Following consultation with the industry, the Construction Skills
Certification Scheme (CSCS) is introducing two significant changes related to
academic qualifications and the green card.
From 30 September 2013, CSCS will recognise a range of
construction-related academic qualifications in addition to vocational qualifications
including:
• Degrees
• HNC and
HND
• NEBOSH
Construction Certificates and National Diplomas
• CIOB
Certificates.
Applicants holding these academic qualifications who pass
the Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment Test will be
issued with an Academically Qualified Person (AQP) card, which will be valid
for five years and will be non-renewable. Holders of the AQP card will be
expected to work towards membership of a recognised professional body or a
relevant vocational qualification and then apply for the appropriate card when
their AQP card expires.
In July 2014, CSCS is planning to re-launch the green card
as the Labourer’s card following a pilot exercise. Anyone applying for the new
entry level green card will be required to achieve the level one vocational
qualification, Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, and pass the
Health, Safety and Environment Test, demonstrating their knowledge of the key
issues affecting safe working practices on UK construction sites. The
Labourer’s card will replace the existing Construction Site Operative card and
green cards will no longer be issued to operatives working in other
occupations.
NSCC Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol MBE welcomed the
changes:
“The new AQP and Labourer’s cards will help the industry
towards its target of a competent workforce with operatives holding the right
cards for the jobs they are doing on site. The green card has traditionally
been used as an easy way of gaining access to site and the new requirements
should prevent operatives from obtaining it when there is a more appropriate
card.”
Further information about CSCS and how to obtain the right
cards for the workforce can be found on the CSCS website.
(Sourced from NSCC-newsline)
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