The construction industry is one of the biggest employers in the world, accounting for more than 10% of the global GDP and 7% of the global employed workforce. With a range of careers that have clear progression and give you a sense of fulfilment, most construction sites and projects require all workers to own a CSCS card. This article will be divulging into what a CSCS card is and the benefits of holding a CSCS card in the construction industry.
What is a CSCS card?
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is the construction industry’s provider in construction skills certification. A CSCS card provides proof that individuals working on a construction site have been properly trained and competent in performing tasks on-site. By ensuring an entire workforce in the construction industry is proficient in health and safety knowledge ensures improved safety standards across the sector, minimising casualties and injuries.
What types of CSCS cards are there?
CSCS cards are available for a variety of qualification levels and positions across the construction sector:
- Green Labourer Card
- Blue Skilled Worker Card
- Gold Card – Advanced Craft
- Black Manager Card
- Red Apprentice Card
- White – Academically Qualified Person (AQP)
- White – Professionally Qualified Person (PQP)
- Experienced Technician, Supervisor or Manager Red Card
- Red Experienced Worker Card
- Red Trainee Card (Craft and Operative)
- Graduate Red Card
All CSCS cards are available at Construction Helpline.
Benefits of a CSCS card within the construction industry:
Proves competency on-site
With a CSCS card, you do not have to carry around multiple documentation around with you in order to prove that you are qualified to access construction sites. All you need to show is your CSCS card to prove that you are a competent construction professional.
Take the next steps in your career
Another benefit of having a CSCS card in the construction industry is that it can enable you to take the next steps in your career. For example, workers who currently possess a Green Labourer card can qualify for a Blue CSCS Skilled Worker card, once after achieving an NVQ, which is only issued to experienced workers who have proved they have undergone the relevant training to work safely on-site. By achieving more skilled CSCS cards, you will be able to work up the career ladder within the construction industry.
Greater responsibility
When holding certain CSCS cards, such as the Black Manager card and Gold Supervisor card, you will show that you are an experienced worker who can hold higher positions on a construction site while working safely. These CSCS cards give you license to have greater responsibility when working on a construction project, giving you the duty to oversee work schedules and delegate tasks to your team. Having a CSCS card that shows you are capable of higher-ranking roles in construction can be gratifying.
Summary
CSCS cards are beneficial in a variety of ways, aiding in any individuals goal to make a career in the construction industry. For all CSCS cards and CSCS related learning services, leading construction educational sites such as Construction Helpline offer a range of products that can be beneficial.