The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has agreed to recognise the UK Timber Frame Association’s training programmes under its ‘Construction Related Occupations’ route to obtaining a CSCS card.

The UKTFA runs a successful erector training and accreditation scheme in association with City & Guilds, and is currently recruiting assessors to extend this initiative to cover timber frame designers and manufacturers.

The CSCS has approved the approach using an industry bespoke qualification, rather than insisting on full vocational qualifications such as National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications.

Ray Curran, UKTFA’s education and training manager, said: “Although the UKTFA’s timber frame qualifications are designed to become vocational qualifications in due course, this interim approval by the CSCS Board is a significant vote of confidence in what the timber frame industry is doing to move towards a fully qualified workforce.

“It means that all erectors completing our training programme will be eligible to apply for a CSCS card on successful completion of the touch-screen health and safety test. The card will be issued for five years. It’s the only card accepted by the Major Contractors Group and the majority of housebuilders and contractors.”

He adds: “Many people have asked me why they should take part in the erector training programme. The answer is quite simple: if you want to continue working within the industry this is the only recognised route to prove your competence.”

The Home Builders Federation and Major Contractors Group have both publically declared that all site workers will need to carry CSCS cards by 2010. After this time it will be virtually impossible to gain access to a site without having a CSCS card.

Within a similar timeframe the UKTFA will also make it a condition of membership that manufacturers only use UKTFA/CSCS approved erectors. 

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