Why You Need A CSCS Card If You're Self-Employed

If you are considering to start your own business in the construction industry in North London, then we highly recommend you have a CSCS card. Even if you are building a small extension on a domestic property or redoing someone's bathroom or kitchen, holding a CSCS card is extremely beneficial. You may argue that many customers, who want domestic building work undertaking on their property, will not ask for a CSCS card. This is true, but only to a certain extent.

Society's Perception of Self-Employed Builders

Unfortunately, we do live in a society where the media portrays self-employed construction workers as cowboy builders. I am sure you've seen TV programmes like Watch Dog and Rogue Traders. In these programmes, the customers who hired these cowboy builders recount their experiences. Some of the stories shared by these customers are quite traumatic. And it is sad to see. However on the bright side, at least these cowboy builders have been named and shamed. Programmes like the above have done the right thing in naming and shaming these cowboy builders. They don't deserve any more work. Especially after what they've done. But what this has also done is give self-employed builders a bad reputation. For anyone who is self-employed, they'll tell you that they get most of their customers through word-of-mouth or via trade review websites (i.e. Checkatrade). And if you're starting up, then it is going to be extremely difficult for you to build your client base. Hence why it is crucial that you get a CSCS card.

How A CSCS Card Can Help You

To understand what a CSCS card is, it is an assessment based qualification that proves a good understanding of health and safety in a construction environment. Launched in 1995, the CSCS card was introduced to help improve health and safety standards in the construction sector. And it did. The number of reported incidents was significantly reduced and it made the UK the safest construction sector across the whole of Europe. And if you invest the time and money in getting a CSCS card, then you can apply the same principles and procedures whilst attending to complete your assigned domestic projects. Holding a CSCS card helps you become more aware of your environment, and it will ensure you carry out your work in the correct manner. Your customer may query your working style. But if you can reassure them that you're carrying the out the necessary safety procedures then you will certainly impress your customer with your knowledge. And this is a great way to build up credibility too. It won't be long before your customers start talking about you to their friends and family.

Helps You Land Big Project

As self-employed construction worker, you can sell your services to construction companies as an independent contractor. But the only way you can land a project of this size is by holding a CSCS card. Most construction companies require their workers and contractors to hold a CSCS card. This give companies the reassurance that their staff hold the necessary qualifications and skills to carry work on a construction site in line with the health and safety protocols. And if you do have a solid portfolio of work and happy customer reviews, then you stand a bigger chance of landing that all important project.

How to Get a CSCS

To get your Green CSCS Labourer Card, you need to already hold a Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment in order to apply for a CSCS card. Then you would need to pass and complete the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test at an approved test centre. Here at the Learning Station, we can help you get your CSCS card. We've helped many individuals get their CSCS cards for many years and we're based in Haringey. We can help you achieve your Level 1 Health and Safety Award in Construction Environment in one day and will also prepare you for the CITB online test as well. If you're interested, then why don't you check out our construction courses page to find out more. Thanks for reading. Featured image: Pexels