CSCS Scaffolding Programmes

Changes to Commence January 2017

The National Association of Scaffolding and Access Contractors (NASAC) are continuously striving for a safe environment for workers and have collaborated with Solas over the last two years to ensure that the scaffolding programmes meet industry needs. Amendments to the programmes have now been finalised and the Scaffolding CSCS training programmes will commence in January 2017. Contractors should be aware of changes to the routes of entry and experience required before attending a CSCS programme.

1. Access to Scaffolding Industry – There will be 3 Routes for trainee scaffolders

a) Through Employer – Scaffolding Company
b) Through Sponsor – Construction Company
c) Through an Approved Training Organisation – Specific training programmes could be set up to fulfil requirements as detailed in the on-the-job key task training log sheets which are contained in the CSCS Candidate pack. (This will allow unemployed candidates access to the industry.) These learners would have to secure employment in the scaffolding industry after completing basic scaffold introduction training. Further onsite training/ experience will also be required prior to attendance on the CSCS 7 day further training and assessment programme.

Trainee Basic Scaffolder:- (Steel proprietary system scaffolding)

A minimum of 9 months on site experience is required before the learner is allowed to attend the CSCS 7 day Scaffolding Basic assessment course. To attend the Scaffolding basic course the learner must have the On-the-Job/Key Task Training Log sheets correctly completed and employer’s endorsement stamped and signed off. Key Task training Log sheets must also be signed off by a qualified supervisor/mentor in possession of a current CSCS Scaffolding registration card. The Learner must successfully complete all tasks in the Key Task Training Log sheets and employers should only send learners for assessment when they are deemed competent by the company or sponsor. All supporting documentation in the candidate pack must be sent to the Approved Training Organisation for checking and validation a minimum of two working days prior to course commencement.

Scaffolding Basic Course: 7 day further practical training with theory input and 2 assessments.

The Learner must be at least 17 years old to attend the scaffolding basic course. The course is to remain the same as it is at present. – (1 theory test with 30 short answer questions and a practical test with 26 assessment points).

The Learner must pass theory assessment prior to being allowed to attempt the practical assessment. If the learner is referred in the theory test the learner is not permitted to take the practical test at that time and must wait a minimum of 5 days before being allowed to repeat an alternative theory test. If successful in the alternative theory test the learner can attend a practical test which is arranged through the Approved Training Organisation. Failure to complete the practical test within 9 months of original course date with the same Approved Training Organisation the learner must attend the 7 day scaffolding basic programme again. The employer / learner have the option of selecting another Approved Training Organisation if they wish to repeat the training and assessment programme again.

Trainee Advanced Scaffolder: – (Tube and Fittings)

Learners must be in possession of a valid CSCS basic scaffolding card and have a minimum of 12 months on site experience working as a trainee advanced scaffolder. To attend the Scaffolding Advanced course the learner must have the On the Job /Key Task Training log sheets correctly completed and employer’s endorsement stamped and signed off. The learners Key Task Training Log Sheets must be signed off by his or her mentor who is in possession of a current CSCS Scaffolding Advanced registration card. Learner must successfully complete all key tasks in the log sheets and employers should only send learners for assessment when they are deemed competent by the company or sponsor. All supporting documentation in the candidate pack must be sent to the Approved Training Organisation for checking and validation a minimum of two working days prior to course commencement.

Scaffolding Advanced – 10 day further practical training / theory inputs and 4 assessments.

Learner must be at least 18 years old to attend the scaffolding advanced 10 day training and assessment programme. Course to remain the same as it is at present. – (1 theory test with 26 short answer questions and 3 practical tests).The learner must pass theory assessment prior to practical assessment. If the learner is referred in the theory test the learner is not permitted to take the practical test at that time and must wait a minimum of 5 days before being allowed to repeat an alternative theory test. If successful in the second theory test the learner can attend a practical test which is arranged through the Approved Training Organisation. Failure to complete practical test within 9 months of original course the learner must attend the 10 day scaffolding advanced programme again. The employer / learner have the option of selecting another Approved Training Organisation if they wish to repeat the training and assessment programme again.

Mobile Tower Scaffold –

The only course that will be available is a one day assessment course for experienced mobile tower scaffold users. The two day course will be discontinued. Learners must have a minimum of three months on site experience assisting in the erection of mobile tower scaffolds.

To attend the mobile tower scaffold course the learner must:

– have achieved the statutory school leaving age
– have completed a course in manual handling
– possess a valid Safe Pass card
– have the ability to cope physically and mentally with working at heights
– Answer a minimum of 14 out of 19 questions correctly from the experienced users self-assessment sheet contained in the candidate pack.

The course assessment is to remain the same as it is at present. – (1 theory test with 25 multi choice questions, followed by a practical test with 16 assessment points). The learner to trainer ratio will be reduced to 4:1 where by the learners will now have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the mobile tower scaffold components prior to the practical test. Learners will now have time to practice under trainer supervision. Employers should only send learners for assessment when they are deemed competent by the company or sponsor. All supporting documentation in the candidate pack must be endorsed by the employer/sponsor and sent to the Approved Training Organisation for checking and validation a minimum of two working days prior to course commencement.

The Learner must pass theory assessment prior to being allowed to attempt the practical assessment. If the learner is referred in the theory test the learner is not permitted to take the practical test at that time and must wait a minimum of 5 days before being allowed to repeat an alternative theory test. If successful in the alternative theory test the learner can attend a practical test which is arranged through the Approved Training Organisation. Failure to complete the practical test within 9 months of original course date with the same Approved Training Organisation the learner must attend the 1 day mobile tower scaffold programme again. The employer / learner have the option of selecting another Approved Training Organisation if they wish to repeat the training and assessment programme again.