CSCS CARDS – THE FINAL SOLUTION

There is, finally, a solution to the vexed question of CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Card and the sign industry. The cards will, increasingly, be demanded before sign installers are allowed to work on construction sites. Following the decision by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) to abandon the original CSCS Blue Card for skilled workers, which was available under the Industry Accreditation Scheme, the BSGA has made representations on behalf of the sign industry to clarify the situation. "As a result of these negotiations we have reached an agreement with the CITB concerning the criteria which must be met by sign installers if they are to receive a CSCS card," said Albert Baxter, Director of the BSGA. "We would also, respectfully, point out that we were the only trade association representing the interests of sign makers in this matter."

Existing holders of the CSCS Blue Card will be issued with a new Green Card when they apply to have their card renewed.

However, new candidates for the standard Green Card will be required to complete the CITB health and safety test and answer an additional ten questions relating to working at heights. They must also complete two designated units from the Scottish/National Vocational Qualifications in Signmaking, Level 2.

The two units are Mandatory Unit 2.01 (Meet Safety, Health and Environmental Requirements in the Workplace) and Optional Unit 2.18 (Carry Out Installation Operation for Signage Operations).

Green Cards will be available in two categories – Sign Installer (Illuminated) and Sign Installer (Non-illuminated).

"This is a permanent route by which all sign installers can now obtain the CSCS card, but it means that staff will have to complete the required training," said Mr Baxter.

Application packs for the new CSCS card are available from the CSCS Helpdesk on 0870 4178777. The S/NVQ in Signmaking Level 2 courses are run by a number of colleges and accredited centres throughout the country. A full list of contacts can be found in the Members Directory on this website.

Some of the colleges will also offer facilities for taking the CITB health and safety test and, if not, can offer advice on how to arrange the test.

NOTE: Just in case there is any confusion. The CSCS Card is not the invention of the BSGA. The Association had absolutely nothing to do with its origination and the BSGA makes no financial gain from the cards.

CSCS is a health and safety requirement of the construction industry implemented by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). The BSGA has merely worked very hard to ensure that all signmakers have a route to gaining a CSCS card to enable them to work on construction sites.

July 2006

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