FAQs

We recruit for a wide range of construction roles across Ireland and the UK including - General Operatives | Skilled Operatives | Groundworkers | Hoist Operators | Gatesmen | Traffic Marshalls | Carpenters | Bricklayers | Plasterers | Scaffolders | Machine Drivers - 180, 360, Dumper | Crane Drivers | Crane Supervisors | Electricians | Electricians' Mates | Plumbers | Gas Engineers, and other Skilled Trades.

In Ireland, most roles require a valid Safe Pass & Manual Handling. Some sites may also ask for a MEWP, Abrasive Wheels, CSCS, or specific plant operation tickets depending on the role.

In the UK you will require a valid CSCS | CPCS Card or NPORS tickets. You may also require Asbestos Awareness and Safety Medical Cert depending on the role.

Check out out helpful Guide for more details ⤵️

The 3D Guide - Safe Pass & CSCS for Construction Jobs in Ireland and the UK

Scroll down this page to see our Site Requirements - FAQ section ⤵️

We recruit for locations throughout Ireland, England and Scotland. If you are willing to travel, we can often offer more options.

Check out our list of offices under the Contact Us tab, to talk to a team member in your area.

It depends on where you are based!

In Ireland, at a minimum, you’ll need your own steel toe boots, hi-vis vest, hard hat, protective glasses and gloves. 

In the UK our team will supply you with the relevant PPE you require for site.

Some roles may require specific PPE, which we’ll inform you about before placement.

You can register by calling us, applying online, or visiting our office. We’ll ask for:

• Proof of ID
• PPS number (for Ireland) | NI number (for the UK)
• Right to work in Ireland | UK
• Copies of any relevant certs or cards (e.g. Safe Pass | Manual Handling | CSCS | CPCS | NPORS)

It depends on your availability and the demand at the time. In many cases, operatives can start within a day or two of registration, especially for urgent roles.

We pay weekly via bank transfer, one week in arrears. 

Most operatives in the Republic of Ireland are paid through PAYE. 

In the UK you will be offered 3D PAYE, Umbrella, or CIS depending on the role you apply for.

Absolutely. Your Recruitment Consultant | Labour Manager is available by phone or email to assist with anything from timesheets and pay issues to site concerns or feedback.

Yes. While many placements begin as temporary work, good workers are often retained long-term, or offered permanent contracts directly by the client.

Yes, we partner with accredited training providers and can help you access courses like Safe Pass, Manual Handling, SCSC, CPCS, NPORS, MEWP, and others to expand your qualifications and job options.

Let us know as soon as possible, ideally the evening before, so we can update the site and plan accordingly. Regular communication helps us maintain a good relationship with both you and the client.

No. In order to be considered for employment through our Agency, you will first need to be legally resident and have the relevant documents allowing you to work in the UK or Ireland.

We recruit across a wide range of professional and technical roles including:

Quantity Surveyors | Site Engineers | Site Managers | Project Managers | Health & Safety Officers | Architects & Technicians | BIM Specialists | Design Managers | Planners | M&E Coordinators.

Most roles require a degree or diploma in a relevant field (e.g., Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture). Membership of professional bodies (e.g., Engineers Ireland, RIAI, CIOB) is often advantageous. 

No. In order to be considered for employment through our Agency, you will first need to be legally resident and have the relevant documents allowing you to work in Ireland or the UK.

Yes, along with placing candidates with suitable companies on permanent deals, we can also assist with Freelance | Contract roles.

See our Register as a Contractor page or reach out to one of our team. 

No. Our recruitment services are free for candidates. Clients (employers) pay our fees.

Always. We will never submit your CV to a client without your prior knowledge and approval.

Not necessarily, we welcome applications from professionals based abroad, once you have eligibility to work in Ireland or the UK (e.g., EU citizenship, Irish/UK passport, or valid work visa) and have previous relevant experience in these jurisdictions.

Absolutely. We regularly assist returning Irish/UK professionals moving back to Ireland or the UK. We can advise on job market trends, salaries, and location-specific insights.

Yes. Our team specialise in Executive Search and leadership recruitment within the construction industry, helping organisations secure top-tier directors and C-suite executives who will drive strategy and business growth.

No. In order to be considered for employment through our Agency, you will first need to be legally resident and have the relevant documents allowing you to work in Ireland or the UK.

Whether your requirements are for an experienced trades person, machine operator, labourer, or you're looking to put a team in place for your next project, 3D Personnel's team of recruitment specialists will supply the right people with the skill set to match your requirements.

Absolutely. We have wide ranging experience supporting clients with ramp-up hiring for large-scale infrastructure, commercial, and residential projects. Our existing database and networking advantages allows us to move quickly where the need arises. 

We specialise exclusively in the construction sector in Ireland and the UK, with deep industry knowledge and a vetted network of high-calibre candidates.

We use a combination of headhunting, advertising, referrals, and database searches to find the best talent. All candidates are pre-screened and matched specifically to your needs.

Yes. We conduct detailed reference checks on shortlisted candidates before an offer is made.

Depending on the role and location, most Protech placements take between 1–4 weeks. Niche or senior roles may take longer.

For Trades & Labour roles, in many cases we can offer next day fulfilment.

Yes. Safe Pass is mandatory for all construction workers in the Republic of Ireland. You must successfully complete a one‑day SOLAS course. For Safe Pass renewal, you can take a shorter online exam programme at various Pearson VUE test centres.

Typical Safe Pass course fees range from €120 – €170, depending on the provider and location.

Online renewal via the Pearson VUE route currently costs €93.84, including the new card.

Your Safe Pass is valid for 4 years.

You must renew before expiry to avoid having to retake the full course.

Yes. SOLAS now offers a 45‑minute online renewal exam delivered at Pearson VUE test centres.

It is faster and cheaper than the full one‑day course.

Yes. Under the mutual recognition agreement between SOLAS and CSR, Safe Pass is accepted on most NI sites.

However, some contractors may require CSR + role‑specific training (e.g., Working at Heights).

Manual Handling certificates are typically valid for 3 years, but many employers now require annual refreshers.

You need a SOLAS CSCS category card for machinery such as:

• 360° Excavator
• Teleporter
• Site Dumper
• Mobile Crane
• Scaffolding (Basic/Advanced)
• Signing, Lighting & Guarding

Short courses like Abrasive Wheels and MEWP/IPAF are also commonly required.

The DAA vetting process typically takes 2–6 weeks, depending on background checks.

A UK CSCS card is not a substitute for Safe Pass.

You still need a Safe Pass card to work on construction sites in the Republic of Ireland.

They are completely separate systems:

• Irish CSCS (SOLAS) = plant/machinery competence (e.g., 360 excavator, teleporter)
• UK CSCS = general site access card based on NVQ + CITB test

They are not interchangeable.

Yes — since the 2024 CLC changes, all UK CSCS cards must be qualification‑based.

This means an NVQ or equivalent is required for Skilled Worker and higher‑level cards.

• CSCS card: £36
• CITB HS&E Test: £25

Prices may change, so always check the official CSCS website.

Most CSCS cards are valid for 5 years.

Renewal requires retaking the CITB HS&E test.

• CSR (Northern Ireland) = NI’s health & safety card system
• CSCS (UK) = GB’s national card scheme
• Safe Pass (Ireland) = ROI’s mandatory safety card

CSR and CSCS have partial mutual recognition, but not full equivalence.

CSR cards are recognised under the CSCS Partner Card Scheme, but acceptance varies.

Some UK contractors — especially on large infrastructure projects — now require UK CSCS specifically.

CSR cards typically cost £120 – £130, depending on the training provider.

CPCS cards are valid for 5 years.

Renewal requires logged hours and refresher testing.

Typical CPCS training and testing costs range from £600 – £900, depending on category and provider.

Yes. NPORS is now widely accepted across UK construction sites and is often cheaper and more flexible than CPCS.

• SSSTS is required for supervisors
• SMSTS is required for site managers

Both must be renewed every 5 years.

Online delivery is now permanently approved.

Yes, if you feel you have the attributes required, please reach out to one of our team with a current CV. Visit the Join Us page for more information.

Along with Recruitment Consultant | Labour Manager | Sales roles, we also have a range of support roles including, admin, payroll and data processing.