When your beige white walls are in need of a touch-up and your outdated 1970s wallpaper needs a facelift, there’s a good chance you will call in a professional painter and decorator, but while many painters and decorators apply their trade from house to house, what happens if their next big paint job is on a construction site?
Can I work on a construction site as a painter and decorator?
Yes, but you will need a CSCS Card for painters. While not a legal requirement, a CSCS Card is essential for those painters and decorators working in the construction industry. A painting and decorating CSCS Card showcases to employers that the cardholder has been efficiently trained in the diligence of health and safety on a construction site and holds the necessary skills to prevent potential hazardous incidents from occurring at the workplace.
Construction Managers are reluctant to hire those not holding a CSCS Card as a lack of training on a construction site can not only be a potential insurance risk, but can also put other people in harmful situations.
So, while you may have been trading as a painter and decorator for over 20 years and be expertly skilled in your craft, without a valid CSCS Card, you may find employment opportunities within the construction sector very limited.
What CSCS Card do I need to work as a painter and decorator?
There are dozens of CSCS Cards available, with each one specialising in a different job title and type of experience, so knowing which CSCS Card best represents your trade and craft is crucial.
The best card for a professional painter and decorator is the Green CSCS Labourer Card.
What is the Green CSCS Labourer Card?
The CSCS Green Labourer Card allows individuals to work on construction sites in entry-level positions, which could be anything from a bricklayer to a general construction site labourer. A CSCS Green Labourer Card is also the best choice for painters and decorators, as this will allow them to work and apply their craft on a construction site.
How do I apply for a CSCS Card?
For those looking to apply for a Green CSCS Labourer Card and work as a professional painter and decorator on a construction site, you will first need to complete a CSCS Green Card course, as well as successfully pass a test. If you’re wondering how to get a CSCS card, here’s a look at the different courses and tests you need to take first.
Training courses and tests for the CSCS Card
Health and Safety Awareness Course
The one-day CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course aims to ensure that those applying for a Green CSCS Labourer Card understand why they are carrying out their identified duties, what is expected of them, and to ensure that they contribute to the safety of the workplace.
Health, Safety and Environment Test
Delegates will then need to pass the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test, a mandatory examination which includes 50 questions covering five core knowledge areas. This includes legal and management, health and welfare, general safety, high-risk activities and environment.
Completing your training
Once an individual has completed CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course and passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test, they will then be able to apply for a CSCS Card and start working as a painter and decorator in the construction sector.
How to work in the construction sector
To work in the construction sector, you will need to obtain a CSCS Card. To obtain a CSCS Card, you will need to complete a CITB Health and Safety Awareness Training Course and pass a CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.
