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    Your First Step to a Scaffolding Labourer Card or Red Trainee Card

    If you’re ready to step onto a UK construction site as a Scaffolder, this is where your journey begins. This one day Course isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s your official entry pass to the industry. Recognised by CISRS, this qualification proves you understand the safety standards expected on site and equips you with the confidence to work responsibly from day one.

    • Short, sharp, and packed with practical knowledge
    • Meets CISRS Green Labourer Card requirements
    • Official 1-Day CISRS COTS Course: Fully accredited entry-level training for scaffolding operatives.
    • Fast-Track Qualification: Qualify for your CISRS Scaffolding Labourer (Green) or Trainee (Red) Card.
    • Flexible UK Locations & Dates: Regular course availability with expert, industry-qualified instructors.
    • Not sure if this course is right for you? Call us at 0204-634-0001 or Email us.

    Course Details - COTS Scaffolding one day Course

    Who Should Attend?

    • New entrants & first-time construction workers

    • Site labourers seeking official scaffolding credentials

    • Trainees & apprentices pursuing a scaffolding career

    • Operatives needing a CISRS Labourer/Trainee card

    Apply Now

    Eligibility

    • Minimum age requirement: 16+ years old

    • Mandatory valid CITB HS&E test pass (within 2 years)

    • Acceptable tests: Operatives or Working at Height

    • Alternatively hold a recognised CISRS exemption

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    Mode of Training

    • Delivery: 1-Day classroom & practical training

    • Assessment: End-of-day multiple-choice test

    • Requirements: Full site PPE required for practicals

    • Outcome: Official CISRS Course Certificate

    Apply Now

    Course Content

    What You’ll Learn

    • General responsibilities
    • Basic scaffolding terminology (components & application)
    • Servicing of equipment (tube & fittings etc)
    • Boards and stock – quality control
    • Health
    • Welfare
    • Hygiene
    • Housekeeping
    • Electrical safety
    • Fire prevention and control
    • Noise and vibration
    • Work at height
    • Accident prevention and reporting
    • Slips, trips and falls
    • Personal protective equipment
    • Site transport safety (including loading and unloading)
    • Equipment and tools
    • Manual handling (including practical element)
    • Lifting equipment using a rope and wheel

    Areas Covered

    Contact us with your locations to get available slots

    • Greater London Area: East London • West London • North London • South London

    • Greater Manchester Area: Manchester • Stockport • Oldham • Bolton • Salford

    • West Yorkshire Area: Leeds • Bradford • Wakefield • Huddersfield

    • South Yorkshire Area: Sheffield • Rotherham • Barnsley • Doncaster

    • Humber / East Yorkshire Area: Kingston upon Hull • Beverley • Goole

    • Merseyside Area: Liverpool • Birkenhead • St Helens • Southport

    • West Midlands Area: Birmingham • Wolverhampton • Solihull • Walsall

    • Scotland Central Belt Area: Glasgow • Edinburgh • Dundee • Aberdeen

    • North East Area: Newcastle upon Tyne • Sunderland • Gateshead • Middlesbrough

    • Wales Area: Cardiff • Swansea • Newport • Wrexham • Bridgend

    • Hampshire & South Coast Area: Southampton • Portsmouth • Fareham

    • Cambridgeshire & East Area: Peterborough • Cambridge

    Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

    Construction workers in hard hats reviewing safety compliance training
    The CISRS Operative Training Scheme (COTS) course is designed for new entrants, existing site labourers, and trainees who want to gain their CISRS Green Scaffolding Labourer Card or Red Trainee Card to work safely on scaffolding sites across the UK.
    Yes, passing the CITB test is mandatory before you can attend the course. You must hold a valid CITB test pass (taken within the last 2 years) to be eligible for COTS training and to qualify for your CISRS card.
    You can take either the CITB Operatives HS&E Test or the Working at Height Specialist HS&E Test. Passing either test satisfies the prerequisite requirement for the course and card application.
    Once you have completed the course and your CITB test pass is verified, your CISRS Scaffolding Labourer Card will be processed and issued within 10 to 15 working days.
    Once issued, your CISRS Green Scaffolding Labourer Card is valid for 5 years. To renew it after 5 years, you will need to re-attend the 1-day COTS course and have an in-date CITB HS&E test.
    Delegates must bring standard site PPE for practical exercises, including a Hard Hat, safety/gum boots with steel toe caps, high-vis vest, and suitable work gloves.
    No. The CISRS COTS course cannot be completed online. It requires mandatory face-to-face classroom teaching and practical hands-on assessments (such as manual handling and equipment inspection) carried out at an accredited CISRS training centre.
    A CISRS Red Trainee Card is issued for 18 months, and you can obtain a maximum of two 18-month cards (2 x 18 months total). Within this 3-year period, trainees are expected to complete their CISRS Part 1, Part 2, and NVQ qualifications to progress to a full Scaffolder Card.
    Completing the COTS course and holding an in-date CITB HS&E test pass makes you eligible for an official CISRS Card (the construction industry standard for scaffolding operatives, recognised on CSCS-compliant sites): CISRS Scaffolding Labourer Card (Green): Valid for 5 years for ground-based support operatives. CISRS Trainee Scaffolder Card (Red): Valid for 18 months (renewable once) for those progressing toward full Scaffolder status (Part 1, Part 2, and NVQ).

    Why Choose Us

    Your Trusted Training Partner

    We provide reliable and effective training solutions for individuals and businesses across the UK.

    Expert Instruction

    Learn from experienced scaffolding instructors with practical industry insights.

    Accredited Certifications

    CISRS-approved courses recognised on construction sites across the UK.

    All-in-One Solution

    Complete training provider for construction qualifications and CISRS cards.

    Engaging Sessions

    Tutor-Led interactive classroom and hands-on practical learning experiences.

    Have Questions or Need Help Booking?

    Whether you need assistance verifying your CITB HS&E test, checking local course availability, or arranging group bookings, we are here to help. Contact our training experts today.