SKILLcard has started the next phase of the planned closure of CRO application routes. Following the withdrawal of new applications for the Fire Sprinkler Installer card. The closure will now apply to renewal applications from 1st February 2020. A new qualification route is now open in order to obtain a blue SKILLcard for that occupation.
The phase out of CRO cards is happening in order to deliver the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) 2025 vision. As a result, card schemes carrying the CSCS logo including SKILLcard, must only certify those occupations with nationally recognised construction related qualifications, i.e. NVQs or approved equivalents.
The project, expected to take a number of years, must identify paths for those affected occupations to be signposted to an agreed industry qualification for that occupation.
Fire Sprinkler Installers
SKILLcard stopped accepting new applications for the Fire Sprinkler Installer CRO card on 23rd June 2019. This card will now also close for renewal applications from 1st February 2020.
SKILLcard has worked closely with BAFSA (British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association) to provide a new recognised qualification, IQ Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation (QCF).
Ruth Oliver, BAFSA Skills & Qualifications Adviser said, “We offer a full course for individuals with less than 4 years’ experience. However, we have also recognised the value of time served professionals and as such also offer an experienced worker qualification for those with 4 years or more verifiable experience.”
You can find out more and details of both courses and available dates at bafsa.org.uk
SKILLcard are reassuring all CRO cardholders that their current card remains valid until the expiry date shown on the card.
You can find out more about the CRO Phasedown on the SKILLcard website.