Ever thought about what jobs you could land with a CSCS Green Labourer Card? I’m here to enlighten you.
Let’s explore how this card can help you climb the ladder in the construction industry.
The jobs you can apply for with a CSCS Labourer Card
With a CSCS Labourer Green Card, you can apply for various entry-level construction jobs. These jobs typically include being a general labourer, site operative, or tradesman’s assistant.
In these roles, you’ll generally assist skilled workers, prepare sites, and perform basic construction tasks. Starting in these fundamental roles can pave the way to more specialized opportunities as you gain experience and further qualifications.
Ready to Get Your CSCS Green Card?
Ready to Get Your CSCS Green Card?
What is CSCS green card for labourers
When you’re starting out in the construction industry, one of the first steps you’ll likely take is obtaining a Green Labourer Card.
This card, part of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), is essential for those aspiring to work in entry-level construction roles, like a General Labourer.
Though it’s not a legal requirement to have a Green CSCS Labourer Card, it’s often a priority for employers in the construction field. It serves as a validation of your skills and knowledge, essential for performing effectively on a construction site.
In simple terms, having a Green Card demonstrates to employers that you have the skills and knowledge required for the job.
Job opportunities for CSCS labourer cardholders
Below are the roles you can apply for with this card:
General Labourer
As a general labourer with a CSCS Labourer Card, you’ll handle a variety of tasks such as site cleaning, preparation, and aiding skilled workers.
For more intricate tasks involving advanced machinery, you might need further certifications or a higher-level CSCS card, such as the Blue CSCS Skilled Card.
Randstad Solutions Limited notes that general labourers usually earn hourly, with the national average being £9.27 per hour.
Full-time general labourers can make around £20,000 annually, potentially up to £22,000, while part-time workers may earn less due to reduced hours. The National Careers Service indicates a starting salary of about £17,000 per year for this role.
Construction Site Operative
In the role of a construction site operative, you’ll engage in various practical tasks throughout a construction project, from initial groundwork to project completion.
This involves site preparation, manual labor, mixing concrete, moving materials, and sometimes operating machinery.
According to Go Construct, salaries for general construction operatives vary with experience. New entrants can expect earnings between £17,000 and £20,000, while those with more experience might earn £20,000 to £30,000. Self-employed operatives set their own rates. Factors like location, employer, and overtime can also influence earnings.
Construction Assistant
A Construction Assistant plays a crucial supportive role within a construction company. Key duties of a Construction Assistant include handling clerical tasks like filing documents and answering phone calls, managing inventories of tools and materials, and maintaining communications with both customers and vendors.
In terms of compensation, Glassdoor reports that the average annual salary for a Construction Assistant in the United Kingdom is around £28,792.
This figure represents the national average and can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the specific company.
Specialized roles for CSCS labourer cardholders
The CSCS Labourer Card also opens doors to specialized roles like road building, painting, roofing, plumbing, and electrical work.
Each of these professions has its unique demands and requirements.
As Talha Riaz of Hurak explains, “Individuals with specific skills such as road-building or plumbing can also apply for a CSCS Labourer Card, provided they pass the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test and meet the relevant qualifications.”
Particularly for roofers, plumbers, and electricians, the CSCS Labourer Card is a valuable asset. It not only showcases their awareness of health and safety measures but also enhances their career progression opportunities by validating their skills and experience.
Income expectations for Green cardholders
How much can you earn with a CSCS card?
While your income as a labourer will depend on various factors such as your location, level of experience, and the company you work for, there is a general earning pattern you can expect.
For those starting out with a Green CSCS Labourer Card, the initial salary is typically at the entry-level.
Shahzad Ali from Get Licensed provides some insight: “A General Labourer holding a Green CSCS Labourer Card can expect to earn around £8.70 to £8.72 per hour. In some cases, this can go up to £100 a day, depending on the project and the time involved.”
Beyond just the hourly rate or daily pay, working in construction can come with additional benefits.
Ali highlights that some construction companies offer perks such as guaranteed contracts for up to 12 months or consistent payment schedules, like getting paid every Friday. These companies may also provide opportunities for moving to other sites after completing a role, contributing to job security and variety in work.
The demand for General Labourers is consistently high, indicating a steady stream of job opportunities for those with the necessary skills and a Green Labourer Card.
As per data reported by talent.com, the average annual earnings for someone with a CSCS Labourer Card were around £21,548 in 2023. Entry-level positions typically offered around £20,914 annually, while more experienced workers could earn approximately £24,863 per annum.
I should remind you though that these figures are not set in stone, as wages can vary across different regions and company policies in the UK.
How to advance your career with a CSCS Card
Speaking of career progression, having a Green Labourer Card is a stepping stone towards more advanced qualifications in the construction industry.
As per the Institute for Employment Studies (ies), many respondents have expanded their knowledge about safety measures in construction by gaining their CSCS card.
As such, many workers have progressed to skilled trades or supervisory roles through experience, additional training, and networking on job sites.
Once you’ve gained experience with your CSCS Labourer Card, the next step is to aim for higher qualifications and corresponding CSCS cards. These advanced cards open up opportunities for specialized roles, supervisory positions, and even management responsibilities in the construction industry.
They include the following:
- Blue Skilled Worker Card: Ideal for those who have specialized in a specific trade such as roofing or plumbing. To qualify for this card, you’ll need an NVQ Level 2 in a relevant trade.
- Gold Supervisory Advanced Craft Card: This card is for individuals who have not only skilled expertise but also experience in supervising a team on construction sites. To be eligible for this card, you should have completed an NVQ Level 3 or 4.
- Black Manager CSCS Card: Aimed at professionals aspiring to manage construction sites. This card signifies that you possess the expertise and skills necessary for comprehensive site management. The prerequisite for this card is an NVQ Level 5 or higher.
- White Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) Card: Once you’ve established yourself as a construction manager and seek further advancement, the White PQP Card is your next goal. It requires an NVQ Level 7 qualification.
- White Academically Qualified (AQP) Card: Similarly, the White AQP Card is another path for those with an academic background in construction, also requiring an NVQ Level 7 qualification.
It’s important to note that for each of these CSCS cards, passing the relevant CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test is a mandatory requirement.
Here’s how can you get your Green CSCS Card
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to obtain the card:
- You should be 16 years or older.
- You should have passed the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test. Passing the CITB Health Safety Environment Test (aka the CITB touch screen test) within two years.
- You need either of these two qualifications:
- Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment qualification
- Or completed the CITB Health & Safety Awareness Course
- Send both qualifications over to CSCS
- Pay up to £36 for your very own Green Labourer Card.
- Apply for said card on the official CSCS website
If you only have the CITB test ticked off your list, don’t worry – you can still get a temporary card valid for six months (though some sites might not accept this).
To get the full-fledged Green Card (valid for five years), you need to pass both courses, send your qualifications to CSCS, and chip in an extra £36.
How much is a green CSCS card?
How much does a green CSCS card cost? Well, it’s quite straightforward.
While prices can fluctuate based on where and how you take your courses, generally speaking:
- The CITB HS&E Test fees hover around £22.50
- The Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment course typically comes in at about £100.
- The CITB Health & Safety Awareness Course (HSA) will set you back £99.00.
- After submitting proof of your qualifications to CSCS (don’t forget that step!), you’ll have to shell out an additional £36 just for the card.
FAQS
To work as a Labourer, the appropriate card is the CSCS Labourer Card. This card signifies that you have the necessary health and safety awareness for manual work on construction sites.
A labourer’s job involves a range of tasks on construction sites, including site preparation, laying foundations, digging trenches, building walls, maintaining records, cleaning, assisting skilled workers, and using various tools and machinery. Specific duties may vary based on the project, but physical fitness and a practical approach are essential.
A CSCS card opens doors to various job opportunities within the construction industry. It serves as proof of your competence in health and safety, allowing you to work on construction sites and access roles ranging from general laborer to specialized positions.
Yes, you can progress to skilled trades with a Labourer Card. Gaining experience and additional skills may enable you to qualify for more advanced roles within the construction industry. Some cards, such as the Blue CSCS Card, can further validate your skills for specific skilled trades.
Having a CSCS card in the UK is advantageous as it validates your competency in health and safety practices within the construction sector. It enhances employability, grants access to a variety of roles, and is often a requirement for working on construction sites, contributing to a safer work environment.
CSCS cards remain valid for five years. Before your card expires, you’ll want to start the renewal process. It’s crucial to stay ahead so you can continue to present valid credentials to existing or prospective employers.
Additionally, you can find information about renewing your CSCS card in my article titled “CSCS Card Renewal.” Check it out for details on the renewal process.
Final thoughts
So there you have it. By earning your CSCS Green Labourer Card, you’re not just gaining a piece of plastic. You’re opening doors to a wide range of job opportunities in the construction industry.
With dedication and continuous learning, the potential to advance and increase your earnings is substantial. It’s a process that takes a little time and effort, but it’s well worth it.
So, if you’re considering a career in construction, the CSCS Labourer Card is an excellent place to start.
