Searching for the right plant operator course to meet your specific requirements and professional aspirations?
To help you determine whether plant operator training is the best route for you, the team of expert NVQ assessors at SB Skills Solutions explains what trainees can learn from taking this type of construction course.
We’ll also touch on how much a plant operator course can cost in the UK as well as the different types of construction plant training in more detail below.
What is plant operator training?
Plant operator training is an umbrella term that covers the type of training an individual must receive to ensure they can safely operate heavy machinery on a construction site.
Plant operators tend to specialise in just one kind of machinery, such as an excavator, crane, or dumper.
This training should not only cover how to operate a certain type of machinery and equipment, but it should also provide individuals with on-site health and safety awareness.
Alongside having the relevant health and safety and construction plant training, on-site experience in this position is also required if you want to take on a plant operator role.
As a result, individuals that complete a plant operator course will often go on to take a trainee position on a construction site.
What types of plant operator training are there?
As mentioned above, there’s many different types of construction machinery that a plant operator can specialise in which means there’s a wide variety of plant operator courses they can take.
We explain the contents of some of these courses below.
As long as the individual has passed the necessary CITB (Construction Industry Training Board)
Health & Safety Touch Screen Test, these training courses can be taken by novices and those with more experience.
CPCS Ride on Road Roller A31
Ideal for compacting the ground to ensure the surface is smooth and level, ride-on road rollers are an essential piece of equipment for construction sites.
Individuals that attend this course will therefore learn how to operate this piece of compaction machinery, identify conditions that could affect the stability of the roller, and set up the roller for travel purposes.
CPCS Crawler Crane A02
Crawler cranes have massive lifting capability, allowing them to lift incredibly heavy loads commonly used for construction like steel beams and concrete blocks.
Course attendees must therefore be taught how to operate the crane safely and productively. This includes being able to recognise and respond to crane signals, accurately position the crane, and carry out routine maintenance.
CPCS Forward Tipping Dumpers A09
The main purpose of a forward tipping dumper is to transport a wide range of materials safely and effectively around a construction site. This includes travelling over many different terrain types, such as soft ground, inclines, and rough terrain.
As a result, this course focuses on teaching attendees how to operate a forward tipping dumper which includes taking the relevant safety precautions and knowing how to prepare the dumper for travelling on public roads.
CPCS Mini Excavator Below 10 Tonnes A58
Suitable for everything from digging, trenching, and backfilling to levelling, grading, and drilling, attendees of this course will be taught how to safely operate and maintain a mini excavator.
As well as learning the capabilities of mini excavators, they’ll also learn the limitations of these machines. They’ll also be taught how to carry out the necessary adjustments and service procedures to ensure smooth operation.
CPCS Telescopic Handler A17
This course focuses on teaching individuals how to safely operate the telescopic handler in various situations. This piece of machinery is used to support with bricklaying, road sweeping, and carrying suspended loads, among other essential construction site tasks.
Course attendees will also be taught how to place and transport loads, prepare this piece of machinery for public road travel, and manoeuvre the telescopic handler in confined areas. They’ll also cover areas like pre-use and running checks as well as how different types of terrain can affect travel.
How much is a plant operator training course?
The exact cost of a plant operator course naturally varies depending on the course provider and course length, as well as whether the training is booked for an individual or group.
As a result, prices can vary from hundreds to thousands of pounds.
We therefore recommend contacting a course provider for a more accurate idea of how much a plant operator course will cost.
Plant operator training with SB Skills Solutions
Eager to progress your career in the construction industry? By taking the relevant plant operator course and construction plant training, you can significantly broaden your career options.
At SB Skills Solutions, the team of experienced assessors can equip you with all the necessary skills, experience, and competence to obtain your NVQ Level 2 Plant Operations qualification.
Candidates taking this qualification will also have the option to specialise in operating various plant equipment and machines.
This including compacting machinery (like ride-on rollers and landfill and soil compactors), transportation machinery (such as forward tipping dumpers and rear tipping dumpers), and excavating machinery (including 180° and 360° excavators, crawler tractor dozers and crawler cranes).
With this sought-after qualification under your belt, you can go on to apply for your blue CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) Competence Card. This card demonstrates to employers that you have the necessary competence, experience, and skills to safely operate a specific type of plant.
Offering comprehensive plant operator training courses that are recognised by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), our courses are led by trained CPCS, NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme), and in-house instructors.
If you’d like to find out more about the contents or prices of the plant operator training courses available at SB Skills Solutions, please don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team today.
You can discuss your plant operator course with a member of our team by calling 01695 558420 or sending your enquiry via email to info@sbskills.co.uk.
Once we’ve received your enquiry, you can rest assured we’ll be in touch soon to learn more about your plant operator training requirements.
