CSCS....Q&A for builders/tilers.. etc.........

[stehanson]

fao b30-villain

Im entitled to the cscs card, (as you will be - assuming you pass the H&S test) however they tell me im only elligible for the red trainee card despite having done two years at college doing a CITB/City and guilds level1/2 (Foundation construction award/Intermediate Construction award), qualification hence the confusion and my posts!
They tell me I will have to do either another qualification (NVQ) or have an on the job assessment (cost approx £500) as it was not an NVQ I did at college.

May be worth asking your tutor what his knowledge on this is, since the trainee card is only valid for a short time (norm while you complete an NVQ) and cannot be renewed.
The card I belive I, (and you) should be given is the blue (craft level card) due to the level of qualification (even if its not an NVQ) - otherwise what is the point in all the UKS colleges doing courses where we would then still have to do further work to gain an NVQ.

Ste

 

[b30 villain]

just as i was thinking. Whats the point doing my second year if i can pay a monkey and get my NVQ and if i stay on for another year i still got to pay the bloody money for the NVQ. Its madness isnt it :mad2:

 

[stehanson]

Just had this email from my old tutor at preston college (who happens to be the head of the department) - on the face of it not good news im afraid!!

email:-
**Stephen
This is correct, you cannot get a CSCS card with your ICA you need an NVQ level 2 which is achieved in the workplace. You need to contact and OSAT team (on sit assessment team) in a college to you, then they will be able to advise and take you through the process of collecting work-based evidence.
Richard**

So by the looks of it its a total waste of time doing all these college courses, as only an NVQ will get you onto a site as a fully carded worker - looks like we will just be trainees and still have to do the NVQ - what a crazy situation and typical of the powers to be!!! - the words money making and scam spring to mind!! :mad2:

 

[2Tile]

Yes that is correct mate - NVQ2 = Blue Card NVQ3 = Gold card... ICA is a technical certificate that demonstrates knowledge and understanding. NVQ demonstrates proffesional competence...