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Thursday 24th Jul 2008 |
Employer FAQ
What is OSAT ?
On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) helps experienced workers get the qualifications they need to prove they can do the job. With OSAT we can turn your existing skills and experience into a nationally recognised NVQ qualification. Having these qualificationsand coupled with an up to date Health and Safety pass also means that you will be eligible for a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. The whole process is carried out whilst your workforce is on site so they don't have to take time off to go to college.
Who needs to do it?
At present the government is committed to raising standards of both workmanship and health and safety. Many influential bodies are working towards a policy of a fully qualified workforce by 2010 when it will be compulsory to prove workers' skills and qualifications before they can work on site.
Many contractors are already asking for all workers on their site to hold a CSCS card to prove their competence in their stated occupation and that they have health and safety awareness.
Some clients are also specifying that contracts will only be awarded to contractors and subcontractors with a carded workforce.
The CSCS card shows that the holder is occupationally competent and has health and safety awareness. The colour coding indicates the level of skill of the holder.
Why do I need it?
More and more construction companies and their clients are demanding that operatives on their sites prove their competence whether they are employed directly or through subcontractors or work as sole traders. This applies not just to big sites and major contractors, but also includes smaller contractors - sub contractors and employment agencies;
How will it benefit me?
By having your skills recognised through a nationally recognised qualification, an NVQ. It shows employers you have the necessary skills to do the job and combined with an up to date health and safety test, you can obtain a CSCS card. This will enhance your reputation and be something you can be proud of. These qualifications not only open up more possibilities, but are also becoming essential to get on in the industry.
By recognising the abilities of skilled professionals, the CSCS card serves as protection for future employment. In fact, with more and more employers adopting the scheme, the CSCS card is the Kite Mark of the industry standard. It's no wonder then that new employee memberships are currently running at a rate of one thousand per week.
In the near future it will be difficult to get work without a CSCS card so employees should protect their jobs and apply today.
What does it mean to the Employers?
The construction industry is moving towards a fully trained, fully qualified workforce. Increasing numbers of companies are realising that a workforce with the necessary skills and qualifications delivers higher quality, more cost-efficient work. The improved teamwork and increased awareness of health and safety also mean earlier completion dates, less time wasted correcting mistakes and fewer accidents.
Employers who don't enjoy dealing with problems or accidents which occur as a result of an incompetent workforce should protect their business and adopting the CSCS route will deminsh many of these issues.
The CSCS card gives employers an effective way of identifying skilled and experienced professionals.
With more and more contracting clients demanding CSCS approved operatives, now's the time for companies to protect both their reputation and their bottom line by insisting their workforce carry CSCS cards.
How long should it take?
Typically, the whole process can be concluded in four to five visits over a period of less than six months.
What type of CSCS card do I need?
A CSCS card shows that the holder is occupationally competent and has health and safety awareness. The colour coding indicates the level of skill of the holder
Red Working towards N/SVQ level 2 or 3 - TraineeBlue N/SVQ level 2 Full Craft card - Skilled WorkerGoldN/SVQ level 3 Advanced craft/Supervisory - Foreman