Great success in CSCS cards with online training course

July 26, 2018 / Keith Osborne
Great success in CSCS cards with online training course

Hundreds of UK construction workers have already been able to obtain their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Labourer card via an online training course launched by COSAC earlier this year.

Runcorn-based COSAC (The Compliance & Skills Academy) introduced Safe2Site in March, the first online course approved by CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) as a route to the Labourer card, which helps site managers verify that workers have achieved suitable health and safety qualifications.

It is one of a range of CSCS cards which provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the required training and qualifications for the type of work they carry out, thereby helping to improve standards and safety across the industry. While not a legislative necessity, a valid CSCS card is required from workers by most contractors and major housebuilders before permitting them on their site. Approximately 140,000 green Labourer cards were issued in 2017 alone.

With a first-time pass rate of the course of well over 99%, and an overall 100% pass rate to date, Andy Mason, managing director of COSAC is delighted by the results and the range of workers the new system has attracted: “In an industry like construction, time is very much at a premium. However, one of the main challenges many in the sector are facing, is getting workers qualified to the required standards for their occupation.

“Our Safe2Site course is a convenient and efficient solution to an essential course that until now involved taking extended periods offsite to complete. Our course allows Labourers to study in short, interactive bursts which maximises knowledge retention and helps them get the necessary skills to obtain the CSCS Labourer card.

“Since our launch three months ago, it’s been great to see a diverse mix of men and women of all ages taking the course. From people with additional learning requirements such as dyslexia or workers for whom English isn’t their first language, they’ve all been able to take and pass the course first time.”

He continues: “Housebuilding has been singled out as a priority for the UK government over the coming years. As a result, it’s clear to see that the need for fully trained construction workers will become even more pertinent, but we’re pleased to be able to do our bit to help.”

Applicants can use Safe2Site at a convenient location to them, and a course supervisor has the ability to monitor candidates as they take part in the exam using audio, video and remote screen share tools.

The Labourer card was introduced to help site managers verify that people working in labouring occupations have achieved the RQF Level 1 (Level 4 in Scotland) Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, or an approved alternative course, such as Safe2Site.

 

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