Results of level one award pilot project…
Published: June 13, 2014
Introducing a qualification for labourers – Pilot Study Results
Background
CSCS has widely publicised its intention to remove the green Construction Site Operative card from the scheme and to replace it with a card purely for labourers. The aim is to discourage people from applying for the incorrect card for their occupation and also to introduce a qualification for those working in labouring occupations. The new qualification – Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment*- has been specifically designed to assess a Labourer’s knowledge of the most common risks to safety on construction sites today.
Prior to the introduction of these changes from July 1st 2014, a pilot programme was completed to assess the effectiveness of training delivery and to gain feedback from those taking the new qualification.
Results
The pilot ran from January to March 2014. During this period 525 people registered for this Award of which 334 passed (the remainder were still learning and/or awaiting assessment when the pilot concluded).
By the end of the pilot 12 Awarding Organisations had registered to offer the new qualification who in turn accredited 80 training providers for delivery.
These Awarding Organisations offer varying methods of training and assessment including online testing and workbooks. This choice is particularly important to cater for different learning styles and needs.
Participant feedback
A sample of learners was surveyed to determine how well this new Level 1 Award met their needs and feedback was extremely positive:
- 97% thought the pre-assessment process was suitable to assess their training needs
- 88% thought that training delivery was suitable for their requirements
- More than three quarters believed that the training content was suitable
- Just over half considered that the training was the correct length. Around a third believed it was too long and this is being reviewed.
- Nine out of ten respondents regarded the training materials as suitable.
- 85% thought the assessment was suitable
CSCS chief executive Graham Wren commented: “The introduction of an entry level qualification to obtain a CSCS card is an important move in our strategy to ensure that people have appropriate qualifications, skills and knowledge to carry out their work on construction sites. Before we introduced the new Labourer qualification it was important we tested our proposals were appropriate. The results of the pilot have shown that industry is supportive of this development and that what is being offered is suitable for learners’ requirements.”
The industry’s leading trade bodies and construction unions are also supporting the introduction of this new qualification.
The Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment qualification was developed by CITB and a committee drawn together by CSCS comprising representatives from across the industry including principal and specialist contractors, professional bodies, unions and training providers.
For more information about the new qualification and changes to CSCS green cards visit www.cscs.uk.com/greencard