What is an EUSR card and why would you want one?

The EUSR (Energy & Utility Skills Register) has released their own Passport Scheme whereby candidates receive entry level training in different aspects of working within the energy and utilities sectors. This scheme, which has seen great success since its initial launch, has been developed in collaboration with employers within the specific sectors. They are often seen as an alternative to the CSCS cards, granted by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, as they will also allow you access to construction sites (but only in the capacity of someone who works with the relevant utilities). They carry the CSCS logo alongside the EUSR logo.

There are a wide range of EUSR courses, including the EUSR SHEA options (these are part of the larger Safety, Health and Environmental Awareness (SHEA) suite). Popular options include:

•    EUSR SHEA Gas
•    EUSR SHEA Water
•    EUSR SHEA Telecommunications
•    EUSR National Water Hygiene Scheme

There are, however, many more options – you can see our current offerings here: https://www.bookmycourse.co.uk/courses/utilities-safety-passports/.

Regardless of whether you sit a EUSR or a EUSR SHEA course, the outcome for successful candidates is EUSR Registration which is valid for between 3 to 5 years (this will depend on the course in question) from the date of issue – these are sometimes also known as EUSR Endorsements. Anyone who holds a current EUSR Registration will be able to view it online on the EUSR website and will also receive a unique EUSR ID number and photo ID card. One candidate can hold registration records for more than one EUSR training scheme, and these can have different expiry dates.

Why Study towards a EUSR Registration?

There are many benefits associated with holding a current EUSR registration, such as:

•    Being able to work on clean water sites or the clean water network, as well as areas known as “restricted operations”. All UK water companies require workers on these sites to hold the EUSR “Blue” card, which can only be obtained by passing the EUSR National Water Hygiene Card.
•    Individuals who require access to operational gas sites and CSCS controlled operational sites for utilities work will require the EUSR Registration for this sector, both temporary and permanent. This applies to all levels of workers.
•    Sitting and passing a EUSR training scheme will enable workers to verify their skills and knowledge to current and potential employers, as the certification is specific to the worker and can be used across different sites and contractors. 

Those who may be most interested in applying for and taking a EUSR training course, will be current or potential utility workers including telecom engineers, gas engineers, those who work with water and those who work with gas. This can be at all levels from entry to management or beyond.