Help with getting an ECS card

[DanSwift1988]

Hi guys, I need an ECS card for work but have a couple of questions first. I am in my 3rd year of college on a 4 year apprenticeship, would I be eligible for more than a card that says 'apprentice' is there some kind of middle zone between apprentice card and installer card? Keeping in mind I have acquired my NVQ 2 and loads of other certs through college. Also from what I have read you don't need to pass a H&S exam to get the apprentice card you just attach a copy of your learning plan and send off the application form and funds? can anyone confirm this?

 

[KAS1]

What would you like on your ECS card !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Guest55]

your card will probably say trainee grade.
but youre right about not needing the h&s assessment.

 

[DanSwift1988]

I've just emailed them regarding this, looking at the website I think I am qualified for the stage 2 trainee card but I'm not sure because it then states you need a H&S exemption certificate but the FAQ states apprentices don't need to sit the exam so why would I need an exemption certificate? On a side note did anyone else find the application really complicated? what a load of rubbish if I'm honest I can't believe you have to pay £36 for it and need one to get on most sites. The nearest test centre is also 100 miles away. Might just sit a CSCS exam. RANT OVER

 

[Guest55]

£36 every 3 years is hardly a rip off ?? :-/

in comparison you can pay £500 a year just to drive around with nic part p stickers on your van.
which wont even get you on construction sites , unlike a jib card.
tightwad.

 

[Outspoken]

£36 every 3 years is hardly a rip off ?? :-/

in comparison you can pay £500 a year just to drive around with nic part p stickers on your van.
which wont even get you on construction sites , unlike a jib card.
tightwad.

Sorry Bif but the CSCS system is a scam. It was brought in by the MCG when 8 of the major construction firms were threatened with punitive prosecutions by the HSE for repeated and flagrant violations of MHSAW and HSAW. The contractors got together, formed the MCG and then foisted the CSCS system on everyone as their "get out of jail free" card. The stupid HSE allowed them to do it after they reached an out of court settlement of a combined £750,000.

I go onto building sites perhaps a dozen times a year, usually once a month, sometimes twice, and because of my level I have to pay £240 a YEAR for my card. This is a RIP OFF. HSE training is a legal requirement of the MHSAW and the employers are NOT LEGALLY ALLOWED to charge for this training, but the CSCS system seems to be enforced with illegal alacrity.

It is illegal and should be banned. :32::32:

 

[Guest55]

thats as may be and unfortunate for yourself , but thats not the position the OP is in , nor the other thousands of jib sparks who comply with these requirements without any problems.

 

[Outspoken]

thats as may be and unfortunate for yourself , but thats not the position the OP is in , nor the other thousands of jib sparks who comply with these requirements without any problems.

But the point is Biff it is illegal and has ostensibly created a "closed shop"...I mean the JIB FFS...Why should they have to administer this, why can a properly qualified spark not just get a bog standard CSCS card and work..but no they insist on the JIB doing it...which is owned by the NICEIC and the ECA FFS...

 

[Guest55]

and your only just realising lifes not fair ?
;-)

 

[shanky887614]

Sorry Bif but the CSCS system is a scam. It was brought in by the MCG when 8 of the major construction firms were threatened with punitive prosecutions by the HSE for repeated and flagrant violations of MHSAW and HSAW. The contractors got together, formed the MCG and then foisted the CSCS system on everyone as their "get out of jail free" card. The stupid HSE allowed them to do it after they reached an out of court settlement of a combined £750,000.

I go onto building sites perhaps a dozen times a year, usually once a month, sometimes twice, and because of my level I have to pay £240 a YEAR for my card. This is a RIP OFF. HSE training is a legal requirement of the MHSAW and the employers are NOT LEGALLY ALLOWED to charge for this training, but the CSCS system seems to be enforced with illegal alacrity.

It is illegal and should be banned. :32::32:

why not go on site with a cscs labourer card? much cheaper


wasnt the £240 one for getting your card the same day?

its about £30 or something to renew if you are willing to wait a couple weeks to get it

 

[Outspoken]

why not go on site with a cscs labourer card? much cheaper


wasnt the £240 one for getting your card the same day?

its about £30 or something to renew if you are willing to wait a couple weeks to get it

Not when you go onsite as a Project Manager, they will not accept a labourers card for a Manager, least of all a qualified Spark, so I have to have the Black card, and they rob you blind for that...It's a myth that all cards cost the same..

 

[Adam W]

Not when you go onsite as a Project Manager, they will not accept a labourers card for a Manager, least of all a qualified Spark, so I have to have the Black card, and they rob you blind for that...It's a myth that all cards cost the same..

Who is this "they"? I haven't been on a big site for a couple of years but I've never been asked for one at all, never mind a special one, and if you're a project manager I can't imagine "they" will say "no, sorry your H&S card is the wrong colour, on yer bike". Wouldn't it be cheaper just to show them £20?