The cards are used by the majority of contractors and clients to provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the required training and qualifications for the type of work they carry out.

But the process for applying for them has often been painfully slow and handled by call centres run by the Construction Industry Training Board under a deal which is now coming to an end.

The Enquirer has previously reported on contractor complaints about dealing with the call centre.

Graham Wren, Chief Executive at CSCS said: “I am delighted to announce that the new service will go live by the end of 2019.

“This new and exciting development includes the introduction of online applications and the ability to send an electronic version of the CSCS card directly to your mobile phone.”

Applying for a CSCS card online will be considerably easier, quicker and more convenient than any other means of application.

Applicants will have the choice of applying for their cards using their personal computers, tablet devices or mobile phones.

The streamlined service will allow applicants the convenience of submitting their applications at a time to suit them and from any location, without the need to pick up the phone and talk to a service agent.

Wren added: “Buying services online is quickly becoming the norm.

“Introduction of the new service will remove much of the complexity surrounding the existing application process and demonstrate CSCS’s commitment to delivering a first-class service to the 1.5 million card holders and their employers in the UK construction industry.”

CSCS emphasised that the scheme will continue to operate as normal while the process of developing the new service takes place.

Further details about CSCS’s plans to introduce an online application service can be found here