An important reminder to all SWIGA installers ... the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) are withdrawing all Industry Accreditation (IA) cards with effect from 31st December 2024 and if this is going to affect you you should start to prepare without delay.

Industry Accreditaion (IA) was a mechanism by which workers could obtain CSCS cards on the strength of an employers’ recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification. Although the CSCS stopped issuing new cards under Industry Accreditation back in 2010, if you previously held a card under IA, the scheme rules allowed you to continue to renew - bit this is all changing in 2024 and these changes are going to affect the 60,000 workers in construction (including many from the solid wall insulation industry) that hold one of these cards. What each individual needs to do next depends on their occupation and what qualifications they may already hold.

There are 4 specific cards affected by these changes:

1. IA Manager cards (black)
2. IA Supervisory cards (gold)
3. IA Advanced Craft cards (gold)
4. Skilled Worker card (blue)

If you, or any of your employees / subcontractors hold one of the above cards the changes are going to affect you significantly and mean that you will be required to apply for an alternative card and that means you MUST have an NVQ / SVQ at a level stipulated. Cards will no longer be issued on the back of industry experience alone - the formal qualification has to be achieved.

Sean Kearns, Chief Executive at CSCS said:“IA cardholders will not need to attend college as much of the assessment can be deliver remotely. Many IA cardholders will find it a straightforward process to replace their cards, such as moving across to the Academically or Professionally Qualified Persons cards. In addition, those who no longer attend site or are in non-construction related occupations will not require a card.”

The changes may not mean that those requiring a qualification will need to attend college but they will require formal assessment. Costs will vary depending on a range of factors such as the training provider, qualification and assessment method. However, CITB grants are available to employers to assist with the cost involved.

Obviously, as we get closer to deadline day, there's likely to be high demand for assessment (hence we suggest taking action now). As a result the CSCS have made a provision - those who have registered for a qualification applicable to their occupation, can apply for an Experienced Worker Card which, as long as the applicant has registered for an NVQ assessment, will remain valid for a period of 12 months but it cannot be renewed after this time period.

What to do next

The CSCS have issued details and guidance on their website - we suggest you head over to those pages where you will find details of te cards affected, the changes and handy flow-charts detailing the steps you will need to take:

       New guidance and support for Industry Accreditation >>>
       Industry Accreditation - The Cards Affected >>>
       Industry Accreditation: Common queries answered >>>