Keeping your skills up-to-date is essential in the construction industry – and Nottinghamshire is no exception. In 2025, Essential Site Skills (ESS) continues to offer a range of high-demand classroom and short courses for construction professionals in Nottinghamshire. Below, we break down some of the most popular courses, explain why they’re so sought-after, and provide direct links to each course page. Whether you’re a newcomer looking to get on site safely or an experienced tradesperson aiming to advance your qualifications, these courses can give you a valuable boost.

CITB Health & Safety Awareness (HSA) – CSCS Green Card Gateway

One of the busiest courses in our Nottinghamshire schedule is the CITB Health & Safety Awareness (HSA) one-day course. It’s the official CITB introduction to on-site safety and a mandatory step for anyone pursuing a CSCS Green Labourer Card. In just one day of classroom or online training, you’ll cover the basics of construction site hazards, safe working practices, and your responsibilities. This course is extremely popular because it’s short, affordable, and immediately useful – you need it to get that all-important green card to start work on site.

Why choose HSA?

• Essential for Employment: This course is widely considered an entry ticket to the construction industry. Many employers in Nottinghamshire require proof of HSA training for labourers as it demonstrates basic safety knowledge and allows you to apply for the CSCS Labourer card.
• Quick and Convenient: It’s a single-day course, which means you can get trained and certified quickly. ESS runs HSA courses online every Friday, making it easy to find a date that fits your schedule.
• Industry-Recognised: The HSA is part of CITB’s Site Safety Plus scheme, so your certificate is recognised on construction sites nationwide. Over the years it has become a popular course for new starters because it covers fundamental topics everyone on site should know.

Link: https://essentialsiteskills.co.uk/course/citb-health-and-safety-awareness-hsa

CITB Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) – Step Up to Supervisor

For those moving into supervisory roles, the CITB SSSTS course remains a top pick. This two-day training is designed for site supervisors and gang leaders, covering everything from risk assessments and toolbox talks to your legal responsibilities on site. The SSSTS is incredibly popular – in fact, it’s often described as a “popular course for those undertaking a supervisory role” in construction. Many Nottinghamshire construction companies insist their foremen and supervisors hold an SSSTS certificate, which explains why our classes fill up fast.

Why is SSSTS in high demand?

• Industry Requirement: If you plan to supervise others on site, most contractors will expect you to have SSSTS. It’s become an industry-standard credential for first-line supervisors, recognised as proof that you understand site safety management.
• Focused and Efficient: The course packs a lot into two days – covering key topics like accident prevention, health and safety law, and leadership skills in safety. It’s interactive and practical, taught by experienced instructors, so you gain applicable knowledge quickly.
• Career Advancement: Gaining an SSSTS can open doors to promotion. It shows you’re committed to safety and capable of taking on more responsibility. Many who complete SSSTS go on to higher roles (and some eventually take the SMSTS course for managers). In short, it’s a stepping stone from tradesperson to site management, which is why so many ambitious workers in Nottinghamshire are enrolling. 

Link: https://essentialsiteskills.co.uk/course/citb-site-supervision-safety-training-scheme-sssts

Looking to take your training even further? Many SSSTS learners also consider the NVQ Level 3 in Occupational Work Supervision to formally qualify their supervisory skills.

CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) – For Aspiring Site Managers

When it comes to site management, the CITB SMSTS is the gold-standard course that continues to see strong demand. This is a five-day program aimed at site managers, project managers, and anyone responsible for planning, organising, monitoring, and controlling safety on a construction site.

Why is SMSTS so popular? Simply put, it’s often a must-have for management positions. Major contractors in Nottinghamshire (and across the UK) typically require their site managers to hold an SMSTS certificate as proof of their comprehensive safety training.

During the course, you’ll dive deep into legislation (like the Health and Safety at Work Act), learn how to conduct risk assessments and method statements, and understand how to run a safe site in line with current regulations and best practices. The interactive environment allows you to discuss real-world scenarios with fellow managers. By the end of the week, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to ensure your site team works safely and efficiently.

Reasons to consider SMSTS:

• Widely Recognised Qualification: SMSTS is part of CITB’s Site Safety Plus suite (just like SSSTS and HSA). It’s recognised nationally as the benchmark for site manager safety training. Having this on your CV immediately signals that you can manage site safety to a high standard.
• Compliance and Legal Knowledge: The course ensures you’re up to date with the latest HSE regulations and environmental considerations. This is crucial because site managers carry legal responsibility for health and safety – the SMSTS training helps you meet that challenge confidently.
• Enhanced Career Prospects: For those aiming for management roles, SMSTS is often non-negotiable. Gaining this qualification can make you eligible for higher-paying jobs and show your commitment to professionalism. It’s popular among experienced supervisors in Nottinghamshire looking to take the next leap in their career.

Link: https://essentialsiteskills.co.uk/course/citb-site-management-safety-training-scheme-smsts – Find out more about the SMSTS course and how to book.

Want to turn your SMSTS into a full qualification? Some learners go on to complete the Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Management to boost their credentials further.

First Aid at Work (3-Day) – Safety on Site Starts with You

Accidents can happen anywhere – especially on construction sites. That’s why the First Aid at Work (FAW) course remains one of our most important and well-attended courses. This three-day course gives a comprehensive first aid qualification, equipping you to handle emergencies ranging from falls and cuts to unconscious casualties. UK law requires employers to have adequate first-aid provision on all worksites, and construction is considered a high-risk industry where a fully trained first aider is invaluable. As a result, many Nottinghamshire construction firms send their staff for First Aid at Work training to meet regulatory requirements and keep everyone safe.

Why First Aid training is so popular in construction:

• Legal Requirement: The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide appropriate first-aid arrangements – including trained personnel. On a building site, that means you must have certified first aiders available. Having this qualification makes you an asset to any employer.
• High-Risk Environment: Construction sites are full of potential hazards, so advanced first aid training is strongly recommended. If a serious injury occurs (e.g. falls from height, heavy machinery accidents), a First Aid at Work trained individual can literally save lives before paramedics arrive. This course teaches you how to assess incidents, perform life-saving techniques (CPR, controlling bleeding, treating shock, etc.), and handle a wide range of injuries and illnesses.
• Personal Confidence: Beyond compliance, many individuals take this course for the confidence and peace of mind it provides. Knowing what to do if an accident happens is empowering. First Aid at Work is interactive and hands-on – you’ll practice with bandages, CPR manikins, etc., so by the end of the three days you feel ready to act in an emergency.
• Boost Your CV: Being a qualified first aider is a great addition to your skill set in construction. It shows leadership and calm under pressure. It’s no wonder that First Aid at Work remains one of our most popular short courses – every worksite benefits from a trained first aider, and you could be it.

Link: https://essentialsiteskills.co.uk/course/first-aid-work

(Note: If you only need basic training, ESS also offers the 1-day Emergency First Aid at Work course. However, the 3-day FAW is recommended for construction sites due to the higher risks involved.)

Telehandler Operator Training – Plant Operations Made Safe

Operating plant machinery is another area where proper training is critical – and highly popular. In Nottinghamshire’s busy construction sector, Telehandlers (telescopic handlers) are a frequent presence on building sites, used for lifting and moving materials. Our Telehandler Operator Training course (available for both CPCS A17 and NPORS N010 certification routes) is in high demand among workers who want to become certified plant operators. Without a doubt, trained telehandler operators are sought after, since virtually every major site uses telehandlers or similar forklifts to keep the project moving.

This course typically spans a few days (depending on your experience level) and includes both classroom theory (safety rules, load charts, maintenance checks) and practical hands-on training with the telehandler equipment. You’ll learn how to manoeuvre the telehandler safely, pick up and place loads, and observe all site safety protocols. On the final day, you’ll take practical and theory tests to earn your operator certification.

Why is Telehandler training so important?

• Workplace Safety: Construction sites involve heavy equipment, and unfortunately improper use of plant can lead to accidents. In fact, about 1 in 5 workplace fatalities in the UK involve a forklift or industrial vehicle – a category which includes telehandlers. This stark statistic shows why professional training is not just a formality but a necessity. Our telehandler courses emphasise safety at every step, ensuring you know how to operate the machine without endangering yourself or others.
• Compliance & Certification: Most construction firms and major contractors in our region will not allow you to operate a telehandler without the correct ticket (CPCS or NPORS card). The training gives you that certified “ticket” proving you met the standards. It covers legal requirements, such as understanding load limits and equipment inspections, helping both you and your employer remain compliant with regulations.
• High Demand Skill: From house-building sites in Nottingham to infrastructure projects across the East Midlands, telehandler operators are in continuous demand. Gaining this skill can significantly expand your job opportunities. Many labourers and tradespeople choose to get a telehandler license to broaden their role on site (and often, to earn a higher wage). Because telehandlers are so widely used in construction, having this qualification is a smart move for career development.
• Efficient Worksite Operations: A trained telehandler operator can dramatically improve productivity on site – safely speeding up the movement of bricks, pallets, and steelwork. Employers know this, which is why they prioritise candidates with proper training. By completing the telehandler course, you’re not just ticking a box; you’re learning to contribute to a safer and more efficient workplace.

NPORS: https://essentialsiteskills.co.uk/course/npors-telescopic-handler-n010

CPCS:  https://essentialsiteskills.co.uk/course/cpcs-telescopic-handler-a17

Asbestos Awareness (Category A) – Safety for Older Buildings

Our UKATA-approved Asbestos Awareness (Category A) course is one of the most essential short courses for construction workers, and it’s one we deliver regularly across Nottinghamshire. Even though asbestos was banned in 1999, we still encounter it in many old buildings being refurbished or demolished. As a result, UK regulations (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012) require that any worker who is likely to disturb asbestos-containing materials must have asbestos awareness training. This is typically a half-day session – a small time investment that could save your life. It’s no surprise that so many tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, demolition crews, etc.) make sure to attend an asbestos awareness course each year to stay up to date.

During the course, our instructors walk you through what asbestos is, where it might be found, how to avoid disturbing it, and emergency procedures if you do encounter suspect materials. You’ll learn to recognise common asbestos-containing products (insulation boards, pipe lagging, old floor tiles, etc.) and understand the health risks involved. Asbestos is infamous for a reason – it’s a hidden killer that still claims about 5,000 workers’ lives each year in the UK, more than the number of people killed on roads. Knowing how to work safely around it is absolutely crucial.

Why you shouldn’t skip Asbestos Awareness:

• Legal Duty: As mentioned, it’s not optional – if there’s any chance your work could disturb asbestos, you must have this training. Employers can be fined heavily if workers lack proper asbestos training. Taking this course keeps you and your company on the right side of the law.
• Health Protection: Asbestos-related diseases (like mesothelioma and lung cancer) are serious, often fatal, and usually develop decades after exposure. While medical treatments are improving, prevention remains the best protection. They also develop years after exposure, which means a single mistake now could cost your health down the line. By attending an asbestos awareness course, you’ll know how to avoid exposure altogether. This knowledge protects not just you, but also your coworkers, family, and anyone who might be affected by asbestos dust you could inadvertently spread.
• Short and Impactful: This is a half-day session – in a morning or afternoon you’ll gain potentially life-saving knowledge. We keep it engaging with real examples and photographs so you’ll remember the warning signs. Many attendees say it’s eye-opening when they realise how common asbestos used to be and how important it is to stay vigilant.
• Required Yearly: Asbestos Awareness is generally recommended annually to refresh your knowledge. So even if you took it a year or two ago, 2025 might be time for an update. We continuously update our course content to reflect any changes in regulations and to reinforce good practices. It’s one of our most attended courses year after year because safety can’t be taken for granted.

Link: https://essentialsiteskills.co.uk/courses/asbestos-awareness

Many clients also choose to book Face Fit Testing or our Train the Tester course alongside asbestos training to ensure comprehensive safety compliance.

The above courses are among the most popular offerings at Essential Site Skills for good reason – they help keep you and your colleagues safe, while also boosting your employability in the construction field. From core safety certifications to specialist skills, investing in training is one of the best moves you can make for your career in 2025. Essential Site Skills is proud to be a leading training provider in Nottinghamshire, delivering these courses with experienced instructors at convenient locations and online.

Ready to take the next step? If any of these courses caught your eye, don’t hesitate to book your place or reach out to us for more details. You can find course schedules and booking information via the links above. If you’re not sure which training is right for you, contact our friendly team – we’re happy to help guide you based on your goals.

Get in touch today to ensure you don’t miss out on these in-demand courses – we look forward to seeing you in the classroom and on site, armed with new skills and confidence!