From February 1, 2025, individuals who have attained an approved Level 2 (or above) occupation-related non-competence qualification will be eligible, and the initial card will be valid for two years.

Upon the card’s expiration, the cardholder can gain a new three-year Trainee card by proving they are registered onto an N/SVQ or an agreed alternative. Registration for the qualification will be verified with the relevant awarding body before card renewal.

The five-year trainee card remains available to those who have registered to complete a construction-related qualification, such as the NVQ or SVQ, and remains a recognised route to competence for construction occupations.

The official CSCS website provides examples of occupational-related non-competence qualifications that can be accepted for the Trainee card and the criteria qualifications must meet to be eligible for it.

This significant change is designed to provide a simplified route into the industry for new entrants with prior training and help address the ongoing skills shortage.

With over 50,000 extra workers required per year to maintain output, the shortage of construction skills is well-documented. The issue is compounded by approximately 120,000 candidates annually undertaking level 2 (or above) occupational-related non-competence qualifications for construction trades.

None of these qualifications meets the industry’s N/SVQ Level 2 occupational competence qualification threshold or provides site experience, which is required to be eligible for a CSCS skilled worker card.

The system can be off-putting to potential new entrants. Many people in construction are restricted from applying for the Labourer card, which limits opportunities for further training.

The changes support the direction of travel emerging from the Building Safety Act. The Act challenges how everyone 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.