General operative / labourer
No experience neededConstruction trades
£120–£165 per day
The entry point onto almost any construction site in the country.
High volumeVery likely local
Issued by CSCS
CSCS Green (Labourer)
CSCS Labourer Card
- Indicative cost
- £100–£180
- Valid for
- 5 years
- Roles needing it
- 7
- Issuer
- CSCS
Costs are indicative and change. Confirm with the issuing body before booking anything.
How to get one
- Complete a Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (a one-day course)
- Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test for Operatives
- Apply to CSCS with both, online or by phone
Worth knowing. This is the single cheapest, fastest route onto a major construction site with no prior experience. Course plus test plus card is usually achievable inside two weeks.
Roles that need this
7 roles on the Universal Bedford project would typically require it.
Banksman / traffic marshal
Training or ticket neededPlant, logistics & drivers
£130–£180 per day
Controls vehicle and plant movement — constant need on a site this size.
High volumeVery likely local
HGV driver
Training or ticket neededPlant, logistics & drivers
£165–£230 per day
Muck-away, deliveries and materials for the whole programme.
High volumeVery likely local
Site medic / first aider
Training or ticket neededHealth, safety & environment
£32,000–£48,000 per year
On-site medical cover for a workforce the size of a small town.
Steady needVery likely local
Site security officer
Training or ticket neededSite support services
£12.50–£16.00 per hour
Gate control and site security, around the clock, for years.
High volumeVery likely local
Site catering assistant
No experience neededSite support services
£12.00–£14.00 per hour
Feeding thousands of workers, every day, for five years.
High volumeVery likely local
Site welfare & cleaning operative
No experience neededSite support services
£12.00–£13.50 per hour
Keeping welfare facilities usable for a very large workforce.
High volumeVery likely local
CSCS Green (Labourer): common questions
- What is a CSCS Green (Labourer)?
- The entry-level construction skills card, proving you have basic health and safety awareness for site work. It is issued by CSCS.
- Who needs a CSCS Green (Labourer)?
- Anyone doing general operative, labouring, welfare, catering or marshalling work on a construction site. On the Universal Bedford project we list 7 roles that would typically require it, including general operative / labourer, banksman / traffic marshal, hgv driver.
- How do I get a CSCS Green (Labourer)?
- 1. Complete a Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (a one-day course) 2. Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test for Operatives 3. Apply to CSCS with both, online or by phone
- How much does a CSCS Green (Labourer) cost?
- Indicatively £100 to £180, 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 Green (Labourer) last?
- 5 years. Retake the CITB test and reapply before expiry.
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.