Mark Priestman has more than 20 years’ experience in the natural stone sector. He plays an active role in the development and delivery of training in this specialist environment. Along with his father, David Priestman, he runs a training consultancy whose mantra is: Qualify the Workforce!

Essential Guide to Trainee routes to qualifications in the Stone Sector – Part 4. Trainees

It’s worth remembering in CSCS speak that a trainee might have a broader meaning than the one you hold. Previously we referred to a worker who wasn’t yet certified as being qualified as an ‘experienced worker’, with CSCS awarding them an Experienced Worker card while they pursue their NVQ.

Now these candidates receive a Trainee card alongside apprentices and conventional trainees, who also are working towards their qualification.

In short, and to underscore this point: A trainee is someone registered for and working towards achieving a CSCS-approved construction qualification.

The scope for achieving a trainee card was adjusted in August. These are the main points:

• Only one Trainee card will be available per person, irrespective of occupation
• The card will be red in colour and clearly marked ‘Trainee’, with no occupation listed on the reverse of the card
• The card will be valid for five years and will be non-renewable if the qualification is not achieved by that point
• Before applying for a card an applicant must register for a CSCS-recognised construction related qualification. Note: the following will no longer be accepted: SSSTS, SMSTS and NEBOSH General
• Applicants must pass the appropriate CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test within two years of applying for their Trainee Card.

Some of you reading this will be holding (or will have employees holding) a red CSCS Experienced Worker card. It is worth noting that when that card expires it will not be renewed. The holder will secure a CSCS card after that only if they achieve an approved construction qualification – for example, the blue card (Skilled – level 2); gold (Advanced, heritage or supervisor – level 3); or black (Manager – level 6).

As an NVQ assessor I feel obliged to give you the following caution: Please do not register on an NVQ just to get a trainee card. Put the work into passing the qualification and get the type of skills card you deserve for what you have achieved, a card that matches your expertise. You deserve that much!

What about members of professional institutes?

Many professional bodies have worked with CSCS to have their membership mapped against CSCS criteria. Members of such bodies can then apply for the CSCS Professionally Qualified Persons card rather than having to take an S/NVQ. As might be expected, RIBA, RICS, IstructE, IOSH and ICE are among the approved bodies. The full list is at: bit.ly/CSCSprofessionals.

What about people with higher education diplomas and degrees?

Some qualifications entitle you to apply for the CSCS Academically Qualified Person’s card. You can check accepted qualifications at: bit.ly/CSCSacademics.

FOR CLARIFICATION: Joe Gibbons at CSCS contacted me to clarify a comment I made last month about the Construction Related Occupations card. His helpful clarification reads: ‘All CRO cards will be withdrawn by September 2017 with no exceptions.’

Mark Priestman is a Partner at Priestman Associates LLP, a leading façade preservation project consultancy. From stonemasonry and heritage skills through to Site Supervision and Conservation Management, the partnership is trusted by the leading brands of the sector as an NVQ provider for experienced, upskiller and apprentice workers. Mobile: 07876 687212.