CCDO Labourer Card Changes: Why NDTG is Aligning with CSCS Updates
The CCDO Labourer Card Update: Enhancing Safety and Competency
In response to industry-wide efforts to improve workforce safety and competency, NDTG is updating the CCDO Demolition Labourer Card. These changes follow the lead of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), which recently reduced the validity of its own Labourer cards.
The updates tackle a persistent issue: workers using Labourer cards for tasks beyond their training. This misuse puts both workers and site safety at risk. Duncan Rudall, NDTG CEO, explains:
“There is an overwhelming abundance of CCDO Demolition Labourer cards compared to others, and this raises safety concerns. Many operatives holding the Labourer card use it to get site access easier but are undertaking demolition activities without the appropriate training for the activities. Those holding Labourer Cards are doing the responsibilities of a DRO or ADO and, in some instances, undertaking supervisor duties.
This can be unsafe. To address this, we are reducing the CCDO Labourer card to a validity of two years to persuade employers to upskill their workforce to the appropriate level of training.”
The Misuse of Labourer Cards: A Growing Problem
Labourer cards were created to verify competency for workers at the beginning of their career. However, many workers misuse them as a shortcut to access sites. They often take on advanced tasks, like those of Demolition Refurbishment Operatives (DRO) or even supervisory roles, without sufficient training.
This behaviour leads to serious risks. When workers lack proper qualifications, they may not follow safety protocols, resulting in accidents or non-compliance with industry regulations. Clearly, this undermines site safety and workforce reliability.
The Solution: Reducing CCDO Labourer Card Validity
To address these risks, NDTG will reduce the validity of the CCDO Demolition Labourer Card from five years to two years. This change mirrors the updates CSCS recently announced and aims to:
- Encourage Upskilling: Employers will need to invest in training their workforce, ensuring operatives are qualified for their responsibilities.
- Improve Safety Standards: Workers will only undertake roles they are trained for, minimising risks on demolition sites.
- Track Workforce Competency: Shorter card validity helps ensure operatives remain up-to-date with training requirements.
Why These Changes Align with Industry Standards
The Building Safety Act emphasises the importance of workforce competency across all construction sectors. With these changes, NDTG ensures the demolition workforce adheres to these regulations. By requiring employers to upskill their staff, NDTG helps create a safer and more skilled workforce.
For workers, this adjustment also highlights the value of following clear training pathways. Progressing from the Demolition Labourer Card to the Demolition Refurbishment Operative (DRO) level or higher ensures workers are prepared for the demands of more advanced roles.
For details on available training, visit our NDTG training courses page.
What Employers Need to Do
Starting in February 2025, CCDO Labourer Cards will have a validity of just two years. Employers should evaluate their workforce and ensure operatives have the proper training for their roles.
If your workers need to upskill to Demolition Refurbishment Operative (DRO), Advanced Demolition Operative (ADO), or higher, NDTG offers courses to meet every career stage. Explore our course directory to find the right options.
Looking Ahead: A Safer Workforce
By reducing the CCDO Labourer Card validity, NDTG is leading the industry toward safer practices and greater competency. These changes ensure that demolition workers meet the highest standards, protecting not only themselves but everyone on-site.
For more details or to discuss how these changes affect your team, contact NDTG today.