CSCS Cards

[JRCCR]

I remember when I took my CSCS test. £17.50 for the test. I took a 45 minute drive to the nearest test centre. Waited 35 minutes for my test. Walked in and 6 minutes later had completed the test and waited a further 40 minutes for my certificate. 45 minute drive home, telephone call, £30 paid and 3 weeks for my card to arrive. But yet have only been asked to show my card twice. It does seem like another way of making money to me. I've never had a problem getting on sites. But with all these new regulations, they are making it harder for people to just get on with their work. Anyone can complete a health & safety test. It's all so simple. Some of my questions asked "which sign means hi viz vests?" and it showed 4 pictures. Not rocket science.

 

[Alan.P]

I've only been asked a handful of times but have needed it when having been asked on only 3 or 4 sites, and they were strict, no card no work. The simple fact is, if it's needed ( and it is ) then get it sorted, it can only be of benefit to the tradesman / serious worker.

 

[garybadger]

Good to see the debate this thing has thrown up.
My employee had an Experienced worker card last year, but because he never got an SVQ/NVQ in the said year he wasn't allowed that same card again.
I have gotten him one on the basic operative card, so he's at least allowed on site, however here's the catch.
According to the CSCS people, he isn't allowed to be doing any tiling and the basic operative card is for labourers only.
This is getting a lot stricter on every site I'm going onto, and I was told on the phone, that too even set foot on a site in future(think its starting at some point next year) you will need the CSCS card in your trade. So if you have a card saying basic operative, and are doing tiling. Your off the job. Crazy I know.
Bearing in mind these only last a year for employees and 5 years for the supervisours. Its a money making machine.
You'll have to sit an on site assessment or go to college for a week, for you to pass. Which may be subsidised by the Construction Skills(thats the angle I'm trying just now) but your still out of pocket. Then you have to pay for the card as well.

 

[Perry]

yes and what i have seen you are assed by people i wouldn't take on as an improver because of there lack of skill :yikes: money for the boys IMO

 

[Peter]

Most small sites here aren't too bad about having a CSR card (as it is in NI). Mine ran out but recently was sent on a refresher/update course funded by the local wooly faces for tradesmen in the area. About the only decent thing they've ever done.

 

[sts1]

I've recently been offered some site tiling work. I haven't been on a site for around 20yrs. CSCS card ? £600 ? health and
safety. No thanks

 

[Gazzer]

More like £70 mate.. ?

 

[Mike]

More like £70 mate.. ?

whats the £70 for neale? the basic operative card?

 

[Gazzer]

Its all I paid, once i obtained my NVQ2 then I got it upgraded to Skilled worker , Wall and floor tiler.
If i were to go onto a site I would be able to work but my brother with the basic card could not unless I said he was working under my supervision. Crazy eh ?

 

[Mike]

Its all I paid, once i obtained my NVQ2 then I got it upgraded to Skilled worker , Wall and floor tiler.
If i were to go onto a site I would be able to work but my brother with the basic card could not unless I said he was working under my supervision. Crazy eh ?

Yeah it is, I've had my skilled worker card 18 months and I'm using it for the first time next week on site. I need to check they'll let me use my 240v tools there first or I won't be going

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