A Sensible Move Forward

[ChaseTiling]

Here is an interesting post I found in another part of the tilersforums, from BRIO:

....'These days to get on most sites you need a CSCS card, you just wont be allowed on without one. I got one just over a year ago, because it was getting increasingly difficult to get on site without one, and yes it states on my card that I'm a Wall&Floor Tiler, in order to gain that accreditation your skills have to be tested by the CITB-Construction Skills Board'.

It raises the point that you need to have a CSCS card, RIGHT NOW at most sites in the UK, in order to work. Bearing in mind that it is compulsory in 2010.

The only way to get this, is by acheiving an NVQ2!! THATS A FACT!!

 

[tiler tom]

Get this I had to do site and it was required that I had a cscs card. Yes I have a labour card. What ar you doing walls or floors. Walls I said thats ok your labour card willlllll do yorkshire you know. Otherwise a nvq 2 wil sufffice

 

[Fekin]

I can see why having an NVQ is a good thing if you have to have one to do site work, but pointless in my opinion if you never want to do site work and would rather stick with higher paying domestic work.

Fair enough, if it became law that to do any form of tiling work for payment you need NVQ, but if not then I don't see the point.

 

[ChaseTiling]

Get this I had to do site and it was required that I had a cscs card. Yes I have a labour card. What ar you doing walls or floors. Walls I said thats ok your labour card willlllll do yorkshire you know. Otherwise a nvq 2 wil sufffice

Thats interesting too....

But check CSCS regulations before you do this kind of gamble, as policy inspectors will be patrolling sites un-announced to ensure site managers are sticking to the rules. If caught, they will get hammered and so will you!! Resulting in loss of work and money.

Don't forget, CSCS isn't compulsory until 2010, so the rules are not as strict yet. Getting your NVQ now what ever way you can, means you will be ahead of the game.

Pre armed is Pre prepared

 

[ChaseTiling]

I can see why having an NVQ is a good thing if you have to have one to do site work, but pointless in my opinion if you never want to do site work and would rather stick with higher paying domestic work.

Fair enough, if it became law that to do any form of tiling work for payment you need NVQ, but if not then I don't see the point.

Again, another valid point.

This is where a qualification such as the NOCN or ASSET Level 1 in Wall & Floor Tiling comes in.

These awards are perfect for those looking to stay domestic and never to do site work for the next 3 years (or ever in some cases!! ) before going on to do their NVQ, if they wish to do this.

It shows Mrs Smith that you have had structured training and hold a recognised qualification, rather than tipping up with a peice of paper thats been printed off on a computer saying that you have attended a course.

Contrary to belief, customers are getting savvy to qualifications, thanks to TV programmes like 'Rogue Traders' and 'Watchdog'.

Another interesting fact about NOCN & ASSET awards, is that you can bolt on other training awards to increase the weight they have, such as Health & Safety, Business Startup etc.

 

[Fekin]

I think this only helps if Mrs Smith ever asks really, which in my case, and every trademan I know of, she hasn't yet.

It's only ever been the rouge traders program where I've seen someone ask for proof of qualification, and that was the program presenters, and that was for CORGI

Maybe Mrs Smith is getting more savvy, but shes not asking yet, lol

I guess only time will tell, but if you put yourself forward well to the customer, I don't know if they are really going to refuse you tiling their kitchen because you have not got a certain piece of paper.

 

[grumpygrouter]

Never yet been asked for proof of qualification. Been asked a few times how long I have been tiling though, to which I am always honest and tell them. My apparent lack of experience has not put anyone off yet, and everyone has been pleased with the work I do.

I will be 52 in 2010, don't know if I really want the hastle of trying to get further qualifications if HM government insist. Maybe I will just operate as a"cowboy"!

Grumpy