Hey all, I work for a construction company and wondered what every ones thoughts were on the CSCS / CPCS cards scheme? I personnel think that the system is very badly designed and had vast amount of problems on a daily basis. I also think that they are trying to replace common sense and competency with this card system which direct the construction industry does not want to be taking!

In theory this was a good idea when it was drawn-up. However, the initial touch screen test is about as basic a test as you could ask for and does not denote competency in any way IMO. I found the scheme was not very well constructed when it was rolled-out, but it has improved a little over the years. I did find it incredulous that a Chartered Health & Safety Practitioner with 20 years construction practice and experience would not be deemed competent to obtain a card, which did happen? Things have changed and the system is being reviewed constantly. I think in general it is a positive but that it has taken far too long to get to its current form. Worth noting that it was the construction industry that wanted this national card accreditation scheme.

Would you not agree that it takes the so-called "cow-boys" out of the industry, or at least reduces the number of them?? We put all our employees through the scheme not to "learn" from directly, but to prove their ability. Although the H&S test allows them to get a Labourer card, that card is quite limiting and not an Operative card designed for particular trades. Employees must achieve certain NVQ's in order to achieve any card higher than a labourer card. Maybe it is down to the site agents to be more "particular" who they allow to carry out certain jobs on site. That said, I do think there is an element of "jobs for the boys".

wturner, i think that the system is designed to elminiate the cow-boys however i dont think it is doing very well, it is how ever creating lots of hastle for the honest companies. from putting all our engineers through the NVQ process an assessor came in twice and sat in the board room where they collated worksheets (produced when doing work on site). there was no site based assessment and the worksheets could have quite easly been made up. I asked the NVQ assessor why this was so easy and his reply was........"These lads have beening doing this for a living for a while and the company wouldnt employ them if they werent good lads"

Freelance Safety, It is not just flawed for professionals but also for people who have vast amounts of experience but little to no qualifications. It will be a positive move for the industry providing that they get it right however at the moment this is not happening. Again from my understanding the rule are set from upon high by people who have spent little to no time on a site let alone running the operational side of a company. if they created a working group of people from tradesmen to operational managers / construction managers to recognize and solve the problems I believe if would be a good system.

I am afraid that if you want to work for the Main contractors group then this system has to be followed. they are all good lads....at the interview stage anyway!

Spelling mistake central there.... *because and *fairer Its friday!

I do agree with the card in some respects. It highlights the facts that an NVQ in a trade or management has been achieved. The touch screen test is of no benefit for anyone as somebody said earlier a site induction, toolbox talks and training such as working at height, SMSTS etc provide much more beneficial information. With regards to removing the cowboys "Not A Chance of it, while it is existence" Those that ask for cards are public sector, architects, principal contractors etc. Most of them are professionals with a construction background and have taken some form of rigorous training in their fields of expertise. Others that may ask is because they are told to but do not know what the cards are for. What of those that really nead protection such as domestic clients who have no knowledge of construction? I can't see the cowboy saying check my CSCS card i'm competent. The card also says I can do a job but not how well. I am sorry but the CSCS card does not achieve a gold star. Might as well show the employer your certificates.

I have several engineers registered with the CSCS card, experienced worker etc. I need to get 2 engineers cards operative labourer (green) without NVQ's. Talk to CSCS and it is not an issue, but send the form off and it will be returned as no NVQ registered. The CSCS website gives a list of trades available for industry accreditation, non of which are now available. Anybody know how to get around it, or just keep pulling hair out?