Who it's aimed at
This qualification is for those working as a Plant Operator. It has 2 mandatory units with pathways developed to recognise competence and knowledge in the use of specific equipment and machinery in the following groups; Cranes and Specialist Lifting Plant, Fork-lift Trucks, Extracting Plant, Transporting Loads Plant, Accessing Plant, Compacting Plant, Movement Guidance and Processing Plant.
There is also a GQA Level 2 Diploma in Plant Operations that includes alternative pathways and equipment/machinery.
Entry Requirements
Relevant on-site experience in construction relevant to this qualification.
This qualification is at Level 2, although some units may be at different levels and should be taken by those who are fully trained to deal with a range of tasks and situations. Candidates should require minimum supervision in carrying out the required work.
Units options
Mandatory units include:
- Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace
- Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace
We then choose a pathway most applicable to what you do in your role. and chose unit/s within those pathways (a minimum of 1 unit to be chosen).
Pathway 1- Cranes and Specialist Lifting Plant (a minimum of 1 unit to be chosen)
- Preparing and Operating Compact Cranes to Lift and Transfer Loads
- Preparing and operating remote controlled tower cranes to lift and transfer loads
- Preparing and Operating Overhead Cranes to Lift and Transfer Loads
- Preparing and Operating Excavator Cranes to Lift and Transfer Loads
- Preparing and Operating Hoists to Lift and Transfer Loads
- Preparing and Operating Lorry Loaders or Knuckle Boom Cranes to Lift and Transfer Loads
- Preparing and Operating Skip Handlers to Lift and Transfer Loads
- Preparing and Operating Container Handlers to Lift and Transfer Loads
- Preparing and Operating Self propelled Modular Transporters – SPMT – to Lift and Transfer Loads
Pathway 2- Fork-lift Trucks (a minimum of 1 unit to be chosen)
- Preparing and Operating Rough Terrain Masted Forklifts to Lift and Transfer Loads
- Preparing and operating industrial forklift trucks to lift and transfer loads
- Preparing and Operating Side loader Forklifts to Lift and Transfer Loads
- Preparing and Operating Telescopic Handlers to Lift and Transfer Loads
- Preparing and Operating Reach Trucks to Lift and Transfer Loads
- Preparing and operating ergonomic manipulating machines to lift and transfer loads
Pathway 3- Extracting Plant (a minimum of 1 unit to be chosen)
- Preparing and Operating Wheeled Loading Shovels to Extract Loose Materials
- Preparing and Operating Skid Steer Loaders to Extract Loose Materials
- Preparing and Operating Loader Compressors to Extract Loose Materials
Pathway 4- Transporting Loads Plant (a minimum of 1 unit to be chosen)
- Preparing and Operating Forward Tipping Dumpers to Receive, Transport and Discharge Materials
- Preparing and Operating Rear Tipping Dump Trucks to Receive, Transport and Discharge Materials
- Preparing and Operating Agricultural-based Tractors for Non agricultural Activities
- Preparing and Operating Trailer mounted Concrete Pumps to Receive, Pump and Discharge Materials
- Preparing and Operating Self propelled Bowsers to Receive, Transport and Discharge Materials
- Preparing and operating static concrete placing booms to discharge and place materials
- Preparing and operating volumetric trucks to receive and transport materials
Pathway 5- Accessing Plant- (a minimum of 1 unit to be chosen)
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Preparing and Operating Scissor-type Mobile Elevating Work Platforms – MEWP
- Preparing and Operating Boom-type Mobile Elevating Work Platforms – MEWP
- Preparing and Operating Mast Climber-type Mobile Elevating Work Platforms – MEWP
Pathway 6- Compacting Plant- (a minimum of 1 unit to be chosen)
- Preparing and Operating Ride-on Rollers to Compact Materials
- Preparing and Operating Soil Compactors to Compact Materials
- Preparing and Operating Landfill Compactors to Spread and Compact Materials
Pathway 7- Movement Guide
- Preparing to and directing and guiding the movement of vehicles, plant or machinery
Pathway 8- Processing Plant- (a minimum of 1 unit to be chosen)
- Preparing and operating crushers to process materials
- Preparing and operating screeners to process materials
- Preparing and operating batching plant to process materials
Benefits of undertaking a qualification and progression Opportunities
Showcase your competence: Gain accreditation for the skills you’ve developed with a qualification recognised across the UK construction industry.
Once you have completed the qualification and received your certificate, you can then apply for the Blue Competent Operator Card such as the NPORS/CSCS or CPCS Card. This all depends on the plant pathway, card scheme and applicable eligibility requirements.
These cards will confirm that you have the relevant qualification (SVQ or NVQ) to work as a Plant Operator. This card is valid for five years and includes a CPD record/operator logbook.
Alternatively, you can obtain the Red Trained Operator Card and will need to complete an NPORS Accredited training and testing. We can put you in touch with companies we work with, who deliver NPORS Training courses. These are issued to operators who do not currently hold the requisite SVQ or NVQ. This card is valid for two years, during which the operator must register for and achieve the required qualification.
The same principle applies for the CPCS Card.
Please see below further information on the different cards available:
https://npors.com/products/npors-card-information/
https://cpcs.nocn.org.uk/CPCS/
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This qualification also supports career progression and could also open doors to additional qualifications. Ones to consider:
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Level 4 NVQ Controlling Lifting Operations- Supervising Lifts (Construction)
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Level 3 NVQ Occupational Working Supervision
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Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Supervision
- Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Site Management
- Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations Management
- Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management