Groundworker
Training or ticket neededConstruction trades
£160–£220 per day
The first trade on site and the foundation of everything after it.
High volumeVery likely local
Issued by CSCS
CSCS Blue (Skilled Worker)
CSCS Skilled Worker Card
- Indicative cost
- £100–£200
- Valid for
- 5 years
- Roles needing it
- 11
- Issuer
- CSCS
Costs are indicative and change. Confirm with the issuing body before booking anything.
How to get one
- Hold an NVQ or SVQ Level 2 in your trade, or an approved apprenticeship
- Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test at the appropriate level
- Apply to CSCS with your qualification certificate
Worth knowing. If you have years of experience but no NVQ, an On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) route can get you qualified using the work you already do.
Roles that need this
11 roles on the Universal Bedford project would typically require it.
Steel fixer
Experience neededConstruction trades
£200–£280 per day
Ties the reinforcement that concrete structures depend on.
High volume
Formwork carpenter
Experience neededConstruction trades
£210–£290 per day
Builds the moulds that wet concrete is poured into.
Steady need
Scaffolder
Training or ticket neededConstruction trades
£180–£270 per day
Provides the access every other trade works from.
High volume
Plumber / pipefitter
Experience neededConstruction trades
£190–£270 per day
Water, heating, drainage and process pipework.
Steady need
Carpenter / joiner
Experience neededConstruction trades
£180–£260 per day
First fix through to finished joinery.
High volumeVery likely local
Painter & decorator
Training or ticket neededConstruction trades
£160–£230 per day
Large volumes of finishing work in the final stretch.
Steady needVery likely local
Scenic artist / theming specialist
SpecialistConstruction trades
£200–£320 per day
The craft that makes a theme park look like somewhere else.
Small numbers
CSCS Blue (Skilled Worker): common questions
- What is a CSCS Blue (Skilled Worker)?
- Proves a recognised trade qualification at NVQ Level 2 or equivalent. It is issued by CSCS.
- Who needs a CSCS Blue (Skilled Worker)?
- Qualified trades — groundworkers, carpenters, bricklayers, steel fixers, painters and similar. On the Universal Bedford project we list 11 roles that would typically require it, including groundworker, steel fixer, formwork carpenter.
- How do I get a CSCS Blue (Skilled Worker)?
- 1. Hold an NVQ or SVQ Level 2 in your trade, or an approved apprenticeship 2. Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test at the appropriate level 3. Apply to CSCS with your qualification certificate
- How much does a CSCS Blue (Skilled Worker) cost?
- Indicatively £100 to £200, depending on the provider and what is included. That is a market range rather than a quote — costs change and vary regionally, so confirm with CSCS or an approved provider before booking.
- How long does a CSCS Blue (Skilled Worker) last?
- 5 years. Retake the CITB test and reapply.
We do not sell training, do not take commission from providers, and are not affiliated with CSCS. This page is a plain-English summary — the issuing body is the authority.