Acronyms can be very helpful until you realise you have no idea what they stand for! Let’s try to clear up what stands for what – and more importantly, what course you need to do for your needs.
CITB
In a nutshell, CITB stands for the Construction Industry Training Board.
To quote the people themselves, “It’s our job to work with industry to encourage training, which helps build a safe, professional and fully qualified workforce.”
Part of the Department for Education, the CITB is the official training board for the UK construction industry. Its courses are the backbone of health & safety for employees across the sector, and are a minimum requirement for many roles. The following courses below are administered by the CITB:
CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course (1 Day)
The CITB Health & Safety Awareness Course is a one-day course for all staff working in a construction environment. Delegates who successfully complete this level one course (and can provide evidence of this) can then apply for a Construction Skills Certification Scheme Green Labourer Card upon completion of the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Operatives Test. This is the green card many construction sites require. (£100 + VAT)
What’s the difference between SSSTS and SMSTS?
SMSTS and SSSTS are similar courses, but the SMSTS course goes into much deeper detail as it is designed for managers to be able to implement safety systems within the workplace; whereas the SSSTS is designed to give supervisors the skills needed to ensure compliance with these systems.
CITB (SSSTS) Site Supervisors Safety Training (2 Day)
The CITB Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme is a two-day course and is suitable for anyone who has supervisory responsibilities within the construction industry. It will inform supervisors of the legal responsibilities of their role in regards to health, safety, welfare & environmental issues. (£190 + VAT)
CITB (SMSTS) Site Management Safety Training Scheme (5 Day)
The CITB Site Manager Safety Training Scheme is a five-day course that is suitable for anyone who has, or is planning to have, responsibilities for ensuring the Health and Safety of construction site employees. This course will equip you with a better understanding of health, safety, welfare and environmental legislation in relation to your management role. It will also give you practical guidance on how to implement best practice guidelines into your role. (£400 + VAT)
NEBOSH
NEBOSH is a UK-based exam board with a focus on health & safety. With more than 400,000 people holding NEBOSH certificates, it is among the largest safety training organisations in the world.
NEBOSH courses tend to be longer than typical courses, going into more depth on more specific safety issues. They are a common requirement for many supervisor and manager positions.
NEBOSH General Certificate (12 Day)
The National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety is seen as the premier course to start a career in health and Safety. It is ideal for managers, supervisors and staff from all organisations who require an in-depth understanding of health and safety issues.
This is a 12 session course which runs over either a 12 week day release basis or two and half week block release basis. (£850 + VAT)
—
All of the above training can be taken either online via Zoom or at our South East Kent Training Centre. The Zoom courses can be booked online at the bottom of each course page, while courses at our training centre or your workplace (where available) should be booked via phone or email.
If you are still unclear as to what course it is you actually need, please contact our training department directly on 01843 821406 or e-mail nicolawaddell@samsltd.co.uk.