CSCS no long accepting new alternatives to the Level 1 Award

Published: May 7, 2020

Most people who work in construction will be familiar with the CSCS green Labourer card, it is the card required for those working in Labouring occupations.

Since its introduction in 2014, the most popular route to obtaining the card is the completion of the RQF Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment.

The Labourer card demonstrates to employers and site managers that the holder has obtained a knowledge-based qualification and has completed the CITB Health, safety and environment test. But not everyone will be aware that CSCS also accepts a number of alternative courses that can be used to obtain the card.

Garry Mortimer, Director of Operations at CSCS said: There are over 10 different approved routes to the Labourer card and each one has been assessed against the industry-agreed standard for Labouring occupations. With so many options available for the Labourer card, CSCS has made the decision to stop accepting any more alternatives to the RQF Level 1 Award.”

The new rule comes into force immediately but CSCS are keen to highlight that all existing alternatives to the Level 1 Award remain in place and can be used when applying for the Labourer card.

Garry Mortimer continued: “Whilst CSCS have stopped accepting new alternatives to the RQF Level 1 Award, we will continue to liaise with the industry. Should the industry identify a specific need for a course to be developed for the Labourer card, then this is something that CSCS will consider.”

To find out how to take a qualification for the Labourer card contact your local college of further education, training centre or Jobcentre Plus. They will advise you about training and assessment availability, pricing and whether funding is available.

For further information on the green Labourer card and a full list of approved alternatives to the RQF Level 1 Award Health and Safety in a Construction Environment visit www.cscs.uk.com/labourer.