Rachel Boning (Fellowship Services Manager) writes: CSCS cards are increasingly being required for access to construction sites. Usually an N/SVQ is needed to obtain a card, but a new professional membership route means a simpler path to CSCS cards has been opened for Fellows and Chartered Geologists.
Geoscientist 17.9 September 2007
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) was established in 1995 to raise standards of workmanship and reduce accidents on construction sites. The scheme awards CSCS cards to workers in the construction industry who can prove their occupational competence and awareness of health and safety. A wide range of construction-related occupations at all levels, from trainee to senior management, are covered by the scheme. The cards are plastic, credit-card size, and show an individual’s occupation, with different coloured cards for different levels of an occupation.
The Geological Society has successfully applied for a professional membership route so that Chartered Geologists will be able to apply for a platinum Construction Site Manager card without having to achieve an N/SVQ. Under the new route Chartered Geologists who only require occasional access to construction sites will be able to apply for the new Professionally Qualified Person card. In addition, Fellows and Candidate Fellows can apply for a red Technical, Supervisory and Management Trainee card. Other requirements of the cards, including the health and safety test, will still need to be met.