CSCS Red Trainee Card Changes

Trainee cards are available to new entrants to the industry and are designed to allow workers access to sites whilst they undertake their construction related qualifications.

The following Trainee Cards are currently available:

1. The Trainee (Craft & Operative) card - click here for more information
2. The Trainee Technical, Supervisory and Management (TSM) card - click here for more information

Prior to applying for a card an applicant must pass the appropriate CITB Health Safety and Environment Test and meet one of the following qualification requirements:

• Be enrolled onto a construction related qualification based on a National Occupational Standard such as an NVQ. Registration onto an HND/Degree is also accepted; OR
• Hold a construction related qualification that is not based on a National Occupational Standard such as SSSTS, SMSTS and NEBOSH General.

What happens next?
From 1 August 2016 the following changes to Trainee cards will be introduced:

• Only one Trainee card (irrespective of occupation) will be available
• The card will be red in colour and clearly marked “Trainee”
• The occupation will not be displayed on the reverse of the card. It will simply say Trainee
• The card will be valid for 5 years and will be non-renewable
• Prior to applying for a card an applicant must register for a CSCS recognised construction related qualification
• SSSTS, SMSTS and NEBOSH General will not be accepted as routes to a Trainee card
• Applicants for a Trainee Card must have completed the appropriate CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test within the last 2 years.
• Applicants must complete their qualification before the Trainee card expires
• On completion of their qualification applicants can move onto a skilled CSCS card

CSCS have said that introducing a single Trainee card will remove some of the complexity surrounding the scheme. The card will be clearly marked “Trainee”, making those in the process of obtaining formal qualifications easily identifiable to others on site.