The Construction Skills Register (CSR) is making a number of significant changes during 2019. These changes are being introduced to ensure CSR continues to meet the needs of the Northern Ireland construction industry and to enable continued mobility and acceptance of CSR cards throughout the UK, through compliance with the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLCs) One Industry Logo requirements.
NVQ Qualification required for NEW Craft and Supervisor CSR Cards
From 1st September 2019, the Construction Skills Register (CSR) will remove all remaining occupational assessments, including supervisors.
From this date, all new blue and gold card applicants will be required to hold an NVQ Level 2 qualification (or higher), relevant to the card holder’s occupational. Please note this does not impact renewals. Current blue and gold card holders can continue to renew their cards by completing the relevant health and safety training upon expiry of their current card.
If you are considering applying for a new blue skilled, gold craft or Site Safety Supervisors card in the next few months, it makes sense to get it NOW before the changes come into place on 1st September and an NVQ will be required!
We have scheduled extra dates for our site safety supervisor course, making it easier for you to obtain your Gold Supervisors card before an NVQ is required. Upcoming dates:
- 22nd, 23rd, 24th & 25th July, Newry
- 5th, 12th, 19th & 27th August, Newry
CSR runs weekly in our Belfast and Newry training centres, click here to book your place.
To complete an NVQ Qualification with us, click here
Changes to Green GCO Card
From 1 April 2019, CSR will no longer issue any new or renewal General Construction Operative (GCO) cards. GCO cards issued up to 31 March 2019 will continue to be valid for 4 years from the date of the health and safety training.
A new CSR Labourer card will be introduced on 1 April 2019 for those working in a labouring occupation. Applicants must complete the CSR one day health and safety course and have an employer declaration completed to confirm they are working in a labouring occupation. The card will be valid for 4 years from the date of the health and safety training.
Cardholders whose GCO cards expire from 1 April 2019 should apply for a Labourer card, if they meet the requirements above, or another CSR card that is more appropriate for the job role they carry out.
Historically GCO cards have been issued to construction-related occupations that do not fall under the remit of the Joint Council for the Building and Civil Engineering Industry (Northern Ireland), the owner of the scheme. These occupations including electricians, plumbers, heating and ventilation and gas installation will not be eligible for a Labourer card when it is launched in April 2019. Other CSCS partner card schemes are available for these occupations.
Introduction of Health & Safety Trained Card
From 1 April, 2019 CSR will also be introducing a Health and Safety Trained card. This card will provide evidence of appropriate health and safety training only and will not display the card holder’s occupation. Candidates must complete the CSR one day health and safety course to be eligible for this card which will be valid for 4 years from the date of the health and safety training.
The Buildsafe-NI Action Plan (2011) requires all site operatives and staff to have appropriate health and safety training. Government Construction Clients must include this as a contract requirement. The Health and Safety Trained Card will meet this obligation for operatives. It will also be accepted in the Republic of Ireland as a result of the mutual recognition agreement that deems the CSR one day health and safety course to be equivalent to the Safe Pass one day course.
It is important to note however that this card will not meet the CLC One Industry Logo requirements and therefore WILL NOT be accepted in GB.