NEWS & EVENTS

ADCAS issues CSCS card deadline reminder

With the clock ticking on CSCS cards obtained through industry accreditation, ADCAS is reminding those involved in the ductwork industry of the need to ensure that their installers are able to get on site from 1st January 2025.

By the end of 2024 all cards currently secured under ‘Industry Accreditation’ (IA) or employer endorsement will no longer be accepted as proof of competence. This follows the requirement set out by the Construction Leadership Council that only workers with nationally recognised qualifications will be eligible for cards and this is in line with broader government policy on how skilled workers must prove their competence in the future.

As a result of these changes, work is being done to establish what experienced workers need to do to guarantee that they are able to get on site from 1st January 2025. Essentially, if an installer holds a card obtained via industry accreditation (also sometimes referred to as grandfather rights), that individual will need to enrol on an NVQ or SVQ relevant to their skillset and pass an experienced worker assessment. New cards issued after 1st January 2025 will have to be against an individual being assessed and any cards already issued will be valid until they come up for replacement.

Experienced workers can start enrolling now and need to be enrolled on a course by 31st December 2024 - they then have 18 months to complete the qualification from the initial enrolment date.

Over the last 12 months, the number of individuals holding an Industry Accreditation card has reduced by half, but there are still a reported 29,000 who need to replace their card by the end of this year.

ADCAS has been working to establish a clear pathway for its members by exploring all training provider and assessment options as well as examining the costs involved. The ADCAS Training Working Group has met with a number of training providers offering the necessary SVQ qualification (NVQ has been withdrawn) required to prove competency and costs have been found to vary from £750 to £3,000.

Though ADCAS does not recommend any specific training provider, the Association is urging members to explore the SVQ pathway as a means to prove competency and will continue to offer advice and guidance ahead of the January deadline.

To keep up to date with the latest news on CSCS card requirements and training options please follow ADCAS on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.