The Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) has warned that Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards awarded by ‘Grandfather Rights’ are set to expire on 31 December 2024.
It is predicted that up to 60,000 industry skills cards will terminate at that point and cannot be renewed, a statement said. In preparation, the renewal of new CSCS cards under ‘Grandfather Rights’ will cease on 30 June this year.
Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, DHF’s commercial director, said: “Most people in construction are familiar with the CSCS card, which can be issued either physically or digitally.”
Although CSCS cards are not a legislative requirement, it is a requirement under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) for contractors to ensure any individual they employ or appoint to work on a construction site has the necessary skills, knowledge, training and experience.
Patricia continued: “CSCS cards are supported by the government and are required by most principal contractors and major house builders in order for construction workers to access their sites. They provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job that they are doing.”
The federation launched its government approved CSCS card partner scheme in collaboration with the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) at the end of 2019 and offers various cards for those who work with industrial doors, domestic garage doors, automated gates and traffic barriers and metal or timber doors. As part of this scheme some cards require holders to have attended and passed a DHF approved training course. DHF and ADSA also formed the ESA to offer specialised NVQ’s in the field of automated gates, industrial doors, dock leveller, loading bay equipment and powered pedestrian doors.
Patricia added: “DHF supports the CSCS Alliance, and in so doing, reiterated its firm support for the continued demonstration of competence across the construction industry. The CSCS Alliance is an organisation comprising 38 different organisations representing not just the traditional construction trades but the many specialist occupations across the built environment.”
Building Safety and competence are two of the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) priorities, it noted. The CLC Industrial Strategy states that only qualifications can provide a consistent means of proving an individual’s skills. Therefore, they require everyone working in construction related occupations to obtain a recognised qualification.
Patricia said: “DHF continues to encourage its members and the industry to prepare for the changes ahead. If you don’t have the required qualification, you’ll need to register before your card expires in 2024.”
