News - March 12th 2007

Pulsar Direct's Business Class

In this second edition of Pulsar direct’s Business Class column, we take a look at certification schemes. Already, many sites won't let workers on without an appropriate card to prove their skills and this is set to increase as we approach the industry wide deadline for a fully qualified workforce of 2010.

Q. How can I ensure that members of my staff meet the current and future requirements to be allowed on-site?

A. Ensuring all members of staff carry a card from a recognised card scheme will allow them to prove that they can do their job and they can do it safely. The card identifies that the individual has passed a health and safety test and lists their qualifications.

Q. How can I get a card?

A. To apply for a card, an individual will need to have passed a health and safety test and be qualified within their trade. (Qualified usually means having an NVQ or SVQ certificate.) To gain either of these qualifications you will have to have completed an apprenticeship, or if you are an experienced worker you can gain the proper qualifications through On-Site Assessment and training (OSAT).

Q. If I newly appoint a member of staff and they already have a card, how do I know if the card is valid?

A. Employers and site managers can check whether a card is valid, whether or not the card has expired and the current qualifications of the cardholder by contacting the CITB.

Q. What card scheme should myself, and my employees belong to?

A. The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is the most widely recognised scheme that has fast become the industry standard. However for electricians, plumbers and heating and venting operators – different schemes apply which are currently approved by the Major Contractors Group (MCG). For instance, the following are schemes are recommended by the CITB for plumbers:

JIB-PMES
The JIB Plumbers, Mechanical Engineering Services (PMES) scheme is the standard measure of skills, knowledge, competency and Health and safety awareness for the UK plumbing industry. Graded into four categories: Trained, Advanced, Technical and Mechanical Plumber. For further information visit www.jib-pmes.org.uk or call 01480 476925

SKILLcard
The Engineering Services SKILLcard offers a register of the skills and competence of people working within the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration sector of the building services engineering industry. This lasts for five years and is issued to all members within the scheme. For further information visit www.skillcard.org.uk

SCORE
Only tradespeople who have their ‘trade lines’ as proof of completing their apprenticeship, or have been in the business for ten years, can apply to join SCORE – the Scottish Construction Registration Executive. For further information call 01324 555 550

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