CITB expands support for ‘grandfather rights’ CSCS cardholders 

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced a one-year extension of funding to support the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).

The grants will be used to transition all industry accreditation (IA) cardholders to recognised qualifications. 

All IA cards issued from 1 January 2020 will expire on 31 December 2024 and cannot be replaced using IA.

The transition aims to align with recommendations from the Construction Leadership Council, which state that all construction industry card schemes must operate with nationally recognised qualifications in place for all occupations.

Those affected by changes to IA, also known as ‘grandfather rights’, do not need to attend college to attain their new qualification. 

Enhanced grants are available to CITB-registered employers for specific qualifications achieved until 31 March 2026.

To support construction workers’ transition from an IA card to a qualification, CITB has increased the grant for specific supervision NVQ diplomas/SVQs to £1,250 and specific management NVQ diplomas/SVQs to £1,500 for achievements from 1 April 2023.

Training providers will work with individuals to arrange competency assessments. Assessors can visit workplaces or conduct assessments remotely.

Temporary, non-renewable red cards exist with CSCS and can be used by those waiting to complete their qualification. This means they do not need to lose access to site and can continue working during this period. Existing qualifications and memberships may make them eligible for other CSCS cards too. 

Adrian Beckingham, strategy and policy director at CITB, said: “We are committed to making sure the construction skills system is efficient and effective, which is why we are pleased to be extending the grant and helping to reduce the financial burden on individuals and employers to get qualified in time.

“With the support and options available, there’s no reason for anyone to not be able to get on site to work while transitioning to recognised qualifications.

“The temporary enhanced grant is just one way in which we are continuing to encourage more people to get qualified for leadership and supervisory positions and fill crucial skills gaps in construction.”

Anyone affected by IA changes who does not get assessed and qualified by the deadline will have an expired card that will no longer be valid.

Garry Mortimer, executive director of operations at CSCS, welcomed the grants being made available for those affected by the withdrawal of IA cards.

"In addition to the flexible assessment options available, grant support is a key pillar of the support package available, which has helped reduce the number of active IA cards in circulation from 60,000 to approximately 16,000," Mortimer said.

“Since the original package of support was announced, many IA cardholders have found it a straightforward process to replace their cards using an existing qualification or professional membership or by evidencing their skillsets to an assessor. 

“CSCS remains committed to playing its part in delivering a fully trained and qualified workforce and the removal of cards issued under IA represents another significant step in achieving this goal. We will continue to support the remainder of those affected by the withdrawal of IA, including those on temporary cards while working through qualifications, up until the 31 December deadline and beyond.”

CITB will continue to work with CSCS to identify what further support is needed after the deadline.

If you’re a construction employer, find more information about the grants here.