To help you determine which steel erecting qualifications might be the most suitable for you based on your current skills, competence, and experience in the role, our knowledgeable team has pulled together this steel erecting diploma comparison.

Below, we compare the skills and benefits you can obtain from successfully completing a level 2 and level 3 Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) steel erecting diploma.

ECITB Level 2 vs Level 3

While both the level 2 and level 3 ECITB diplomas in steel erecting are vocational qualifications that provide industry recognition of the holder’s skills, knowledge, experience, and competence as a steel erector, they have their differences.

How can SB Skills help?

Now you have a clearer idea of which level diploma your existing skills and experience as a steel erector lend themselves to, why not receive industry recognition and increase your earning potential by taking the relevant ECITB steel erecting diploma with SB Skills Solutions?

Our team of experienced and qualified instructors can provide professional training and assessment services for:

∙ECITB Level 2 Diploma in Steel Erecting

∙ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting

With one of our instructors guiding you through the process, you’ll receive clear answers to any questions you might have, expert support with gathering evidence, and assessment services that work around your professional schedule up until final certification.

We can also support you with learning more about the various steel erecting career paths that an ECITB steel erecting diploma can help you to achieve. 

Whether you want to explore steel fabrication or fitting, we’re on hand to point you in the right direction.

To discuss your steel erector career with an experienced member of our team, please feel free to give us a call on 01695 558 420.

Alternatively, you can always email your enquiry to info@sbskills.co.uk.  

The post ECITB Level 2 vs. Level 3 Steel Erecting Diplomas: Which is right for you? appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

Below, we explain some of the key career opportunities in the engineering and construction industry available to you if you achieve a Level 3 Steel Erecting diploma.  

What UK job opportunities exist for Level 3 Steel Erecting Diploma holders?

Unsure where a Level 3 Steel Erecting diploma could take your career? Fortunately, it can open doors to many key roles in the construction industry, including: 

Steel Erector

A steel erector (also known as a steelwork erector or ironworker) assembles and disassembles the metal frameworks for buildings and structures, such as industrial facilities and bridges. Their primary role is to fit together steel girders, pipework, and beams. 

Structural Steel Fitter

Also referred to as steel fitters, the main responsibility of tradespeople working in a structural steel fitter role is to prepare and fit steel components as per the blueprint specifications. They fabricate these items using hand tools, as well as riveting and welding machines. 

Steel Fabricator

The main role of a steel fabricator is to cut, shape, and manipulate raw steel materials into certain structures and products. Like steel fitters, they also take direction from blueprints and engineer designs, but they focus more on design and aesthetics of the raw steel than precision assembly.

Site Supervisor

If you want to explore managerial roles, then you may want to consider becoming a site supervisor.

Responsible for overseeing all the activities on a construction site, the supervisor is tasked with managing all workers and upholding site standards, efficiencies, and health and safety regulations.

Alternative Careers

Searching for more steel erecting jobs with a diploma?

With an Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) Level 3 Steel Erecting diploma under your belt, you may also be eligible for alternative career opportunities, such as specialised careers in health and safety, estimating, and steel draughtsmanship.

Complete your ECITB Level 3 Steel Erecting Diploma

If you want to unlock access to a wider range of career paths in the construction industry, speak to the expert team of instructors and assessors at SB Skills Solutions today about achieving your ECITB Level 3 Steel Erecting diploma.

As a trusted national training provider in the UK, our team of qualified instructors can guide you through the entire process with ease. Working to a timescale that fits around your schedule, we’ll visit you on-site to assess your competence as a steel erector and help you to collect relevant evidence.

Whether you require support choosing the right career path in the construction industry or want to learn more about our services, please feel free to contact our knowledgeable team today.

To reach out, simply give us a call on 01695 558 420. Alternatively, you can also email your enquiry to info@sbskills.co.uk.

The post What jobs can I get with a Level 3 Steel Erecting Diploma? appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

When operating a 360 excavator, safety is of prime importance. For this reason, comprehensive pre-start checks are a must before utilising any piece of equipment.

Our Excavator Training courses provide you with the relevant knowledge required to safely operate these machines. This includes teaching you the relevant pre-start checks for the excavator.

Why Excavator Pre-Start Checks are Important

The 360-Degree Excavator is an incredibly powerful machine that can cause serious injuries when used incorrectly. It’s possible to reduce the risk of injuries through various procedures that have been created in line with the Health & Safety Executive.

One of these procedures is the pre-start checks. These checks help to discover any issues with the machine prior to operating. For example, ensuring that the floor of the cab is clear before operating would allow you to discover any debris that may get lodged in the machine controls.

For various reasons, these checks are vital, so understanding them is essential before any operator considers getting into a machine.

It’s possible to split the required checks into three groups: general walkaround, compartments and in-cab. Each group has a vital set of observations that must be performed before use, and we’ve detailed them below.

General Walkaround

This set of checks is an external check of all visible components, designed to spot any major mechanical flaws or weaknesses.

• Check cylinders. Make a visual inspection of cylinders to ensure they’re undamaged and that they haven’t leaked.
• Inspect boom cylinders. A cursory inspection will reveal whether any hydraulic oil has leaked. If so, the oil and dirt will be seen directly on the boom cylinder.
• Inspect work attachment. Ensure that any work attachment being used is properly secured using the correct equipment. Make sure all pins and clips are firmly and securely in place.
• Check condition of work attachment. Check the overall condition of the work attachment being used. For example, look to see if teeth on a bucket are missing or need replacing.
• Look underneath machine. Check for any obvious damage. Ascertain whether fluid has leaked from any part of the machine.
• Check tracks. Look for visible signs of damage or for missing components. Pay close attention to whether the track pad is bent or broken and look to see if it’s buckled. Also, check track tension to ensure it complies with the manufacturer’s guide.
• Check sprockets. Look to see whether teeth are missed or damaged. Assess whether the teeth are overly sharp, which can indicate a need to replace the sprocket.
• Assess entry/exit. Inspect the steps and handholds, to ensure safe entry and exit can be made. Pay particular attention to mud on steps, which can be a significant slip hazard.
• Check FOP (Falling Object Protection). Visually inspect all aspects of FOP for damage and any weaknesses, if applicable.

Compartments

The next set of pre-start checks concerns various compartments within the excavator – compartments that contain several pieces of equipment vital to the safe and correct functioning of the machine. Remember that all levels must be checked while equipment is cold.

• Check washer fluid. Look to confirm that the washer fluid level is as per manufacturer’s guide. If not, fill washer fluid to maximum permitted level.
• Check swing drive oil level. Assess whether there is sufficient oil for the swing drive using the dipstick and, if not, fill to the correct level.
• Open engine compartment. Perform a full visual inspection of the engine compartment. Check oil and fill if required. Check the coolant level in the radiator and that the radiator cap is properly attached.
• Check filters. Visually inspect the fuel and oil filters. Ensure they’re not damaged or leaking. Drain any water found in the fuel filter.
• Check hydraulic hoses. Simply look to ensure that no hydraulic hoses have been damaged or are leaking.
• Check radiator, air filter and cooler. Check for damage to all parts. Look to ascertain whether coolant levels are correct and, if not, fill to the correct level. Remove air filter occasionally and clean with compressed air. Unclog intake of air filter.
• Check for codes. Look to see if there are any codes displayed on the monitor and, if there are, consult the manual or speak with a qualified technician before continuing.

In-Cab Checks

You can now enter the cab and perform all necessary checks within, to ensure all controls are operating and that you can use them easily and without impediment.

• Check for debris. Look around the cab and remove any debris that could hinder your working of the machinery.
• Check safety belt. Make sure the safety belt works as it should, is in the correct position and attaches securely.
• Adjust seat position. Check that the seat is in a comfortable and practical position for you to effectively operate all controls.
• Check all controls. Make sure the handles for all controls are secure and that controls move freely when used.
• Adjust all mirrors. Make sure that all mirrors are undamaged and that they are aligned properly for your needs. Clean mirrors if required.
• Turn on lights. Turn on all lights from within the cab and check that they’re all functioning properly, including flashing beacons. You might find it easier to ask someone outside the vehicle to check for you.
• Check windows. Make sure all the windows are safe and not cracked. Clean dirt from windows to ensure you have the maximum visibility. Check that the wipers are working correctly.
• Sound horn. Sound the horn to make sure it is working and that it’s sufficiently loud to warn others in the vicinity of your presence.
• Check control lever lock arm. Make sure the control lever lock arm – commonly called the dead man lever – is properly in place and undamaged.
• Check driving controls. After starting the ignition, check that all controls are functioning properly.
• Check gauges. Make sure all instrument gauges and warning lights are working correctly before moving off.
• Listen to movement alarm. When you start moving, listen for the movement alarm to determine whether it’s working and whether it’s loud enough to alert others around you.

Once you have completed the above pre-start checks, you are safe to move off and begin working. However, please be mindful that, while pre-start checks are highly important and will prevent many issues, you must remain alert and vigilant throughout your time operating the machinery. If you are ever concerned that your machinery is unsafe, stop work at the soonest possible opportunity and communicate this to a senior member of staff. If you want to learn more about controlling the excavator and the best practices, visit our blog on How to Operate a 360 Excavator.

Our training courses on the excavator cover a range of topics and procedures to ensure that you are a safe operator. You can contact us below to book a place or visit our course calendar to book online.

The post Pre-Start Checks for 360 Excavator appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

Career paths in construction can, therefore, go off in various directions, depending on what type of training the individual chooses to take, to build up their experience and develop their skills.

Some of the major job roles in construction:

• Vehicle Banksman

This is a crucial on-site role, because the vehicle banksman is in charge of guiding vehicle drivers around a site. The banksman must have a clear understanding of issues to do with manoeuvring and reversing vehicles.

• Bricklayer

If you’re a bricklayer, you’ll be working with various types of bricks, blocks and mortar, to create and fix different structures on a range of projects, varying in size and scope. These can be anything from constructing walls to working on commercial buildings and new building developments.

• Carpenter

A carpenter works with wood, creating essential elements for use in construction, including floorboards, walls and roofing. This is a constantly in-demand role in construction, and therefore a popular one. Carpentry requires a good understanding of technical drawings, and different types of wood.

• Joiner

Also working with wood, the joiner’s role is one of a craftsman, focused on creating interior elements of a building. These include windows, doors, staircases and a wide range of furniture. In fact, the joiner category is quite broad, as it includes wood machinists, CNC, CAD or CAM operators, joinery estimators and foremen.

• Plant Operator

The plant operator drives heavy machinery on a construction site. Plant machinery performs various functions, including lifting, manoeuvring and digging. Typically, each type of vehicle will require specialist training for its operator. These vehicles include excavators, cranes, dumpers and forklifts.

• Plant Mechanic

The plant mechanic maintains all the plant machinery on site. This is an essential role, because so much construction work is dependent on plant machinery.

• Plasterer

The plasterer’s job involves applying solid or fibrous plaster to walls, preparing them for decoration. Most construction projects will involve plastering.

• Scaffolder

The scaffolder puts up and removes temporary metal structures on construction sites. This enables other workers to carry out their tasks safely and conveniently at height. Scaffolders can work on the outside of buildings but also inside, where buildings are being renovated, repaired or decorated.

• Slinger Signaller

Similar to the vehicle banksman (see above) the slinger signaller has a vital role in guiding other operators. Essentially, the slinger signaller acts as the eyes and ears of the crane operator, who will have an obstructed view. Using a precise set of standard signals, the slinger signaller directs crane operations, helping to ensure onsite safety and efficiency.

In addition to these key construction jobs, there is a range of roles that are supervisory and managerial.

• Site Manager

The site manager has a highly responsible role, managing the workforce on site. They must also set out the construction site before any work can commence on it, and ensure that all work meets agreed timescales, budgets and specifications. They liaise with clients, consultants, surveyors, subcontractors and other people involved in a project. They must agree benchmarks, check materials, inspect work and oversee quality control. Construction site managers must also actively promote health and safety on site.

• Plant Manager

The plant manager manages all the plant machinery on a construction site, including the hiring, buying and transportation of heavy machinery.

• SHEQ manager

The SHEQ manager monitors risks on a construction site, assessing and identifying potential risks and putting procedures and processes in place to avoid them. Health and safety is central to how construction sites operate, therefore this is a critical role. The SHEQ manager monitors risks on site and implements and communicates risk management strategies.

Starting a Career in Construction

If you want a trade-based career in construction, you are very likely to need an apprenticeship.

If you get on an accredited apprenticeship scheme, you can then apply for a Red CSCS Apprenticeship Card, which will demonstrate you have the relevant health and safety awareness to gain on-site experience.

Normally, at an early stage in your construction career, you would take a construction NVQ level 2 in the type of construction role you are specialising in.

This is a national vocational qualification, and will help you plot your career path in construction.

Taking a construction NVQ means you learn while you work, gaining good practical experience.

Completing a construction NVQ will gain you a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card. This proves your competency in a given trade in construction.

Another first step in a career in construction is to begin as a labourer on a site. This will give you a Green Labourer Card.

However, as with NVQs, you will also need to complete a Health, Safety and Environment course before you get your CSCS card.

As your career in construction progresses, there are more advanced level NVQs you can take, along with other specialist courses, such as CPCS courses & NPORS plant operator courses.

For whatever level of job role, you require training, including supervision and management, there will be a course that will help you develop your skills, and give you the necessary qualifications to progress in the construction industry. We have a list of courses available on our online booking system.

For more details about our full range of courses for the construction industry, please contact us.

The post Job Roles and Career Paths in the Construction Industry appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

The formats of all tests are as follows. Candidates will have 45 minutes to answer 50 questions on the five core knowledge areas: legal and management, health and welfare, general safety, high-risk activities and environment. These 50 questions include additional content in both Specialists and Managers and Professionals tests. Behavioural case studies are also utilised in tests to further understand the candidate’s awareness of HS&E issues, including how to behave safely on site. The HS&E test costs £21, with expiry after 2 years, and upon completion, you can apply to obtain the relevant CSCS card or undertake further construction training. The CSCS cards are valid for 5 years with the exception of trainee cards which are valid for 1 or 3 years.  

CSCS Cards

Upon successful completion of an HS&E test, you can obtain the relevant Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card which costs £36. These cards provide proof that each worker has the appropriate training and qualifications for the job and plays an important role in improving standards and safety across the UK on construction sites. Obtaining and carrying a CSCS card not only reassures your employer that site safety is not compromised, but it also proves to contractors that you are qualified, guaranteeing on-site productivity and dedication to continuous improvement in health and safety management. For each exam taken, there are corresponding CSCS cards which the candidate can apply for. The cards and their corresponding tests are as follows:

Green Labourer CSCS Card:

Candidates must gain a Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment and pass the operative HS&E test. Upon achievement, this card is valid for 5 years and can be renewed, however, some level 1 health and safety awards expire after a number of years. The candidate will need to have a HSE test pass certificate within the last 2 years and a valid health and safety course certificate, recognised by CITB.

Red Apprentice:

This card is available to candidates on a recognised apprenticeship scheme and upon obtaining, this card is valid for 4 years and 6 months after which it cannot be renewed. Candidates need to take the operative HS&E, however, they may be exempt if they have sufficient training under their apprenticeship scheme in the form of any one of the following:

• Sufficient evidence from the Managing Agency of the candidate’s apprenticeship confirming that the candidate has met the Managing Agency’s Health and Safety requirements
• A certificate for a one-day Health and Safety Awareness course
• A Health and Safety unit included in the candidate’s induction or initial qualification.

Red Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager:

This is a temporary card available only to Supervisors, Managers and Technical Workers with experience on-site (at least one year of experience in the past three). Candidates must be registered to complete a construction related NVQ, however, should not be part of an approved Professional body (required for the Professionally Qualified Person card). Candidates must also have passed the HS&E test (Supervisors take the supervisors test; managers take the Managers and Professionals test) within the past two years.

Red Experienced Worker

This card is similar to the above Red Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager card as this is also temporary and is available only to workers with on-site experience (at least one year in the past three). Candidates must also be registered to complete a Construction related NVQ Level 2 or higher award. The Operative HS&E test must have been taken and passed within 2 years prior to application for this card.

Red Trainee

The temporary card is available to trainee candidates registered to complete either a vocational, academic or professional qualification related to the construction industry. The operatives HS&E test must also have been passed within two years prior to application for this card.

(Blue) Skilled Worker (Operatives, Specialists)

Candidates must have achieved either a construction related NVQ Level 2 award or completed an apprenticeship (such as the CSCS Approved Trailblazer). In addition to this, they must have passed the operative or specialist HS&E test within two years prior to application. This card is valid for 5 years.

Gold Advanced Craft

Candidates must have completed a construction related NVQ Level 3 or complete an approved apprenticeship/employer-sponsored apprenticeship. You must also have passed the Operative/Specialist HS&E test (depending on the candidate’s occupation)

Gold Supervisory

Candidates with a Construction related Supervisory/Technical NVQ Level 3 or 4 and a Supervisors HS&E test can apply for this card. This card is available for supervisor and technical occupations and is valid for 5 years.

(Black) Manager (Manager and Professionals)

Candidates must have either:

• Achieved an NVQ Level 4,5 or 6 in a relevant Construction Management/Technical related award
• Have a pre-existing award in NVQ Level 4 Construction Management.

Candidates must also have passed the Managers and Professionals HS&E test to obtain this card (which is valid for 5 years).

Academically Qualified Person (Manager and Professionals)

Candidates who have completed recognised construction-related degrees are able to apply for this card (evidence of this qualification is required in the appropriate form). Additionally, a pass in the Managers and Professionals HS&E test is required. This card is valid for 5 years.

Professionally Qualified Person (Manager and Professionals)

These cards are only available to candidates who have been competence assessed by CSCS approved bodies i.e. the candidate is required to be a part of a CSCS approved professional body. Some of these such bodies are as follows:

• Architects Registration Board
• Chartered Institute of Building
• Institute of Civil Engineering
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
• Association for Projects Safety
• Energy Institute
• Institute of Demolition Engineers
• British Computer Society
• Institution of Highways Engineers

Candidates must submit evidence of the above and need to have passed the Managers and Professional HS&E test. This card is valid for 5 years.

(Red) Provisional (temporary only)

This card is a temporary card available to candidates undergoing a probationary period whilst employers assess the suitability of employment. Provisional cards are only issued to candidates who have not been given one before. All candidates will need to have passed the operatives HS&E test within the past two years. This card lasts for 6 months and is non-renewable. Within the six months of obtaining the Provisional CSCS card, the candidate must achieve or be registered for a recognised construction related qualification and the appropriate CSCS card.

For each specialist CSCS card, you must also have the corresponding NVQ qualification in addition to the HS&E tests. A list of the NVQ qualifications and the corresponding CSCS cards can be found below:

• Level 2 NVQ – Certificate in Interior Systems (Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card)
• Level 2 NVQ – Diploma in Curtain Wall Insulation (Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card)
• Level 2 NVQ – Diploma in Plant Operations (Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card)
• Level 2 NVQ – Diploma in Steel Erecting (Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card)
• Level 2 NVQ – Diploma in Waterproof Membrane Roofing Systems (Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card)
• Level 2 NVQ – Diploma in Wood Occupations (Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card)
• Level 3 NVQ – Diploma in Cladding Occupations (Gold CSCS Advanced Craft Card)
• Level 3 NVQ – Diploma in Fenestration Installation (Gold CSCS Advanced Craft Card)
• Level 3 NVQ – Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Gold CSCS Supervisor Card)
• Level 3 NVQ – Diploma in Roofing Occupations (Gold CSCS Advanced Craft Card)
• Level 3 NVQ – Diploma in Steel Erecting (Gold CSCS Supervisor Card)
• Level 4 NVQ – Diploma in Construction Site Management (Gold CSCS Supervisor Card)
• Level 6 NVQ – Diploma in Construction Site Management (Black CSCS Managers Card)
• Level 6 NVQ – Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice (Black CSCS Managers Card)
• Level 7 NVQ – Diploma in Construction Senior Management (Black CSCS Managers Card)

Types of HS&E test

There are three different types of HS&E test available, depending on the candidate’s requirements: Operative, Specialists, Managers and Professionals. Each different exam leads to a different specialism, with operative tests being at the minimum required level.

Operatives

The operatives test examines HS&E awareness, helping to raise standards across the industry by ensuring all workers meet a minimum level of health, safety, and environmental awareness. It lasts 45 minutes and is comprised of 50 questions made up of both behavioural case studies and knowledge questions on only the five core knowledge areas (as mentioned above). A minimum mark of 45 out of 50 is required to pass. Upon successful completion of this test, you can apply for the following CSCS cards: Labourer card, the Trainee card, the Apprentice card, most Blue Skilled Worker cards and most Gold Advanced Craft cards.

Managers and Professional

The Manager and Professionals test, tests for everything required in the operatives exam, as well as additional material on the following topics:

• Construction (design and management) regulations
• Demolition
• Plumbing or gas
• Highway works

This test takes the format of 50 multiple choice questions split in the following ways:

• 12 behavioural case study questions, assessing the candidate’s awareness of safe behaviour on a construction site
• 38 knowledge questions to assess awareness of HS&E issues.

The test must be completed in 45 minutes and requires 45 out of 50 for a pass. Upon successful completion, you can obtain the following CSCS cards: Black Managers card and the Academically or Professionally Qualified person cards.

Specialist

Specialist tests are taken in a variety of fields. They include questions surrounding the five core knowledge areas in addition to additional questions relevant to the specialist area(s) chosen and require a 45 out of 50 marks to pass. The Specialists test is available in each of the following topics:

• Supervisory (SUP)
• Demolition (DEM)
• Plumbing (JIB) (PLUM)
• Highway works (HIW)
• Specialist work at height (WAH)
• Lifts and escalators (LAEE)
• Tunnelling (TUNN)
• HVACR – heating and plumbing services (HAPS)
• HVACR – pipefitting and welding (PFW)
• HVACR – ductwork (DUCT)
• HVACR – refrigeration and air conditioning (RAAC)
• HVACE – services and facilities maintenance (SAF)

The specialists test can only be taken in one of the above fields, depending on the occupational requirement of the candidate. This test correlates to the following CSCS cards: Gold Supervisor card as well as Blue Skilled Worker and Gold Advanced Craft cards in certain occupations.

Renewal Tests

The final type of touchscreen test is the Renewal Test (RT). The RT is similar to the previously mentioned Health, Safety and Environment test; however, it is used to renew a CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card. These tests can also be taken at any Pearson Vue test centre. Renewal tests take 15 minutes and consist of 15 multiple choice questions about the category of plant machinery that you have chosen to renew. Candidates are required to take tests for each group of categories listed on their card.

Plant Machinery Training

The Health, Safety and Environment test for Operatives is an essential qualification before undergoing your NPORS or CPCS training and testing. Operators of plant machinery are required to have an in-date Health, Safety and Environment test to prove their competency in Health & Safety. Before a card can be issued to the candidate, the awarding bodies such as CPCS or NPORS like to see that the operator is a safe and responsible employee who will promote site safety. This helps to ensure that dangerous operators do not get behind the controls of heavy machinery which can easily cause huge amounts of damage or worse, death.

The CITB Health, Safety and Environment test is just the first step in your construction career. Every site operative should have taken this test at some point in their career as it is a stepping stone to further qualifications. The Health, Safety and Environment test will come together with the NVQs/training that you have achieved to allow you to apply for higher-level cards and take on more responsibilities on-site.

The post What is the Health, Safety and Environment (Touchscreen)Test? appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

Grandfather rights allowed workers to attain their CSCS Cards based on a strong employer recommendation rather than using a CSCS recognised qualification. CSCS terminated the Industry Accreditation route in 2010, but the cards could still be renewed if the applicant was an existing cardholder.

CSCS now wants all cardholders to be qualified with a construction-related NVQ, therefore from January 2020, all cards will expire by December 2024 at the latest. This has also led to CSCS removing cards such as the Construction Site Visitor card.

Graham Wren, Chief Executive at CSCS said: “Following the closure of the Construction Related Occupation card and the Construction Site Visitor Card, cards gained by Industry Accreditation are the only cards in the CSCS scheme which do not require the cardholder to achieve a recognised qualification. Industry Accreditation does not support industry’s desire for a fully qualified workforce and as such it will be withdrawn.”

Do you need the Black CSCS Card?

The CSCS Card Scheme is seen as the passport to construction sites as it is often essential for access. Although CSCS Cards are not legally mandatory, they do comply with CDM regulations.

CDM regulations, as you’ll know from the Manager’s Health and Safety Tests, specify that employers must ensure that all employees have the appropriate training required to work safely in their environment.

Only carry out construction work if they have the relevant skills, knowledge, training and experience – or they are provided with the training and supervision that enables them to do it safely and without risk to health

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

As well as the CDM regulations, you will know that for any job role in construction, you will require the CSCS card as the principal contractor will usually specify this as a requirement. This allows them to lower injuries and deaths caused on site as they will know that all employees are competent in their role.

As a manager of a construction site, the principal contractor will want to ensure that you are competent to look after a large number of staff working in a construction environment. This reduces their own liability as they will know that there is a responsible site manager in place with industry experience. The CSCS card does exactly this.

How do I Renew my CSCS Card Now?

Without the NVQ, you may be wondering about the next steps for keeping your Black CSCS Card. CSCS has a list of recognised qualifications that can be used to apply for the Black CSCS Card which can be found on the Card Finder. Simply put, you will need one of the following:

• Achievement of a relevant Construction Management/Technical related NVQ/SVQ level 5, 6 or 7
• An SVQ Level 4 in Construction Management/Technical related qualification or
• Holding a pre-existing NVQ level 4 in construction management.

You will also need to have passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test for Managers and Professionals within the last 2 years.

The most simple way to renew your Black CSCS Card with SB Skills would be to achieve the Level 6 NVQ in Construction Site Management.

What is the Level 6 NVQ in Construction Site Management?

The Level 6 NVQ in Construction Site Management is a competency-based qualification that proves to CSCS and other card schemes that you have the necessary skills and experience to manage a construction site effectively and safely.

This is one of the most prestigious qualifications in construction and allows the holder to apply for the Black CSCS Card. The qualification can take anywhere from 3 months to 12 months, depending on the time it takes you to return the evidence requested by the assessor.

Upon meeting all 19 mandatory units and the optional units from the pathway that you choose, you will be awarded the NVQ and be ready to renew.

The post 60,000 Site Managers to Lose their Black CSCS Cards appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.