Qualifications for Craftspeople

Overview

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) was founded in the 1990s as a way for members of the construction workforce to prove that they are health and safety aware and competent in their occupation.  Heritage Skills CSCS cards have been developed much more recently, with an aim to encourage more people into the sector, as well as raise the standard of work on historic buildings.  English Heritage already prefers contractors working on the buildings owned by the organisation to hold the card, and other public sector organisations are likely to follow suit.  The card is also being promoted as a method of checking whether a craftsperson is competent amongst private sector organisations and individuals.



If you are considering working in the heritage sector but are not in a position to apply for a CSCS card or commit to any long term training, you can learn more about the sector through short courses or placements.  The NHTA is working with the University of York to offer a programme of short courses, and the national Building Bursaries scheme will be offering placement opportunities soon.