NVQ: Level 2 - Certificate in Plant Operations

SB Skills Solutions offer the Level 2 Plant Operations NVQ for anyone wishing to hold a blue CPCS Competence Card.

The NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Plant Operations provides formal recognition of the skills and competence of those already employed in a role where they work with plant or machinery such as cranes, forklift trucks, ride-on rollers, and excavators.

This qualification is usually taken by those working as plant operators. The qualification consists of several mandatory units and a choice of optional units, allowing you to pick the pathway most suited to your role and the type of plant and machinery you use at work.

Those wanting to complete the NVQ will either:

• Have a red CPCS Trained Operator card and require a Plant Operations NVQ to upgrade to the blue CPCS Competence card
• Not have a CPCS license and want to go direct to a blue Competence card after completing a theory and practical test

Prices start from £525 for one NVQ category and discounts are available for multiple categories. Also, if you are a CITB levy payer you may be entitled to claim back up to £610 per NVQ!

What are the entry requirements?

This NVQ level 2 Certificate in Plant Operations does not involve any training or lessons, it is a work-based qualification that requires you to prove your competence in the qualification’s criteria whilst at work on-site.

This means that although you do not require any formal qualifications to enrol on the course, you will need to already be employed and experienced in a relevant role.

Those employed and working as plant operators should also already have a red CPCS trained operator card.

What does the NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Plant Operations course involve?

Once you have enrolled on the NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Plant Operations you will be assigned an occupationally competent assessor.

Your assessor will act as your point of contact whilst you complete your NVQ, answering your queries and visiting you on-site to observe you at work and help you to gather evidence of your competence in your role.

The NVQ’s mandatory units cover general health, safety, and welfare at work, and conforming to productive working practices. Optional units cover the safe operation of different types of plants and machinery.

Whilst candidates should already have a sound understanding of each of the topics covered, many people find that taking this qualification is an ideal way to consolidate their knowledge on the legislation, guidelines, and best practices surrounding plant operations.

Learners are required to gather evidence of their competence in each of the qualification’s criteria whilst they are at work. Evidence can come in different forms, including paperwork, records of conversations, observations by your assessor, and witness testimonials.

Once you are satisfied that all evidence required has been gathered, it should be compiled into a portfolio and submitted to the exam board.

How long does the qualification take to complete?

This NVQ certificate does not require any classroom training, exams, or time out of work, it is completed at your own pace around your schedule.

How long the qualification takes to complete will depend on how much time you can commit to it and how quickly you can gather the evidence required.

The length of time it takes each person to complete the qualification can vary quite significantly. On average, most people take around 6 – 12 months to complete it, but it is possible to complete it much quicker.

Accreditation

This NVQ certificate is ProQual accredited and has been developed in line with the industry’s requirements.

Once you have submitted your portfolio of evidence to the examining board, you will be marked as either competent or not yet competent. If you are marked as competent you will be awarded the ProQual NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Plant Operations.

Once you have been awarded the certification you will be eligible to apply for your blue CPCS competent operator card.

Completing this qualification and holding a competent operator skills card can help to progress your career within your current role and improve your employability within the construction industry.

If you wish to make a booking or if you have any queries please contact our sales team now on 01695 558420 or at info@sbskills.co.uk.