The CITB, Build UK, and CSCS have stated that those skilled tradespersons with CSCS cards with grandfather rights (Industry Accreditation) will no longer be able to get a CSCS card without an NVQ from December 2024. This means Principal Contractors will not accept skilled operatives without an NVQ Level 2 from that time.
Therefore, those with Industry Accredited Blue Skilled Operative CSCS cards must obtain an NVQ Level 2 in their appropriate trade.
They have two options: EWPA (Experienced Worker Practical Assessment) or OSAT (On-Site Assessment and Training). Both routes are designed for experienced workers with relevant skills and knowledge but need a formal qualification to demonstrate their competency.
EWPA is a faster and more efficient way to obtain an NVQ than traditional training. It involves a one-day practical assessment, during which they will demonstrate your skills and knowledge to an assessor. They will receive an NVQ Level 2 qualification if they meet the required standard. EWPA is suitable for workers who have at least five years of experience in the trade and are confident in their abilities.
OSAT, on the other hand, involves a more comprehensive assessment of their skills and knowledge. It can take several weeks or months to complete and involves on-site training and assessment by an assessor. OSAT suits workers with less than five years of experience or requiring more training and support to achieve the required standard.
They can contact an NVQ assessment centre or training provider in their area to find an assessor for either route. They will be able to provide a list of qualified assessors who can guide them through the process and assess their skills and knowledge.
Look up https://trainingcentre-search.nocn.org/ and search under qualification. You will be able to find the places doing that particular NVQ.
It is essential to choose an assessor with experience and expertise in the trade they require the NVQ for. They should be able to provide guidance and support throughout the assessment process and help them achieve their qualification as quickly and efficiently as possible.
We urge you to plan to get this now so that when your site operatives’ CSCS card expires at the end of 2024 (or before), they have the right NVQ to continue working.
You may be eligible for a grant if you are a CITB levy payer. https://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/
There are other grants available. An excellent person to talk to about this is Grant Hamilton at https://www.constructnet.org/