Specific requirements in the Construction skill area

This article describes specific requirements that may apply to industry placements in the Construction skill area.

When you get to the detailed preparations for industry placements, you should consider which requirements apply to you, with the school, college or other type of provider you are working with. You should talk to them about any specific compliance obligations on your business.

Health and Safety (CSCS card)

For some occupational specialisms in construction, students may require a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. It would be for the employer or site operator to decide what card is required.

The T Levels provider you are working with should apply for a CSCS Industry Placement Card to the card scheme issuer that is relevant for the student’s T Level. Providers should also consider when it would be most appropriate to cover the Health and Safety content of the Technical Qualification. Further information on the CSCS card schemes and the occupations they cover can be found on the CSCS website. 

These temporary cards will last for 3 years. They are available for learners undertaking construction related qualifications or training programmes which requires the completion of a work placement, such as T Levels or Trainee Skills Development Programmes.

The following card schemes are currently available:

1. Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
2. Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS)
3. Engineering Services SKILLcard
4. JIB Plumbing Mechanical Engineering Services (JIB PMES)

It is important to apply to the card scheme relevant to the construction pathway being followed by the learner.  For example, a student undertaking a T Level in Building Engineering Services with a specialist pathway in Electrotechnical Engineering should apply to the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme. Identifying the correct card scheme ensures the learner starts off on the right pathway and enjoys smooth progression through the construction industry.

The employer is responsible for health and safety in the workplace, and the provider is responsible for safeguarding the student throughout the placement. Checks and monitoring should be proportionate to the level of risk.

The employer should hold a workplace induction on the first day of the placement. Further guidance can be found on the Health and Safety Executive's website.

There are a number of tasks and environments that may not be wise for someone under the age of 18. You will need to consider:

• is the task beyond the student’s physical or psychological capacity? Check the young person is capable of safely lifting weights or is able to remember and follow all instructions.
• does the task involve harmful exposure to substances? If so, you will need to ensure they are legally allowed to carry out the task and exposure limits are understood and adhered to.
• is there a risk of an accident occurring due to the student’s lack of experience?
• are there risks to health from extreme cold, heat, noise or vibration?

Accessibility 

The provider must identify the student’s individual needs and, for a student with a disability, make reasonable adjustments so they can undertake the placement without substantial disadvantage.

Relevant information should be shared with the employer with the student’s consent. The provider must discuss and arrange reasonable adjustments with the employer and student before the placement starts, and the employer must ensure agreed adjustments are put in place.

Insurance

An employer’s existing liability insurance normally covers students on industry placements if the insurer is an ABI or Lloyd’s member. Employers do not usually need more insurance. Employers should check their policy is up to date, inform their insurer they are hosting a student, contact the insurer if unsure whether cover applies, and, when working with partners or subcontractors, confirm that their insurance also covers the student.

Equality and diversity

Industry placements provide an opportunity to showcase your construction company to under-represented groups, such as women and ethnic minorities. All staff should have an awareness of, and should follow, high standards making the workplace an inclusive environment.

The CITB Be FaIR framework is an accreditation scheme with a set of supporting resources, focussing on fairness, inclusion and respect, for employers within the construction and built environment sector.