Construction Plant Operations

Apprenticeship Criteria:

To be an apprentice you must:

• be 16 years of age or older.
• be employed and working 30 hours or more per week.
• be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices.

Level 2 Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship.

Construction and Plant Assessments Ltd deliver the new Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship Standard. This Apprenticeship standard has been created in collaboration with the UK’s most prominent Construction companies and was approved for delivery in July 2020.

This apprenticeship is designed for anyone interested in pursuing a career in operating plant machinery on construction sites throughout the country. It will provide vocational skills and training opportunities at the same time as supporting the process of developing these skills in the workplace whilst earning a wage.

The delivery is on a block release basis (3-5 days a week) on 7 occasions over a period of approximately 15 months. The majority of the training will be held on our site in Barnsley however, some in-centre training will be held at CP Assessments main training centre in Doncaster. Additional training dates will be scheduled on an individual basis for apprentices that require Functional Skills Maths and English. 

This apprenticeship involves the learning on four common types of construction plant and includes:

• 360-degree excavator
• Dumper/dump truck
• Telescopic Handler
• Ride-on roller.

During this apprenticeship, the operative will undertake a range of non-operational activities with each machine such as the checking, maintaining, and cleaning of their machine. They will also learn to direct and guide other plant and vehicles; for example, directing the driver of a dump truck where to position themselves when being loaded by the excavator and will further learn how to signal and marshal other plant and vehicles undertaking site deliveries, carry out checks on the work they do and finally help load their plant onto or off a transporter when being delivered to another site.

Operating plant is a safety critical activity and means that the actions of the operative have a direct and significant consequence to the safety and welfare of others, including the general public. Therefore, this occupation comes with a high level of responsibility.

Apprentices will need to be aware of the importance of following procedures and following guidance of senior members of the team due to the many risks and hazards present in the work environment. They must be able to work equally well independently and as part of a team and have excellent communication skills.

Apprentices that achieve this standard will be awarded a blue NPORS card for each of the four items of plant.

End Point Assessment

On completion of the apprenticeship training, apprentices will complete the End Point Assessment. This is the final test of the apprenticeship and is an assessment of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours the apprentice has learned throughout the apprenticeship. The EPA comprises of a knowledge test, practical assessment & a professional discussion, carried out by an external assessor. The EPA confirms that the apprentice is occupationally competent and ready to work in their chosen field. 

The Construction Plant Operative delivery plan details the training week by week. 

Progression:

The ability to operate a core range of plant onsite will enable apprentices to work across several projects and provide the basis of upgrading to more specialist plant such as graders, dozers, demolition plant etc. They can progress to becoming a lead operator, supervisor, site or plant manager, or even set up their own contracting company.