While leaving school with a bunch of GCCE’s and A-levels is the dream for every parent for their children, the fact of the matter is, that not everyone has the academic results that they may have originally wanted. However, not having the grades is not the end of the world, as many employers look for experience and work ethic over educational marks and scores.
A school leaver or even someone who has been in the work sector for a while and who is looking for a career change into the construction industry will not need to present a portfolio of academic achievements, but what they will need is a CSCS Card.
What is a CSCS Card?
The CSCS Card, which stands for ‘Construction Skills Certificate Scheme’ is a mandatory requirement on all construction sites in the UK. A CSCS Card demonstrates that the card holder has achieved a minimum level of competence to work in the construction industry at holds the minimum required amount of training
Having the correct CSCS card is a mandatory requirement on all construction sites in the UK.
Do I need qualifications to apply for a CSCS Card?
A concern among first time applicants that perhaps don’t have any form of qualifications or prior experience within the construction sector is, do you need some form of academic achievement such as an NVQ to apply for a CSCS Card and to work within the construction industry.
No. You do not need GCSE’s or NVQ’s to apply for a CSCS Card, in fact, you do even need any form of experience within the construction sector to apply for a CSCS Site Labourers card, however, you will need to take a enrol on the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course and complete it.
What course and test do I need to take to apply for a CSCS Card?
The one-day CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course aims to ensure that those applying for a CSCS Card and beginning their career within the construction sector understand why they are carrying out their identified duties, what is expected of them and to ensure that they contribute to the safety of the workplace.
This course is a mandatory requirement for those wishing to apply for a CSCS Card.
Delegates will then need to pass the CITB Health safety and environment Test, a mandatory examination which includes 50 questions covering five core knowledge areas. This includes legal and management, health and welfare, general safety, high risk activities and environment.
Once an individual has completed CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course and passed the CITB Health safety and environment Test, will they then be able to apply for a CSCS Site Labourers card and begin their career within the construction sector.
How to work in the construction sector
To work in the construction sector, you will need to obtain a CSCS Card. To obtain a CSCS Card, you will need to complete a CITB Health and Safety Awareness Training Course and pass a CITB health safety and environment test.
