Project managers and steel erectors join CSCS

Project managers and steel erectors are among nine further occupations to join the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), which now has 262,000 qualified workers on its register.

It is anticipated that within the next few weeks the register will take another big step forward by signing up plant operatives. This would take the register's total number of qualified workers to more than 500,000.

Other managerial occupations that have joined the register are site inspectors and assistant site inspectors, health and safety managers and officers.

Apart from steel erectors and fabricators, further specialist site trades joining CSCS include steeplejacks and lightning conductor engineers, thermal insulation installers and water jetters.

Chartered Institute of Building chief executive Michael Brown said: "Joining CSCS is a great move for the construction management industry and one our members are very pleased about.

"The more occupations and people that become part of the scheme, the nearer we get to demonstrating a fully qualified workforce. That can only be a good thing for our industry's overall reputation."

The latest affiliations mean that the CSCS register encompasses 154 industry occupations.

In each newly affiliated occupation, industry accreditation is available over a two-year period. This allows those with experience but no formal qualifications to apply for accreditation on the recommendation of an employer or former employer. All applicants have to pass a health and safety test.