Training (FaCT) have reported that many of their clients have experienced sites demanding Blue cards rather than Green cards. We spoke to Tim Drew (FaCT’s MD) and asked him to explain these developments.
“I visited a client of ours in Wales in May, they do a lot of work with a major housing developer. The housing developer is insisting that (from January 2019) all of the fencing company’s workers must hold the Blue FISS CSCS card rather than the Green. This is due to them all actually installing fences and they must be able to prove that they are qualified to do so”.
“I’ve also recently met with a local fencing company (west Midlands) who have experienced more of the same. They’ve put together a plan to upgrade their Green card holders to Blue cards. They’ve experienced sites demanding this, in line with the Build UK requirements.”
“Another company doing the same is an established VRS installation business in the North of England. They have committed to enrolling all new starters on to our VRS apprenticeship programme. The company have again experienced sites demanding Blue cards. So, the apprenticeship programme is one way for them to achieve Blue cards whilst utilising our funding!”
“it’s not just about meeting minimum requirements. Think of the increased reputation to the business when sites can see that you are taking strides to have all staff qualified to installer level. This can certainly help win contracts!”
CSCS Withdraw the Site Visitor Card (Yellow Card)
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme aims to improve safety on UK Construction sites. To do this they have, over the past few years, focused on the achievement of construction related qualifications as a requirement for their cards.
They have now taken another step towards their goal. They have implemented the withdrawal of the yellow CSCS card, the site visitors card. This card was originally created for site visitors, who although were often visitors to site, were not directly involved in manual construction work.
CSCS have been in contact with companies from across the industry and created a plan that will lead to the withdrawal of the card. All Construction Site Visitor cards issued from 3rd September 2018 will expire on 31st August 2020 and CSCS will stop issuing the card from 28th February 2020. All site visitor cards issued before 3rd September 2018 will remain valid until their expiry date.
CSCS have announced that those people, who hold site visitor cards, but do not work in a construction related occupation, will not need to acquire a different CSCS card. It is only those, who directly work in a construction occupation that will need to do so.
Graham Wren, Chief Executive at CSCS said:
Following the closure of the Construction Related
Occupation card in 2017, the Site Visitor card is now the only card issued without the need for the
applicant to achieve a recognised qualification. The Construction Site Visitor card does not support
industry’s desire for a fully qualified workforce and as such it will be withdrawn.
Graham Wren continued:
The withdrawal of the Site Visitor card will see an increase in the
numbers of individuals turning up to site without a card. We are not suggesting site supervisors and
managers turn non-cardholders away from site. If a worker is there to carry out a construction
related activity then a card is required as proof of their training and qualifications. If they are there
to perform a non-construction related activity it then becomes the responsibility of site supervisors
and managers to induct and supervise these people to ensure they remain safe at all times when on
site.”
