CSCS card update: The current state of play

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) is requiring proof of competency in CSCS scheme, covering all industrial sectors.  It intends to enforce this from January 2025, using approved apprenticeship schemes to measure competency.

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) is the industry body that is overseeing the work of the compressed air industry.

The skill cards’ situation is exceptionally difficult for everyone in the industry and BCAS understands the pressure that this is placing on organisations. Through numerous meetings and requests for information, the Society continues to lobby for a better outcome.

Obtaining a CSCS card via an apprenticeship

So far, there is one way to achieve a skills’ card for the compressed air sector. That is through the Compressed Air and Vacuum Technician apprenticeship, which was developed by the BCAS members on the Training and Development Committee. Once an employee is on this scheme, they receive a red trainee card. When they qualify, they can then apply for a gold card. 

BCAS has formally objected to this requirement for a full apprenticeship qualification on several grounds, as an apprenticeship may not be suitable for many currently serving engineers in this field. The Society is waiting to present to the panel of experts, where it will be highlighting what it considers to be flaws in this argument.

Working towards a formal qualification

It is the Construction Skills Council’s clear decision that from January 2025 work will not be completed on new construction projects without a skills’ card. To obtain such a card the employee must have an industry-recognised qualification.

BESA oversees the compressed air industry. BCAS has had many meetings with the BESA team to find the best outcome for its members and the wider sector. The society argues that allowing an NVQ to be an alternative qualification for our sector is the best way forward.

We have worked to:

• Demonstrate the value of a standalone extended diploma NVQ for the compressed air industry, as a means of assessment for less experienced staff. This would enable proof of on-the-job skills and on-site/operational training. It would replace the time and resources needed for a full apprenticeship.
• Reinforce that this NVQ already exists for experienced employees, and that BCAS is already developing a second diploma. This NVQ will bring installation, commissioning, and maintenance into one pathway.  This would enable BCAS members to achieve the highest safety (Gold) standard, thereby helping to drive up safety further still in our industry.
• Both diplomas now have a new compressed air pathway which has been accepted by Excellence Award in Learning (EAL), part of the larger Engiunity Group
• Create a win-win situation. Existing employees who have many years’ experience can prove their capability with an on-the-job NVQ assessment. Newer employees may need to undertake an extended diploma.

Next steps

BCAS remains committed to apprenticeships where appropriate and working collaboratively with the Construction Skills’ Council to ensure the safety of all employees. The time importance is critical, and the Society continues to push for a swift resolution.   

Terry Collier is training and development Officer at BCAS

www.bcas.org.uk

Tel: 0207 935 2464