Green Labourer/Plumber’s Mate Card

Description

This card scheme is clearly targeted at those operating in labouring and plumber’s mate roles. Labourers are tasked with moving plumbing materials and equipment to designated areas on construction sites. Plumber’s mates are on-hand to assist fully-qualified plumbers to carry out works, and will provide any type of support as necessary.

Since mid-July 2020, this scheme was split in two. Now, workers are able to apply for either a specific ‘labourer’ or ‘plumber’s mate’ card, dependent on their industry role. If you received your card prior to this date, and are still therefore in possession of the combined labourer/plumber’s mate card, you’ll be able to pick your particular card pathway upon renewal. However, you must be able to once again produce evidence that you’ve acquired the required certification. The qualifying criteria for each of the ‘new’ cards is exactly the same. This is as follows:

• Have completed a relevant plumbing/PMES-related ‘Technical Certificate’ qualification. For example, this could be the City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma- Basic Plumbing Studies, or the City & Guilds 6035 NVQ Diploma or BPEC/EAL/LLC equivalent qualification.
• Have completed the ‘specialist plumbing’ CITB Health, Safety and Environment test within the two years leading up to your card application date. Alternatively, you may have sat one of the qualifying health & safety modules referenced earlier, so long as it is appropriate to an application for an ‘operative’ card.
• On top of the CITB test (or recognised alternative), you must have also successfully navigated either a Level 1 Award in Health & Safety in a construction-related trade, or an equivalent qualification. For example, the CITB also runs a SSP Health & Safety Awareness Course which would be eligible for this required criterion.

Important additional points

Please note that this card has a five-year validation period. Many labourers/plumber’s mates will target the plumber blue or gold card as a next career step. To do this, they’ll need to assess the card(s) qualifying criteria, and take appropriate action to address these requirements during the tenure of their green card ownership.

However, should a worker wish to continue in their current role, they will be able to renew their membership to this scheme towards the end of their card’s five-year timeframe