This week Energy & Utility Skills announced that it would be moving away from plastic EUSR registration cards in favour of a virtual card. The change comes as the company moves towards reducing its plastic usage whilst also hoping to increase overall security and speed when it comes to carrying out registration checks.

The new virtual cards will keep record of an individual’s active EUSR registrations and will be accessible through an app called Vircarda on smartphones and tablets. The digital card is also compatible with CSCS’ Smart Check app enabling registered individuals access to CSCS controlled sites from the 1st of April. Other sites will be able to download and use an app called Checarda, to check someone's registration.

What does this mean for those looking to renew their EUSR card?

As of the 14th of February all new EUSR registrations will be issued with a virtual card, with existing plastic card holders given the opportunity to upgrade to the virtual card for free, granted they can provide a mobile number to EUSR by Friday 4 March. They would then receive secure login details and download links via SMS messages.

Individuals without a smartphone or tablet can still request a new physical smart card for a small additional fee. These newer cards contain a microchip that is readable by the checking apps. An individual’s training and skills record can still be checked manually on the EUSR register search.

Phil Beach CBE, Chief Executive of Energy & Utility Skills, comments:

“Energy & Utility Skills is making a significant investment in the latest market-leading technology to reduce plastic use, playing our part alongside employers in the energy and utilities industries in the drive to net zero. Our new virtual cards will be issued and updated swiftly and securely and help to reduce identity theft and fraud.”

Universal Skills offers online EUSR Shea Courses for the Gas and Power industry. Completing these will see candidates receive a virtual card.

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