RED CSCS CARD - TRAINEE

If you are entering the construction industry for the first time as a trainee, obtaining an entry level Red CSCS Trainee Card will make it easier for you to prove to your prospective employer that you know how to operate safely. The card will show that you are committed to your chosen career path and will also show that you are aware of the serious importance of health and safety on site. Not only this, the card also holds details of all your qualifications on a central database meaning that you do not need to take lots of paperwork and certificates to every new work site that you visit. All you need is a CSCS card which can be scanned there and then.

How Long Is the Red CSCS Trainee Card Valid For?

The Red Trainee CSCS Card is classified as a temporary one and is only valid for 5 years. After this period of time it is not renewable, so it should only be applied for once you know that you are definitely serious about pursuing a career in the construction industry. It is for individuals who are studying in college or university and who are registered to complete a construction related qualification. When applying for a red trainee card, proof of registering on the course will be required and the registration date must be within the last 2 years. The qualification must be CSCS card recognised and can be vocational, professional or academic. It can therefore be an NVQ or SVQ level in one of the following:

• Non NVQ Diploma
• Intermediate Construction Award
• Foundation Construction Award
• Degree

To prove that a student is registered on such a course, it is necessary for them to provide evidence from their training provider’s awarding body which includes:

• Applicant’s full name
• Full qualification title and level of the course registered for
• Date of registration (must be in the last 2 years)

On completion of their qualification, applicants can then move onto a skilled CSCS card meaning they will not need their temporary red one anymore. Having a skilled CSCS card will make you stand out in an already crowded marketplace and will show employers that you are a safe pair of hands. Having such a skill set is highly sought after in this day and age as injuries and fatalities on site can happen so easily if workers do not really know what they are doing. In the UK in 2014/2015, more than 25 million working days were lost due to work-related illnesses and workplace injury. Not only this, the cost of injuries and ill health from unsafe, risky working conditions amounted to almost £15 billion. Health and safety awareness is therefore something that is taken extremely importantly by employers. By continually working for and owning the highest possible CSCS card that you can, you will show employers that you take it as seriously as they do.

In addition, applicants must also have passed their CITB Health, Safety and Environment Operative test within the last 2 years. The 45-minute test examines the individual’s knowledgeregarding how to act safely whilst working on a construction site. Candidates use a touch screen interface in order to answer 50 questions and in order to pass, they must answer at least 45of them correctly. Five areas of key knowledge are examined:

1. General Safety
2. Health and Welfare
3. Legal and Management
4. Environment
5. High Risk Activities

Behavioural case studies are also included in the test so that a candidate’s true understanding of how to work safely on a construction site can be examined. The CITB governing body regularly reviews and updates the test to make sure that it provides the most up to date information and training to its students. It is imperative that construction workers are being taught the right skills and have the most up to date training regarding new laws and best practices.

It is important to highlight that there have been changes to CSCS cards over the past few years and as of 1st August 2016, the Trainee (Craft & Operative) card and the Trainee (Technical, Supervisory and Management (TSM)) card are no longer valid. The red trainee card is therefore the only card that will be issued to candidates who are currently studying for a CSCS recognised construction qualification. In addition, SSSTS, SMSTS and NEBOSH General will no longer be accepted as routes to a Trainee card.

How to apply for Red CSCS Trainee Card?

For more information on a suitable training course for your career, how to apply for your Red CSCS Trainee Card or to ask us to book your CITB test for you, please call our team of advisors on 020 7199 9800 who will be more than happy to help you. We hold many years of experience in the construction industry and will be able to get your career onto the right path in next to no time. We have helped over 40,000 tradesmen to get a CSCS card - now allow us to help you!