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CSCS Labourer Card Changes Coming in February 2025: New Validity Periods and Renewal Requirements

Starting February 1, 2025, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) will update Labourer card validity and renewal requirements. These changes aim to improve safety, align with the Building Safety Act, and address the oversupply of Labourer cards., both new applicants and current cardholders will see adjustments to card validity and renewal requirements. These updates aim to ensure that only those genuinely working as Labourers hold the card, aligning the scheme more closely with safety and competency standards under the Building Safety Act Construction Standards. Additionally, with a current oversupply of Labourer cards, the changes address the need for more accurate representation of active Labourers in the construction industry

Key Changes to the CSCS Labourer Card

Initial Validity Period Reduced

  • From February 1, 2025, first-time Labourer card applicants will receive a card valid for two years instead of five years. After the initial two-year term, those who continue in labouring roles can renew their card for five years by providing proof of employment in a labouring position.

CITB Test Validity Extended

  • The required CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test will have an extended validity period of three years, allowing it to be used for both the initial two-year card and for the first renewal, helping to reduce costs and logistical burdens on cardholders

Proof of Employment Required for Renewal

  • Labourer cards issued or renewed before February 2025 will remain valid for five years. However, upon renewal, all applicants will need to demonstrate that they are actively working in a labouring role to renew their card for another five years.

Aligning with the Building Safety Act’s Competency Standards

  • The updates to the Labourer card align with the Building Safety Act’s focus on safety and competency, which requires all construction workers to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours necessary to perform their roles safely and effectively.
  • Garry Mortimer, Executive Director of Operations at CSCS Cards Limited, explained, “The competence of the construction workforce is at the heart of the Building Safety Act. These changes better align with the competency expectations of the Act as they will encourage more new entrants to start their career not on the Labourer card, but on one of CSCS’s red cards, which demonstrate to employers that the cardholder is on a recognised training pathway that supports long-term career progression.”

Addressing Labourer Card Oversupply

With approximately 500,000 Labourer cards in circulation and the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) Construction Skills Network Forecast projecting a need for only

140,000 labourers annually by 2028, it’s clear that there is a significant oversupply of Labourer cards. The new two-year validity period aims to better track active Labourers and ensure the card is used only by those genuinely working in the industry.

How Training4Employment Can Support Applicants for the CSCS Labourer Card

For those planning to apply for an initial CSCS Labourer card, Training4Employment offers comprehensive training solutions that align with CSCS requirements and support a smooth application process:

  • One-Day Face-to-Face CITB-Accredited CSCS Card Training: Training4Employment provides a one-day, face-to-face course that prepares applicants to meet the competency requirements for the Labourer card. This CITB-accredited training covers essential topics in health and safety, which is critical for passing the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test required for the CSCS Labourer card.
  • Level 1 (Online): Training4Employment’s online Level 1 Health and Safety Awareness course is specifically tailored to provide foundational knowledge in construction safety. This online course offers flexible learning that suits those who need to balance training with work commitments and meets the Level 1 health and safety requirement for the CSCS Labourer card application.

Both the one-day face-to-face training and the online Level 1 course equip participants with a solid understanding of essential health and safety protocols in the construction environment, fulfilling core requirements for the initial two-year Labourer card.

The Benefits of Using Training4Employment for CSCS Preparation

By choosing Training4Employment’s accredited courses, applicants benefit from:

  • Quality, CITB-Approved Instruction: Ensuring that you meet CSCS standards in health and safety training.
  • Flexible Learning Options: The choice between in-person, one-day training and online learning, making it easier for applicants to complete the training at their own pace.
  • Improved Application Readiness: With thorough preparation for the Health, Safety, and Environment test and a foundational understanding of industry safety protocols, applicants can confidently pursue their CSCS Labourer card.

Preparing for the Changes in 2025

To ensure a seamless transition, current and prospective Labourer cardholders should take note of the following:

  • For New Applicants: From February 2025, first-time applicants should complete the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test and be prepared to renew their card in two years, providing proof of employment in a labouring role if they continue in the industry.
  • For Current Cardholders: Labourer cards issued or renewed before February 2025 will remain valid for five years, with proof of employment in a labouring role required for renewal after that.
  • For Employers: Employers are encouraged to support their workers in meeting the new requirements and exploring structured training programs like apprenticeships or NVQs for long-term career growth.

Additional Resources

For more details on the upcoming Labourer card changes, Training4Employment’s CITB-accredited training, and available support, visit CSCS.uk.com/Labourer for a full list of FAQs. Alternatively, reach out to Training4Employment directly for guidance on how to prepare for the updated CSCS requirements. If you have specific questions not covered by the FAQs, use the Contact Us form on the CSCS website to speak with a CSCS representative.

 

FAQs on CSCS Labourer Card Changes and Training4Employment Support

What changes are being made to the CSCS Labourer card starting February 1, 2025?

The initial validity of the CSCS Labourer card for first-time applicants will be reduced from five years to two years. After two years, workers who continue in labouring roles can renew their card for five years by providing proof of employment in a labouring role.

Why is the Labourer card’s initial validity period being reduced?

This change addresses the oversupply of Labourer cards, with around 500,000 cards currently in circulation despite the CITB’s forecasted annual need of 140,000 labourers by 2028. The reduced term helps CSCS better track active Labourers and ensures the card is held by individuals genuinely working in labouring roles.

What proof of employment will I need to provide when renewing my Labourer card?

You’ll need to submit evidence of your current employment in a labouring role. This could include an employment record, a letter from your employer, or any official documentation verifying your role as a labourer.

What changes are being made to the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test?

The CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test required for the initial Labourer card application will now have an extended validity of three years, allowing the same test to be used for the initial two-year card and one renewal.

How can Training4Employment’s courses help me meet the requirements for the initial CSCS Labourer card?

  • How can Training4Employment’s courses help me meet the requirements for the initial CSCS Labourer card?
    • One-Day Face-to-Face CITB Accredited CSCS Card Training: This hands-on, in-person training provides essential knowledge in construction health and safety to help applicants pass the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test.
    • Level 1 Health and Safety Awareness in Construction (Online): This flexible online course covers core health and safety topics and meets the Level 1 health and safety requirement for the Labourer card application.

Are current Labourer cardholders affected by these changes?

Labourer cards issued or renewed before February 1, 2025, will remain valid for five years. However, upon renewal, cardholders must provide evidence of employment in a labouring role to renew for an additional five years.

Will I need to retake the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test for renewal?

The CITB test will now be valid for three years, allowing you to use it once for the initial card and again for renewal if done within that period. This change helps reduce the frequency of retesting and associated costs.

Why is CSCS making these changes now?

The changes align with the Building Safety Act’s competency requirements, which place legal duties on those working in construction roles to ensure they are competent. CSCS wants to ensure Labourer cards reflect genuine employment in the field and not serve as a default access card for site entry.

What options are available for new entrants to the industry?

New entrants are encouraged to consider CSCS’s red cards, designed for those on recognised training pathways, such as apprenticeships or NVQs. These cards signal to employers that the cardholder is receiving structured training for long-term career development.

Can I get help with training from Training4Employment even if I am not yet employed in construction?

Yes, Training4Employment’s courses, such as the Level 1 Health and Safety Awareness in Construction online course and CITB-accredited one-day face-to-face training, provide essential knowledge and support you in meeting the health and safety requirements for your initial CSCS Labourer card application.

How do I know which Training4Employment course is right for me?

If you prefer flexible, self-paced learning, the Level 1 Health and Safety Awareness in Construction online course may be ideal. For those who prefer hands-on instruction, the one-day face-to-face CITB accredited CSCS Card Training provides direct engagement and preparation for the CITB test

How can I contact Training4Employment for more details on their courses?

Visit the Training4Employment website for more details on available courses, schedules, and enrolment information. Their customer service team can guide you through the course selection process and answer any questions about preparing for your CSCS Labourer card.

Where can I find more information on the CSCS Labourer card changes?

Visit CSCS.uk.com/Labourer for a comprehensive list of FAQs on these changes. If you have further questions, the Contact Us form on the CSCS website allows you to reach out to their team.