EUSR SHEA and CSCS Card Changes from 1 October 2026
From 1 October 2026, EUSR SHEA registrations will no longer automatically include a CSCS card.
If you have previously completed or plan on completing an EUSR SHEA course to gain access to construction sites, there is an important change you need to be aware of.
From 1 October 2026, the SHEA registration and EUSR CSCS card will become separate. You will continue to need a valid SHEA registration where it is required, but if your role requires a CSCS card for construction-site access, you will need to apply separately for the appropriate EUSR CSCS card for your role.
At Pragmatic, we have updated our booking process so that you can add your CSCS card application when booking your SHEA course.
What is changing?
Previously, EUSR SHEA registrations could be issued on an EUSR CSCS Green Labourer card. This meant that completing a SHEA course could result in the SHEA registration and CSCS element being provided together.
From 1 October 2026, this will change.
New SHEA registrations will be issued on an EUSR card without the CSCS logo. Anyone who needs a CSCS card for their role will need to apply separately for the appropriate EUSR CSCS card.
The change is designed to make sure that workers hold a CSCS card that accurately reflects the role they carry out on a construction site. EUSR is the CSCS Alliance Partner for the utilities sector and issues the relevant EUSR CSCS cards for utilities-related roles.
The important thing to remember
SHEA and CSCS are now two separate requirements.
Your SHEA registration demonstrates that you have completed the required health, safety and environmental awareness training.
Your EUSR CSCS card demonstrates that you hold the appropriate card for the role you carry out on a construction site.
EUSR confirms that a valid SHEA registration remains a requirement for EUSR CSCS cards, with the exception of the EUSR CSCS Apprentice card, which has different requirements.
Do I need a CSCS card?
Not everyone completing a SHEA course will necessarily need to apply for a CSCS card.
If your work requires you to enter a construction site and your role falls within the scope of CSCS requirements, you will need the appropriate CSCS card for the work you carry out.
The key change is that you should no longer assume that a SHEA registration automatically gives you the CSCS card you need.
EUSR’s guidance is based on the principle of having the right card for the right job. Different cards are available for labourers, skilled workers, apprentices, trainees and experienced workers, as well as specific utilities occupations.
If you are unsure whether you need a CSCS card, or which card is appropriate for your role, it is important to check before applying.
Which EUSR CSCS card do I need?
The appropriate card depends on your job role, qualifications and experience.
Utilities Labourer
The new EUSR CSCS Utilities Labourer card is intended for people undertaking labouring duties only and who are not working towards a recognised training pathway.
To apply, you need an in-date EUSR SHEA registration.
The new Utilities Labourer card was introduced in August 2026 and replaces the Green Labourer card for new applications. Existing EUSR CSCS Green Labourer cards remain valid until their expiry date.
Skilled Worker
If you work in a skilled utilities occupation, you should apply for the EUSR CSCS card that matches your role.
Depending on the occupation, you will generally need the relevant Level 2 qualification or an equivalent competence requirement set by the Utilities Sector Representative Organisation.
A valid SHEA registration is also required for EUSR CSCS Skilled Worker cards.
Apprentice, Trainee and Experienced Worker
EUSR also provides CSCS cards for people who are working towards a qualification, undertaking recognised training, or have experience in a skilled role but do not yet meet the requirements for the standard Skilled Worker card.
The evidence required will depend on the particular card and your circumstances.
This is why it is important to select the card that matches your actual role and status rather than simply choosing a general labourer card.
What happens to existing SHEA cards?
If you already hold a SHEA registration on an EUSR CSCS Green Labourer card, the change does not mean that your existing card immediately becomes invalid.
EUSR confirms that SHEA cards issued before 30 September 2026 will retain the CSCS logo and remain valid until they expire.
Existing Green Labourer cards will also continue to be accepted by construction sites until their expiry date.
However, when your card or SHEA registration needs renewing, you will need to make sure you hold the appropriate CSCS card for your role.
If you are not working as a labourer, it is particularly important to check that you hold the correct skilled CSCS card for your occupation rather than relying on the old Green Labourer arrangement.
What does this mean when booking a SHEA course?
The good news is that the change does not make booking your SHEA training complicated.
At Pragmatic, we have updated our website to allow you to add your EUSR CSCS card application when booking your SHEA course.
When you book your SHEA course, you will be able to select the appropriate CSCS card option in the basket if you need one.
This means you can arrange your SHEA registration and CSCS card application together rather than having to remember to arrange the card separately afterwards.
If you are unsure which CSCS card you need, please contact us before selecting a card.
The evidence required varies depending on the card and the role, so it is important to make sure you select the correct option.
What if I only need the SHEA registration?
If you do not require a CSCS card for your work, you can simply book the SHEA course as normal.
Your SHEA registration remains an important health, safety and environmental requirement for workers across the utilities sector.
SHEA schemes are available for a range of industries, including Water, Gas, Power, Telecommunications, Waste and Resource Management, Cross Country Pipelines and SHEA Core.
The registration period remains three years for the relevant SHEA schemes.
Why is EUSR making this change?
The change is part of a wider move towards ensuring that workers on construction sites hold a CSCS card that accurately reflects their occupation and level of competence.
EUSR explains that the previous arrangement could result in people working in skilled occupations using a Green Labourer card simply because their SHEA registration had been issued on it.
The new approach separates the health and safety requirement from the occupational competence card, helping employers and site operators identify whether an individual holds the appropriate card for the work they are carrying out.
What you need to do
If you are booking an EUSR SHEA course from 1 October 2026:
1. Book your SHEA course
Choose the appropriate SHEA scheme for your industry and role.
2. Decide whether you need a CSCS card
If you need to access construction sites and your role requires a CSCS card, you will need to apply for the appropriate EUSR CSCS card.
3. Select the appropriate card when booking
Pragmatic’s website allows you to add your CSCS card application to your SHEA booking.
4. Make sure you have the required evidence
Different CSCS cards have different evidence requirements, particularly for skilled roles.
5. Complete your SHEA training and assessment
Your SHEA registration remains a separate requirement and must be kept in date.
Need help choosing your CSCS card?
The changes can initially seem confusing, particularly if you have previously received your SHEA and CSCS elements together.
The important thing is not to automatically select a Labourer card simply because you are completing a SHEA course. The correct EUSR CSCS card depends on the work you actually carry out, your qualifications and your training or experience.
If you are unsure which card is right for you, contact Pragmatic before booking and we can help you understand what you need.
Book your EUSR SHEA course
Pragmatic provides EUSR SHEA training across a range of utilities sectors, with open courses available at our training centres and online options, as well as training for groups at client sites.
When booking your SHEA course, you can now also add the appropriate EUSR CSCS card application where required.
