Latest News
Advice & Guidance on Expiring Certificates during the COVID-19 Outbreak
CITB have just introduced a new remote learning and examination option for their Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) Courses. We are proud to be working with the CITB to develop a more remote training environment which we will open bookings shortly.
We are hoping this will extend across the whole Site Safety Plus suite of courses in due course.
SSSTS and SMSTS delegates whose certificates have expired since the 15th March 2020 will be allowed to take refresher courses rather than the full course once training centres re-open and this will remain in place until stated otherwise from CITB.
CITB have also agreed with CSCS that applications for a Labourer’s card can now be supported with evidence of the HSA achievement from the CITB card-checker or CITB Construction Training Register.
What do I do next?
Check the status of your HSA course achievement and HS&E Touch Screen Test on the CITB card checker.
CITB HS&E Test Centres & HS&E Lite
All Pearson Vue HS&E test centres and network of Independent Test Centres are now closed across the UK until further notice.
CITB have also developed some free of charge products “LITE Testing” that will help employers run their own in house interim testing to give a level of local assurance to help the employer to determine if an employee is safe to work on their site.
CITB Levy Payments
As of the 25th March 2020 the CITB Board gave final approval to suspend the issue of its levy bills due for payment in 2020. Typically, CITB send out levy bills in April with payment due in May, however they will not seek collection for levy bills until August 2020.
City & Guilds Confined Space
City & Guilds understands that you may not be able to renew your qualification as required during these unprecedented times. Therefore, we will allow certificates that expired after the 1 March 2020 to continue to be valid until Sept 2020 in order to allow you the opportunity to re qualify once we are on the other side of this lockdown and isolation period. We recognise there is a risk to jobs and livelihood and wish to support in any way we can.
First Aid
All First Aid courses have been suspended until 1st June subject to review. In light of these circumstances the HSE has now extended the validity and renewal of First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) expiring on or after 16th March 2020 by up to three months if you are unable to requalify due to COVID-19 course suspension. Please read statements from British Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance.
CPCS
CPCS and NOCN Job Cards have issued advice asking sites to be more lenient on accepting cards that have expired from mid-March onwards, at their own discretion. CPCS is also providing the ability to apply for an Emergency CPCS Card for those unable to renew or upgrades due to being unable to renew their HS&E test or Renewal Test. This card will also be available for individuals on a Red card which is expiring, and they have been prevented from completing their Vocational Qualification due to the COVID-19 situation.
For more information on how to apply for an Emergency CPCS Card please go to www.nocnjobcards.org/CPCS/cpcs-emergency-covid-19-card/
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NPORS
NPORS recognises that due to the closure of HS&E test centres card holders will be unable to take these tests and therefore will not be able to extend their Red Trained Operator Cards or renew their Blue Competent Operator Cards. NPORS has taken the decision to extend the registration period of those cards due to expire for 6 months at no cost to the card holder or employer. Although the registration date printed on current cards will show as expired, registration information can be verified via the online card checker and QR code on the cards.
Street Works
The Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR) has sought advice from Department for Transport (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) and Transport Scotland. In line with this, the following JAG (UK) statement was issued to all Street Authorities earlier this week:
"It is essential that Street Works do not stop entirely, and some cards will lapse through no fault of the holders. We are, therefore, writing to ask that Street Authorities bear this in mind with regards to card enforcement policy for the next six months or so. The Department of Transport is aware of this note. We thank you for your patience and understanding."
CSCS
CSCS has extended the grace period for card renewals from 6 months after the card expires to 12 months. This means that the card can be renewed, once the CITB HS&E test has been passed, up to one year from the card’s expiry date. CSCS are also requesting employers and those responsible for site access and card checking procedures to use their discretion towards workers whose cards have expired since mid-March onward.
NVQ’s
Considering the Government update that furloughed employees can continue professional development, we are encouraging all candidates to complete work on their NVQ’s during this period. Our assessors are currently available to assist their candidates. We are working on a plan to make our assessors remotely available to candidates wanting to continue with their NVQ’s. It is possible to complete a large percentage of the NVQ content this way, whilst still meeting qualification and awarding body guidelines. This means that when normal operation resumes, we should be able to complete the NVQ with one site visit. We will be communicating to all learners separately.
NOCN New CPCS Smart Card Design
Following on from the sale of Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) to NOCN Group last year, they have just released a new card design.
They have also released the following information;
- Applications Backlog
We are processing applications from the 11th December and our priority is process and print these cards out as soon as possible. The CPCS Team are working overtime and staff from other areas of the Group have been seconded to assist with the backlog.
- Letter of Achievement
When cardholders achieve a red trained operator card or add a category to an existing card, they receive a ‘Letter of Achievement’ from the CPCS Test Centre they passed their tests at. We have changed the wording of the achievement letter to allow it to be used in place of a card for up to 90 days on site. Previously it could be used for 30 days. This will help customers waiting for cards to be dispatched as we work through the backlog applications. If employers are not sure about the validity of an achievement letter presented, they can follow the instructions on the letter and call or email CPCS to confirm.
- Card Checker
We are aware CITB’s card checker is currently out of date and our version is not available. We are currently in the testing phase and hope to release the final version asap. If you are an employer / need confirmation for your employer that you are able to work on site please send us an email at enquiries@jobcards.org with the subject line ‘CPCS 123’ and we will send you confirmation that the operator is able to work on site. Please note if an application has not been processed (added to our system) we will be unable to provide this information.
- Card Number
When you receive your new SMART card, it will have a different number to any previous card you have held. This is because the number on your old card is a CITB number. Your new number will be in this format 4XXXXXXX
CPCS Renewal Test
From December 2019 NOCN will be delivering the CPCS Renewal Test, at this point CITB will no longer administer the CPCS Renewal Test or provide customer service for this test. All management and ownership of the test will sit with NOCN.
In order to avoid candidates having to cancel and reschedule their test with NOCN – from midnight 1 November 2019 CITB will not be in a position to take any more bookings for the CITB CPCS Renewal test for dates post 30 November 2019.
Further communications will follow which will provide additional information, links and specific effective dates from when NOCN will be delivering the CPCS renewal test in its entirety and accepting bookings.
We would like to assure you that throughout this transition; all ITC's will continue to be supported by a dedicated Customer Operations team.
Please note: This does not impact your delivery of the HS&E test. The HS&E test continues to be delivered and owned by CITB.
Skills & Training fund
Did you know that CITB registered SME employers with up to 99 employees can apply for funding of up to £10,000 to cover the cost of their short duration courses? This includes any Site Safety Plus courses. Employers can submit one claim every 12 months.
Planned changes to the HS&E test
More improvements will be made to the CITB Health, safety and environment (HS&E) test on 26 June 2019. These changes are being made to make the test even more robust so that operatives can continue to be safe on the job, and know that their fellow workers are just as qualified to contribute to a safe working environment. Employers can also have the assurance that their qualified workforce is less likely to lose days to injuries on the job.
What is changing on 26 June 2019
The CITB HS&E test will be revised in several ways. Details of what will be changed are below.
Up to date with current practice and legislation
All versions of the test have been reviewed, and where applicable the questions have been updated to keep up with current legislation.
The Operatives test in particular will have a substantial update to better reflect the range of day to day tasks and responsibilities an operative has on a site.
CITB has worked with construction health and safety managers and trainers with years of hands-on experience in making these changes, so that the revised HS&E test is up-to-date and fit for the needs of workers and employers.
For more information click here.
CSCS announce plans to withdraw Industry Accreditation
For several years the strategic direction of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has focused on ensuring that all applicants can demonstrate the achievement of a nationally recognised construction related qualification.
With the introduction of the Labourer card, the withdrawal of the Construction Related Occupation card and the planned removal of the Site Visitor card the next step is the withdrawal of cards issued under Industry Accreditation.
Industry Accreditation, also known as Grandfather Rights, allowed workers to obtain CSCS cards on the strength of an employers’ recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification. CSCS closed Industry Accreditation to new applicants in 2010 but those already holding a card are currently able to renew on the same basis.
CSCS has consulted with the industry and agreed a plan that will pave the way for the eventual withdrawal of cards issued under Industry Accreditation.
From 1st January 2020, all cards renewed under Industry Accreditation will expire on 31st December 2024 and CSCS will stop issuing the card from 30th June 2024.
Graham Wren, Chief Executive at CSCS said: “Following the closure of the Construction Related Occupation card and the Construction Site Visitor Card, cards gained by Industry Accreditation are the only cards in the CSCS scheme which do not require the cardholder to achieve a recognised qualification. Industry Accreditation does not support industry’s desire for a fully qualified workforce and as such it will be withdrawn.”
What each of the 60,000 Industry Accreditation card holders need to do next depends on their occupation and any qualifications they may already hold. Those without qualifications will be required to register for the appropriate qualification for their occupation before their cards expire in 2024.
Visit www.cscs.uk.com/ia to find out what steps you need to take to replace a card issued under Industry Accreditation.
CITB Sells CPCS scheme
The CITB has agreed to sell its Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) to NOCN Group, one of the sector’s largest Awarding Organisations (AO).
The move comes as part of CITB’s Vision 2020 programme of reform to better meet the demands of British construction. CITB will take on a more strategic and influential role focusing on securing the right training mix, high standards and quality assurance, building employer confidence in the market.
The transition is expected to happen in two phases with completion expected by August 2019, subject to all parties being ready. This will ensure a smooth changeover of systems and processes with minimal disruption to colleagues and customers.
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Have you signed up for CITB grants online?
You can now see the grants you have received by signing up to CITB online.
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NEW CPCS A77 Telehandler Slew, replacing the A17D Telehandler Slew.............
From 28th March 2018 onwards the CPCS A17D category (telescopic handler including 360 slew) is being retired from the scheme. In it’s place will be the A77 category (Telescopic handler 360 slew), the new standard includes working tasks around hoist rope/ winch use which are not currently within the standard for A17D.
The A77 category has also been further enhanced to cover travelling with suspended loads, and therefore will not require a separate (A17E) endorsement under this category.
How will this affect me?
-existing cardholders with the A17D category will need to complete a transitional (A89) CPCS assessment to retain the 360 slew category. The assessment primarily involves a series of lift chart related theory questions, followed by a practical assessment on the winch attachment.
What does the A77 test involve?
New entrants sitting the A77 test will have a theory test that incorporates some 101 questions. The theory test, which is CPCS’ largest to date, combines the majority of questions from the A17 Telescopic handler and A17E Suspended load test.
The practical test also incorporates the standard telescopic handler and suspended load test, with the addition of a number of hoist rope activities.
What are CPCS’ reasons for making these changes?
A review was undertaken due to the nature in which the slew types have evolved since the Telescopic Handler category was first introduced many years ago, which were then predominately only used for fork use, but are now increasingly being used as ‘a crane’ with a drum hoist and rope.
Booking a test
CITP Ltd are one of the few CPCS test centres able to deliver this category. If you would like more information or would like to book a course please contact us now - 01189 700200.
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We are really pleased to announce that CITP has been given Approved Training Organisation Status (ATO) status by the CITB.
What does this mean?
This means that you can be confident that you are getting the best training possible from our expert trainers, whilst here at the centre. The CITB is changing the way it supports training for the construction industry. They are creating a list of training standards which come into effect from April. In doing this all training providers must now gain CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO) status.
What is a CITB Approved Training Organisation – ATO?
ATO stands for Approved Training Organisation.
CITB have established ATO status to ensure trainers are delivering construction training courses and qualifications to a defined and industry-agreed standard. Informing consumers that the training provider is authorised to give training and is compliant with the CITB standard.
The CITB is launching new services for both training bodies and employers. These services will provide a single place for employers to:
• Find industry approved training.
• Search for their employee’s training achievements.
• Receive automated grant payments to employers.
We are working closely with the CITB to ensure our training is to the highest standard. All of this combined assists businesses and employees to get the most from their training and helps track individual’s training qualifications.
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CSCS Withdraw CRO card from Scheme........................
From the 31st of March 2017 the CSCS will stop issuing the cards and any cards that were issued since the 1st October 2015 will expire on the 30th September 2017.
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) have withdrawn the CRO card, meaning holders may need to register for an existing or newly developed qualification, or they may even be asked to move on to one of CSCS’ Partner Card Schemes depending on their occupation. CSCS have introduced a card finder that allows you to put in your occupation to find the right steps to take. Not replacing your card will ultimately mean you won’t be able to get another CSCS card. For more information visit our CSCS page or contact us on 01189 700 200.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING A40 SLINGER/SIGNALLER
With effect from January 19th 2015 this category has been amended to add endorsements against a range of lifting equipment types to cover the increased use of slingers for a wider variety of lifting operations.
The endorsements are:
A – All Types – all duties
B – All Types – static duties
C – Knuckle boom static only
D – Excavator only
E – Lift truck only
The number of learning outcomes have increased and these include key requirements for marshalling of plant, controlling loads during pick-and-carry duties and knowledge of when additional skills for particular lifting operations are required.
CITP Ltd can offer training and testing on endorsements A and B with 2, 3 and 4 days courses dependant on candidates previous experience.
Existing Card Holders
Those holding the non-endorsed category of A40 will automatically be awarded A40B – All types – Static Duties.
Cardholders seeking A40A – All types – All duties will need to undertake pick-and carry-specific theory questions (A95). The test consists of 25 questions with a test duration allowed of 20 minutes.
For a fully inclusive fee of £150 + VAT per person, CITP Ltd are providing training and testing to existing A40 cardholders wishing to upgrade to endorsement A40A.
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PROUD ASSOCIATE MEMBERS OF THE OCTG..........
The Group was formed in the August of 1994. This was in direct collaboration with the then CITB, now Construction Skills, who also still remain strong supporters and sponsors of the group.
The aim of the Group is to provide a meaningful forum for open discussion, whereby common staff learning and development needs exist, in turn providing local, high quality, economical solutions, designed to address all Group Member needs.
This includes ongoing development to meet requirements in the areas of:
Business & Training Planning |
Management & Supervisory |
Technical |
Health & Safety |
Craft & Technician Apprenticeships; Operatives |
Graduate Development |