Training & qualifications

BBSA members are granted many unique benefits, including free training courses.

You must be a logged in BBSA member to have access to our resources.

To see more information on CSCS cards and vocational qualifications for the blind and shutter trade please scroll down this page.

Competency

Created by a team of BBSA volunteers to highlight competency requirements in the solar shading sector

Free access to 43 online training courses. Covering several areas of health and safety relating the shading industry and the working environment, as well as skills such as time management and sales.

Free Training Guides

Six topics covered: Measuring, Surveying, Quoting & Estimating, Fixings, Fittings, Fabrics and Materials, Motorisation and Automation

National Occupational Standards (NOS)

Created by the BBSA in 2025

CSCS Cards

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is the only card scheme for the construction industry that is supported by the Government. CSCS cards are more increasingly becoming a mandatory requirement for those working on building sites.

Industry Accreditation (known as Grandfather rights)

Those who acquired their card by Industry Accreditation will not be able to renew now (this route expired on 30 June 2024) and all Industry Accredited cards will expire on 31 December 2024.

Card installers/fitters will need

Skilled Worker’s Card (Blue) – a minimum standard for an installer/fitter in our industry.

If you do not already have a Skilled Worker’s card, the ONLY way to obtain one is by successfully completing the Vocational Qualification for the industry. You will need to apply for a Trainee or Experienced Worker trainee card whilst you are taking your VQ to be able to access construction sites.

The BBSA has produced a guidance note A3 – CSCS cards Click here.

Vocational Qualifications (VQ)

The Vocational Qualification (VQ) for blind and shutter installers (including those installing louvres and brise soleil) can be seen here:

NOCN_Cskills Awards Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Specialist Installation Occupations (Construction) – Blinds and Solar Shading Systems (Installation and Maintenance)

Qualification code:

QUK800, Qualification Regulation Number (QRN): 603/3648/1

As demand for the VQ increases other Awarding Bodies may offer assessment to the VQ.

How long does it take?

This depends on the experience of the candidate and the ability to coordinate jobs for the Assessor to view on site. Typically, VQs take between 3-12 months to complete.

What does it involve?

The Assessor will check that the candidate has the relevant experience and knowledge for each element of the VQ. This is recorded in a portfolio of evidence which may include written statements, observations, audio recordings, video and photographs.

The Assessor will complete the candidate’s portfolio of evidence. This is then submitted for review by an external verifier before the qualification is confirmed.

The Assessor is signing the candidate off as competent and as such has a legal responsibility to ensure the candidate is competent against every element of the VQ.

Assessors

This map and contact details shows Assessors who are time-served blind and shutter installers, who have been trained by CITB, and have been involved since the VQ started.

As the demand for the VQ increases other awarding bodies will offer it. As at April 2023 we are aware the following offer this qualification:

The NVQ Training Centre

2QW Ltd

Essential Site Skills

There is no fixed price for a VQ. The price is determined by the Assessor based on several factors including the number of candidates at one site, the number of visits expected to assess the candidate’s work and the location of the candidates.

Join the BBSA

Do you always want to be up-to-date with the latest news, regulations and have a specialist advice and guidance tailored to our trade needs enabling you to focus on successfully running your business? Then, apply to join the BBSA today!

Benefits

Benefits of our membership are wide-ranging. Free and discounted training for your staff, access to our ready-to-use solicitor approved legal documents, free legal helpline, use of the BBSA logo, website presence, and industry specific guidance are amongst a few.