Training Opportunities
CSCS CARD SCHEME (Construction Skills Certification Scheme)
Since January 2007 most Major Construction Companies have required all site workers to carry a CSCS card. The CSCS Scheme was established in 1995 with the objective of helping the construction industry to get quality up, accidents down and cowboy builders out.
If you work on a construction site, holding a CSCS card means that you have proof that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to do your job. It also improves your chances of finding legitimate employment in the Construction Industry!
The Construction Skills Health and Safety Test is designed to give everybody working on construction sites a minimum level of health and safety awareness. And, a test pass is needed to apply for, or to renew a CSCS or affiliated card.
Today more and more companies insist on a CSCS Card before allowing you to work on their site. So, without one you could be prevented from working. And earning!
Taking the CITB – Construction Skills Health and Safety test is straightforward. There are Fixed Test Centres all over the UK. They are open on weekdays as well as some Saturdays and evenings for your convenience. To find out where your nearest one is please call 0870 600 4020 (8am – 6pm Mon to Fri)
The test has 35 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 40 minutes. The test is conducted via sensitive computer screens but you don’t need special computer skills to take it. In fact, you can even practise using the screen before you sit your test. Sessions are monitored so assistance is always on hand. Questions are taken from an approved selection covering many health and safety topics affecting construction. These include site hazards, working at heights, using dangerous substances and understanding warning signs. A book containing all the topics is available from major booksellers at a cost of £8.49
If you are dyslexic or have any other reading difficulties, headphones and audio questioning can be supplied. This will be discussed when you book your test.
The CSCS test is available with a Polish, Lithuanian, Russian, Bulgarian, Punjabi, German Romanian or Portuguese voice-over. Please request which language at the time of booking your test. Please call the helpdesk on 01485 577 885 for more details.
1. New applicants will need to provide their full name, address and postcode, date of birth and/or national Insurance number to be able to register.
2. You will need a credit or debit card in order to pay for your test. Alternatively you can ask to apply in writing and pay by postal order or cheque.
3. Call the following number 0870 600 4020
A letter will be sent to you once you’ve booked confirming the date, time and location of your test. It will also show which category of test you will be sitting. Please check the details of the letter and any instructions. On the day of your test you must bring the following:
1. Your confirmation letter
2. ID bearing your photo
3. ID bearing your signature (this could be the same as your photo ID
Helping you prepare for your test
1. Read Health and safety guides – CITB offers a wide range in 8 different languages (see above)
2. Seek advice from your local CITB-Construction Skills area office
3. Ask your employer or key worker for guidance
4. Take a practice test at ur4jobs at The Upper Room
Attend CSCS Training with ur4jobs at The Upper Room. (Check this website for dates)
Polish Language CSCS TRAINING at the Upper Room Nov 2008
http://www.citb-constructionskills.co.uk/ (Construction Industry
Training Board)
http://www.healthandsafetytest.co.uk/ (CSCS test Revision
material to buy)
http://www.delni.gov.uk/index.htm (Government Sponsored site for
Employment and Learning)
http://www.unionlearn.org.uk (Union Sponsored Learning)
ESOL (English Spoken as an Other Language)
English is the language of international commerce and the language of work in the UK. Without good communicative English it is hard to secure work other than at either the lowest level or more usually in the black economy. Most work environments are supported by strict health and safety laws, which require a good knowledge and understanding of English.
The web links below will help you access an ESOL course
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/ethnichelpline/polishhelpline/
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/
http://www.praxis.org.uk FREE specialist ESOL for nursing &
care professions
OTHER TRAINING
http://www.mainporttraining.com Industrial Training throughout the UK
http://www.wallaceschool.co.uk London Based Transport Driver Training
http://www.a4e.co.uk Helping people & Organisation access high
quality training
http://www.traintogain.gov.uk Skills training for businesses
http://www.naric.org.uk Information on Overseas Qualifications
