New digital SKILLcard system introduced

Engineering Services SKILLcard has launched a digital version of its traditional plastic cards.

The new system allows users to access all their technical and health & safety qualifications through a mobile phone app, as reported by BESA.

Managed by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), SKILLcard has provided over 50,000 building services engineers with evidence of necessary qualifications for 22 years.

The digital version offers a single, continuously updated point of access for all qualifications, enabling site access via a QR code that can be scanned using the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) ‘Smart Check App’.

Benefits of the digital transition

The introduction of a digital option will reduce the time between applying and using the card.

Access is available immediately after approval, which is expected to encourage more applicants and ensure broader use of the cards.

Chris Major, BESA’s head of operations, said: “We are moving with the times and providing a more seamless service that should make everyone’s lives easier.

“SKILLcards play a crucial role in ensuring operatives have the right qualifications for the job they are being employed to do on site.”

Response to the Building Safety Act

The Building Safety Act is increasing scrutiny of competence and compliance across the sector, prompting the creation of the digital SKILLcard.

This development aims to make workforce skills instantly available, transparent, and constantly updated.

Reducing plastic usage is another benefit of transitioning from physical cards.

BESA is also exploring ways to reclaim and recycle plastic SKILLcards once they are no longer needed.

Major commented: “Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down in landfill unless it is captured and recycled.

“As the trade body for an industry that is at the forefront of efforts to develop a more sustainable built environment, we see this as an important way of demonstrating that we practice what we preach.”

Role in the 2025 Construction Industry Strategy

SKILLcard supports the government’s 2025 Construction Industry Strategy by helping clients verify workers’ qualifications and health and safety training.

The card is used by trade operatives, those with supervisory and managerial responsibilities, self-employed workers, agency workers, and job seekers in the building engineering services sector.

BESA has collaborated with the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA), the Institute of LEV Engineers (ILEVE), and the Commissioning Specialists Association (CSA) to produce new cards for specialist sectors to meet stricter skills requirements.

For more information about engineering services SKILLcards and application procedures, visit: www.skillcard.org.uk.