Some 15,000 workers who hold Industry Accreditation (IA) have not yet switched to different cards, Construction News can reveal.
IA cards, also known as grandfather rights, are Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards gained through employer recommendation.
It was announced in March 2019 that the cards would be withdrawn at the end of 2024. Some 60,000 still held them at the start of 2023 when work began in earnest to get them to switch over to qualification-based cards.
With just over two months until the deadline, the CSCS said it was “significant and positive” that three-quarters of IA holders have moved over.
But the National Federation of Builders said the industry’s skills shortage means there should be a rethink of the plans if more do not switch in the coming weeks.
CSCS director of communications Alan O’Neile said the change should be viewed in the context of a 2015 Construction Leadership Council recommendation which started the process to a “fully qualified workforce”.
“In that time, more than half a million individuals previously holding non-qualification-based cards (including the former Construction Related Occupation, Construction Site Operative, and Construction Site Visitor cards) have successfully transitioned to recognised qualifications. Industry Accreditation is the final card in this transition process,” he said.
“We anticipated the withdrawal of Industry Accreditation might pose challenges for some, yet it’s worth noting that obtaining an NVQ is more accessible than some might expect.”
He said experienced workers do not need to go to college to get a new card, as it can often be done through an onsite assessment, and funding support is available from the CITB.
“I would encourage all Industry Accreditation cardholders to review the guidance, consult with their employers, and take advantage of support available. Many may also find that existing academic qualifications or membership in CSCS-approved professional bodies may qualify them for other CSCS cards.”
O’Neile added that those who register to obtain a qualification by the end of the year can transfer to the non-renewable experienced worker card, which gives them a year to complete their qualification without losing access to sites.
“The shift towards achieving a qualification also fully aligns with the expectations of the Building Safety Act. The act is challenging how all in the construction industry must operate, with anyone undertaking a construction role now under a legal duty to ensure they are competent for their role,” he added. “This means having the appropriate skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours – achieving the appropriate qualification for your role is a key part of the competence journey.”
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has opposed the changes.
Its head of policy and market insight Rico Wojtulewicz said: “NFB has always cautioned that the removal of grandfather rights risks limiting the growth agenda and capacity of the construction workforce.
“While there are many routes to get an IA-backed card, older workers especially have not engaged as was hoped, and we cannot afford to lose their vast experience, quality workmanship, and knowledge transfer to the next generation of learners.”
He added: “It may not be comfortable but if last-minute sign-ups do not spike considerably, we will need to reassess the strategy.”
In January, Portsmouth-based self-employed door engineer Kevin Murphy told CN that the changeover felt like a “cash grab” that will see the industry lose experience.
He said this week that his view had not changed and that as an experienced sole trader he does not feel he should pay for an assessment of his skills.
“I’m allowing [my card] to lapse,” he said, adding that he will stop working on building sites afterwards.
