CSCS opens new pathway for Trainee cards to boost new talent and career progression

Published: November 27, 2024

The CSCS Trainee card will soon become available to those holding certain occupation related non-competence qualifications to help ensure new entrants start their careers on a training pathway that leads to a recognised qualification and a skilled CSCS card.

From February 1st, 2025, individuals who have attained an approved Level 2 (or above) occupation related non-competence qualification will be eligible, with the initial card valid for two years.

Upon the card’s expiration, the card holder can gain a new three-year Trainee card by providing evidence they are registered onto an N/SVQ or an agreed alternative. Registration onto the qualification will be verified with the relevant awarding body prior to card renewal.

The five-year trainee card remains available to those that have registered to complete a construction related qualification such as the NVQ or SVQ and remains a recognised route to competence for construction occupations.

Examples of occupational related non-competence qualifications that can be accepted for the Trainee card is available via the official CSCS website along with the criteria qualifications must meet to be eligible for the Trainee card.

This significant change is designed to provide a simplified route into the industry for new entrants with prior training and help address the ongoing skills shortage.

With over 50,000 extra workers required per year to maintain output, construction’s skills shortage is well documented. The issue is further compounded by approximately 120,000 candidates annually undertaking level 2 (or above) occupational related non-competence qualifications for construction trades.

None of these qualifications meet the industry’s N/SVQ Level 2 occupational competence qualification threshold or provide site experience to be eligible for a CSCS skilled worker card.

The system can be off-putting to potential new entrants, with many of those who stay in construction restricted to applying for the Labourer card, which limits opportunities for further training.

The changes support the direction of travel emerging from the Building Safety Act. The Act is challenging how all in the construction industry must operate, with anyone undertaking a construction role now under a legal duty to ensure they are competent for their role.

CSCS Cards Limited’s Executive Director of Operations, Garry Mortimer, said: “These changes better align with the competency expectations of the Building Safety Act as they will encourage more new entrants to start their career on a route to competence with the Trainee card rather than the Labourer card.

“The Trainee card demonstrates to employers that the card holder is on a recognised training pathway that supports long-term career progression. By starting these new entrants on a Trainee card, rather than a Labourer card, we can ensure the next generation of talent start their careers on a competence pathway that leads to a recognised qualification and a skilled CSCS card.”

This decision follows extensive consultation with employers, standard-setting bodies, over 40 sector representative organisations and unions.

For a list of FAQs relating to these changes, visit CSCS.uk.com/Trainee.