SKILLcard changes reflect tightening focus on qualifications

The way building services SKILLcards are awarded to experienced workers is set to change at the end of 2024 when cards currently secured under ‘industry accreditation’ (IA) or employer endorsement will no longer be accepted as proof of competence.

This follows the requirement set out by the Construction Leadership Council that only workers with nationally recognised qualifications (usually SVQs or NVQs) will be eligible for cards – and is in line with broader government policy on how skilled workers must prove their competence in the future.

Engineering Services SKILLcard was launched by BESA in 2001 and now provides more than 57,000 heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration engineers with the evidence of competence they need for their specific technical roles on site.

The scheme plays a central role in the government’s 2025 Construction Industry Strategy by helping clients check whether workers have the right qualifications for the job in hand as well as suitable health and safety training. It also plays a huge role in the Building Safety Act as a way to evidence personal competence.

SKILLcard also covers those with supervisory and managerial responsibilities in the building engineering services industry and is also widely used by self-employed and agency workers and those seeking employment in the sector. The online application and renewal system has been regularly updated and improved so that it is a more straightforward and user friendly process.

Rules
As part of the CSCS Alliance, SKILLcard is working with the industry to further strengthen the rules around competence requirements – which are also in line with new building safety legislation.

“SKILLcard is a member of the CSCS Alliance so we are committed, like all the other members, to support the CLC’s People and Skills strategy and as a result, card schemes carrying the CSCS logo including SKILLcard, will only issue cards to individuals holding nationally recognised qualifications,” said BESA’s head of certification Duncan Sibbald.”

Sibbald was quick to reassure card holders that those already holding an appropriate qualification could apply here and those seeking further information relevant to their specific occupation is set out on the SKILLcard website (insert link to website page).

If you would prefer to talk your options through with someone on the phone, please contact the BESA Skills Advisory Service on 0800 917 8419.