If you want to work as a labourer on a construction site, you will need a CSCS Green Labourer Card. At HighAimsTraining, we provide two recognised training routes that help you qualify for this essential card. Many learners are unsure about which course is right for them, what the differences are, and why one option might suit them more than the other. Below you will find a clear explanation of both pathways, so you can choose the course that best supports your career goals and workplace responsibilities.
What Courses Let You Apply for a CSCS Green Card?
HighAimsTraining offers two fully approved courses that meet the requirements for applying CSCS Green Labourer Card:
- Level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction Environment
- CITB Health & Safety Awareness
Both courses meet CSCS standards and are recognised nationwide. They are designed to give you the essential knowledge needed to work safely on construction sites. While both lead to the same CSCS Green Card, they are accredited by different awarding bodies and cover the content in slightly different ways.
Can You Still Use IOSH Working Safely for a Card?
No. Since March 2020, the IOSH Working Safely certificate is no longer accepted as a valid route to the CSCS Green Card. IOSH Working Safely is now considered too general because it covers safety across all work environments rather than focusing specifically on construction. IOSH have introduced a construction-specific version of their training, but HighAimsTraining does not currently provide this course.
What Are the Key Differences Between the CSCS Green Card Courses?
Both courses are excellent options for future labourers, but each has its own strengths. Understanding these differences can help you choose the most suitable option for your learning style, work environment, and long-term goals.
Level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction Environment
This course is a modern, construction-specific qualification designed to meet the knowledge requirements for the CSCS Green Card. It focuses entirely on the health and safety risks you will face on a building site. Learners study topics such as working at height, PPE, hazardous materials, asbestos awareness, manual handling, site signage, and general risk prevention. HighAimsTraining is an approved centre delivering this training. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a fast, efficient and highly relevant introduction to construction safety.
CITB Health & Safety Awareness Course
The CITB Health & Safety Awareness course is long established within the construction industry and remains a trusted option for workers applying for a Card. It focuses on safety laws, worker responsibilities, common site hazards, and the importance of maintaining safe working practices. Many employers prefer this course because it is widely recognised across the industry, meaning workers often share the same foundation of knowledge. This consistency can improve communication and reduce the risk of safety misunderstandings on site. CITB also provides grants for some employers, which is why many companies continue to encourage their teams to follow this training route.
IOSH Working Safely Course (No Longer Accepted for CSCS)
While IOSH Working Safely used to be an approved route for the Card, it is no longer accepted. This is because the course covers general workplace safety and does not include the specific site-related content required by CSCS.However, IOSH Working Safely remains a valuable qualification for wider industries and general health and safety training outside construction.
Which Course Should You Choose?
Both approved courses will help you apply for your CSCS Green Card, but your choice should depend on your needs. If you want a focused, straightforward qualification that covers the essential risks of a construction site, the Level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction Environment course is an excellent option. It is designed for new workers and offers a clear, practical understanding of everyday site hazards. On the other hand, the CITB Health & Safety Awareness course remains a strong choice for those who prefer a well-recognised industry standard or who work for an employer that prefers CITB training for consistency across the workforce. Some companies also choose CITB courses to ensure all staff share the same training background, which helps maintain safer working practices across the site.
