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Building a Strong Foundation: Our Top Construction Training Courses

In construction, safety isn’t optional, it’s essential. With high-risk environments and strict regulations, proper training protects both workers and the wider public.

By upskilling through accredited construction training courses, you strengthen your competence, reduce accidents, and build long-term career prospects. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to progress, having the right foundation makes all the difference.

In this guide, we cover three of the most valuable options for beginner construction courses:

Each course helps improve site safety, increase job readiness, and meet the requirements of employers and industry bodies.

construction professionals discussing site works after completing construction course

CISRS Operative Training Scheme (COTS) Course

What Is the COTS Course?

The CISRS Operative Training Scheme (COTS) course is the starting point for anyone working with scaffolding. It’s designed for new operatives who need to understand how to work safely and effectively on-site.

We deliver the COTS course over one day, and it’s approved by the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS). Completing the course is a key step toward gaining your CISRS Labourer card.

What Will You Learn?

You’ll learn how to work safely around scaffolding, from handling materials to understanding your duties as a scaffolder. We cover safe manual handling techniques, basic site behaviour, and how to identify common scaffolding risks.

You’ll also gain an understanding of relevant health and safety regulations and how they apply in real working conditions.

Why Take the COTS Course?

If you’re applying for a CISRS Labourer card, the COTS course is mandatory. It’s also a great way to improve your employability in scaffolding and support roles.

Major contractors and site managers often look for this qualification as a minimum requirement. By completing the course, you demonstrate that you understand the risks and responsibilities involved in working with scaffolding.

CISRS Operative Training Scheme course provides you with the knowledge required to work safely on scaffolding equipment.

CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course

Who Is This Course For?

Our CITB Health and Safety Awareness course is ideal for new starters in construction. If you’re applying for a CSCS Green Labourer Card, this is the right course for you.

We also recommend it for anyone who wants a clear, practical introduction to health and safety on site. It gives you the confidence to work safely and understand your responsibilities from day one.

Course Content Overview

You’ll learn about your role in maintaining a safe working environment. We explain how to recognise common site hazards and follow the correct procedures to reduce risk.

The course also covers topics such as manual handling, environmental awareness, and understanding risk assessments and method statements.

Everything is delivered in a straightforward, approachable way—so you leave with a solid understanding of what safe site work looks like.

As well as all the other benefits, the Health and Safety Awareness course is Site Safety Plus accredited.

Flexible Delivery Options

We offer the course both in a classroom setting and as an online eLearning option. The eLearning version is self-paced, so you can study whenever and wherever suits you.

Whether you prefer in-person training or learning from home, you’ll get the same high-quality content and support.

Organising Workplace Health And Safety Training

Working at Heights Training

Who Needs Working at Height Training?

‘Work at height’ means work in any place where, if there were no precautions in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. Here are some examples of working at a height:

Employers are legally required to make sure you’re trained under the Work at Height Regulations 2005. This course helps you meet that requirement and reduce the risks involved in high-level tasks.

What’s Covered in the Course?

We teach you how to spot common height-related hazards and how to control them. You’ll learn the safest ways to use ladders, scaffolds, harnesses and MEWPs.

We also cover risk assessments, fall prevention techniques, and what to do in an emergency. The goal is to give you the knowledge and confidence to work safely at height.

eLearning Options

We offer several eLearning courses for those looking to learn online. These include:

Each course is split into bite-sized modules, making it easy to fit into your schedule. You’ll receive your certificate instantly after completion, and you can revisit the content whenever you need to refresh your knowledge.

There are many benefits of eLearning courses, so it is worth considering this approach if you want to complete the course digitally.

working at height

Why Invest in Construction Training?

Gain Recognised Qualifications

We offer training that leads to certifications recognised across the construction industry. From CITB and CISRS to CSCS, these qualifications prove you’ve got the knowledge and skills to work safely and professionally on site.

Whether you’re starting out or progressing in your role, accredited training helps strengthen your CV and boost your long-term career prospects.

Improve Workplace Safety

Construction sites are full of risk. That’s why training is essential.

By understanding your responsibilities and learning safe working practices, you can reduce accidents and protect yourself and your team. We’ll help you build the skills to work safely and responsibly every day.

Stay Competitive in the Industry

Contractors and employers increasingly expect recognised training.

Our courses help you stay compliant with changing regulations and meet site entry requirements. They also give you a strong foundation to move on to more advanced courses and supervisory roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Construction Training Course for Beginners?

We recommend the CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course. It’s a great starting point for anyone new to construction and is essential if you want to apply for a CSCS Green Labourer Card.

Do These Courses Help with CSCS Cards?

Yes. Our CITB Health and Safety Awareness Course is a requirement for the CSCS Green Card. If you’re working with scaffolding, you’ll need the COTS Course to apply for the CISRS Labourer Card.

Can I Take These Courses Online?

Absolutely. Many of our courses are available through eLearning or remote Zoom sessions, giving you flexibility to train around your schedule.

How Long Do the Courses Take?

  • COTS Course: 1 day
  • CITB Health and Safety Awareness: 1 day
  • Working at Heights Training: Half a day to a full day, depending on the course format

Start Building Your Foundation with 3B Training

Book Your Course Today

Whether you’re just starting out or want to strengthen your skills, we’re here to help you take the next step.

Choose your course and book online:

Each course is taught by experienced trainers and can be delivered in a format that suits your needs.

Still Have Questions?

If you’re not sure which course is right for you, or want to enquire about group bookings, get in touch.

We’ll talk you through your options and help you make the right choice for your role, team, or project. At 3B, we offer flexible training backed by industry-recognised accreditations and a team who understand what works on site.

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