Up To Speed Training | Covid-19 Lantra update: What does it mean for your qualifications?

Last week, Up To Speed Training temporarily ceased delivery of training and assessments in line with the government guidelines regarding Covid-19. It’s a case of practising what they preach for Up To Speed, as they put people and their safety before profit by taking this decision.

However, as Up To Speed now work on projects behind the scenes, the company are now making sure that professionals across the highways sector are not in the dark about what this means for their expiring TM qualifications

Here, Up To Speed Training brings you the guidelines set out by Lantra to give clear advice on qualification expiry during this period.

TM/CSCS Card renewals

Lantra and the National Highway Sector Scheme committees have been reviewing the potential impact of COVID-19 on the workforce and in particular the renewal of NHSS/CSCS skills registration cards.

They can now confirm that they are developing their approach in line with government advice and advising everyone to follow the latest guidance from Public Health England. Further updates will be issued as and when required. Lantra recognise that it is important where possible to maintain critical services and minimise impact on customers and our supply chains.

TM/CSCS Card renewals (existing procedures)

Before advising of the temporary measure being put in place to support customers and workforces, here is a recap on the current rules in place for renewing skills that are due to expire or have already expired on your skills registration card.

1. Individuals can renew their skills 6 months prior to the expiry date on the card and up to 6 months after the expiry date on the card, by successfully achieving the appropriate refresher/update training (no practical assessments required)
2. Individuals renewing their skills 6 months + 1 day after the expiry date on their card are currently required to complete the full training from the beginning, including all practical assessments
3. Industry currently does not allow individuals onto site where cards are showing expired skills

TM/CSCS Card renewals (support measures during COVID-19 crisis)

To assist industry in the potential lack of training courses and venues available for renewing and updating skills, Lantra will be extending the renewal period for skills expiring on cards.

This will apply between 1st March 2020 up to 28th February 2021 and will be implemented as shown below:

1. If your skills expire between 1st March 2020 and 31st August 2020, the 6-month renewal period will be extended to allow renewal/update training to be completed by 28th February 2021
2. If your skills expire after 1st September 2020, the 6-month renewal period rules apply

Learner registrations (yellow sign-off sheet)

1. If your learner registration (yellow sign-off sheet) has expired, Lantra will extend the expiry date up to 1st September 2020.

Important message from Lantra and the Committees:

Lantra and the NHSS committee are mindful that extending the period in which individuals can renew their skills beyond the expiry date addresses the first part of a bigger challenge.

Therefore, Lantra will continue to liaise with the Committees and Industry Bodies to discuss how Principal Contractors, Clients, etc. intend to operate in relation to allowing access on their sites where individuals have not been able to renew their skills.

Throughout this period, Up To Speed training remain contactable at all times, and can be reached on 0121 326 8696 or can be reached by email on info@utstraining.co.uk or your usual contacts direct email address.