CSCS AMENDS PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS YOUTHBUILDERS IMPRESS AT HOUSE OF LORDS RECEPTION

[OVER 65 specially invited guests attended the Youthbuild UK Sponsors’ and Patrons’ Reception at the House of Lords in the spring. Hosted by Lord Lingfield, the reception was held in the prestigious River Room, which is not open to the general public.

[THE CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CERTIFICATION SCHEME (CSCS) has announced changes to its Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) card requirements.

In a statement, CSCS said: “Following a review of the recognition of professional bodies for the issue of the Professionally Qualified Person card, CSCS is amending its procedures to only recognise professionally qualified members of such bodies for the issue of the PQP card, effective from 30 June 2023.

“Professional members of approved bodies can continue to apply for their PQP cards via their respective organisation as normal; however, those not yet professionally qualified should apply directly via CSCS.uk.com for their required card – most likely the Apprentice, Trainee or Academically Qualified Person (AQP) cards.”

The decision will not affect the renewal of cards for those who hold professionally qualified grades of membership that are currently recognised by CSCS.

Explaining why it has carried out the review and why is it necessary, CSCS explained it is:

• To ensure its compliance with Construction Leadership Counci requirements that

• require proof of a competence assessment for the issue of skilled, advanced craft,

• supervisor, manager and PQP cards.

• To limit potential harm from fraudulent activity around CSCS card applications.

• To address any confusion around the requirements for members of professional bodies

• who do not hold a professionally qualified grade of membership attaining CSCS cards.

From July CSCS will conduct an audit of all professional bodies that it has given recognition to, in order to ensure their membership grades that are recognised for the issue of the PQP card are compliant with the proposed changes. q

Leaders from construction companies, colleges and training bodies, charities and other third sector organisations attended the invitation-only event. They heard from Youthbuild UK’s president, the Rt Hon Sir John Hayes MP, on the importance of YBUK’s work in supporting disadvantaged young people on their journey into training and employment in the construction industry.

Moving stories were told by finalists of the 2022 Young Builder of the Year Awards: Kye Belmont, Reiss Doherty and Lola Fannon. Each told of how they overcame barriers and setbacks in their early lives to go on and train and gain employment in the industry.

The event was successful in recruiting new sponsors and patrons to support YBUK’s cause.

Cyfle Building Skills from South Wales joined NHBC, Toolstation, Building and Civil Engineering Charitable Trust, Bromford and the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation as sponsors of the Young Builder of the Year Awards.

MPB Structures and The Skills Centre became new patrons, alongside Durkan, Hammerson, London Region Construction Training Group, Action for Construction, Ballymore, Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Countryside Properties, O’Halloran and O’Brien, Crawford Contractor Connection, Galldris and Redrow. q