Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act, which requires individuals to be competent to undertake their roles, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is making changes to the Labourer and Trainees card from 1 February to “better align with the competency expectations of the Act” and encourage more new entrants to start on a ‘Red’ card with a recognised training pathway.
• Labourer card – the initial validity will be reduced from five to two years and only operatives who continue in a labouring role will be able to renew their card for five years by providing evidence they are employed as a labourer. The accompanying CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test will also have its validity extended to three years so any operatives who do continue in a labouring role can use it to renew their card.
• Trainee card – in order to provide a simplified route into the industry for new entrants with prior training, individuals who have attained an approved Level 2 (or above) occupation related non‐competence qualification will be eligible for a two‐year Trainee card. More information on the routes to a Trainee card can be found in this flowchart.
All CSCS cards obtained via Industry Accreditation have now expired and the CITB funding available to support individuals who require a qualification to move onto the appropriate card has been extended until 31st March 2026.
