Reason One: From Stirling to Southampton and Ipswich to Swansea, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) SMSTS or Site Managers Safety Training Scheme course, is available in numerous locations throughout the UK. This is great news if you are looking for a course, as it means you will probably not have to travel far!
Reason Two: As the SMSTS course is offered by many training providers through the UK, you can get a competitive price! This means by shopping around or by using an online training service provider, you can save money by finding the best value course in your area. Whether you are self funded or if your company is footing the bill, saving money means you can get the course done that little bit sooner.
Reason Three: The United Kingdom Contractors Group (UKGC) endorses the SMSTS course. As they represent the largest and most prominent contractors in the UK, getting training approved by them, means getting a position on a UKCG site is that much easier. Even if you do not wish to work on a UKCG site, by doing the SMSTS you will still have a well know qualification that meets the CITB specification.
Reason Four: If the thought of an assessment at the end of the course is putting you off... don’t let it! All the information you will need to pass the multiple choice test at the end; is supplied during your five days training. The test only takes 30 minutes and you will have a selection of answers to choose from. Also for the last 10 minutes of the exam you will be able to use the course books provided and as long as you get 72% or more you are home free!
Reason Five: The SMSTS course covers all the legislation that managers will need to run a safe site, including The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations. It also covers managers’ responsibilities in law and how to evaluate whether people are keeping to these.
Reason Six: One of the key advantages of the SMSTS course is that once you have successfully completed the full five day version, your qualification lasts for 5 years. In addition you have a six month grace period after this, to complete a two day refresher course, rather than having to do the whole five day course again.
Reason Seven: If your company is part of the CITB levy scheme, you can claim back part of the course cost as a grant. Many providers complete the paperwork for you, and all you will need to do is take your company’s CITB levy number with you on the first day of the course.
Reason Eight: You can now find and book an SMSTS online. By using an online service provider you can cut hours and pounds out of the course booking process. They can compare the best prices for you very quickly, meaning you don’t have to ring round lots of individual providers to check you are getting the best value for your money.