Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Construction)

About Level 2 Diploma in PLANT Operations (Construction):

The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations is a nationally recognised vocational qualification aimed at individuals who are seeking to work in the construction and civil engineering industries. It’s particularly for those in roles that require the operation of plant machinery. These industries are critical to the economic growth of many countries and offer a wide range of employment opportunities for individuals with the appropriate skills and qualifications.

The programme offers specialised pathways to accommodate individuals from diverse backgrounds, given the wide range of industries that rely on plant operations, such as crane operation, specialised lifting, excavation, construction, load transportation, in-shore marine work, erecting and dismantling, or road machinery. Based on your previous role and experience, a qualified assessor will determine the most appropriate pathway to help you achieve excellence in your career.

Each pathway is designed to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of a specific area of plant operation, allowing you to remain focused on your primary objectives. Beginning with the fundamentals of health and safety and productive practices in the workplace, the pathways progress to a highly specialised area, ensuring that you develop the expertise necessary to become an expert in your field.

What are the different pathways in this programme?

The Level 2 Diploma in Plant Operations offers eleven distinct pathways, each tailored to meet the needs of individuals operating specific types of equipment.

Pathway 1 – Cranes and Specialist Lifting

This programme is focused on the safe and efficient operation of different types of cranes and lifting equipment, such as mobile cranes, tower cranes, and overhead cranes. It is designed for individuals who operate this type of equipment on construction sites and other industrial settings.

Pathway 2 – Excavating

This pathway is designed for individuals who operate excavators and other heavy machinery used in excavation work. Participants will learn about the different types of excavators, safe operating procedures, and how to use them to dig trenches, grade land, and perform other excavation-related tasks.

Pathway 3 – Extracting

This programme is for those who operate machinery used in extracting minerals, such as coal and ores, from the earth. Participants will learn about the equipment used in this industry, including draglines, shovels, and loaders, and will be trained in safe operating procedures.

Pathway 4 – Construction and Forming

This pathway concentrates on those who operate machinery used in construction and forming work, such as bulldozers, graders, and pavers.

Pathway 5 – Transporting Loads

This route is specifically for individuals who operate machinery used to transport heavy loads, such as forklifts, dump trucks, and articulated dump trucks. Learners will learn about the different types of equipment used in this industry, safe operating procedures, and how to transport loads efficiently and safely.

Pathway 6 – Laying and Distributing

This pathway is for those operating machinery used in laying and distributing materials, such as asphalt, concrete, and aggregates. 

Pathway 7 – Road/Rail

This programme is structured for people who operate machinery used in the construction and maintenance of roads and railways. 

Pathway 8 – Attachments

This pathway is for those who operate machinery with a range of attachments, such as backhoes and skid steer loaders. Participants will learn about the different types of attachments used in this industry, safe operating procedures, and how to use the attachments to perform a variety of tasks.

Pathway 9 – In-shore Marine

This programme is designed for individuals who operate machinery used in in-shore marine settings, such as excavators and barges.

Pathway 10 – Erecting and Dismantling

This pathway is formulated for individuals who operate machinery used in erecting and dismantling structures, such as cranes and hoists. It concentrates on different types of equipment used in this industry, safety practices, and how to assemble and disassemble structures safely and efficiently.

Pathway 11 – Road Plant or Machinery

This programme is intended for those who handle a range of machinery used in road construction, maintenance, and repair. This route will help you specialise in the different types of equipment used, safe operating procedures, and how to maintain and repair the machinery to ensure safe and efficient operation.

How To Get The Blue CPCS Card?

Acquiring a CPCS Blue Card requires four steps, each of which is crucial to the overall process. These steps include:

Step 1: Completion of Training (NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plant Operations)

To be eligible for a CPCS Blue Card, you must first complete the necessary training program. This programme provides you with the essential skills and knowledge required to operate plant machinery safely and efficiently.

Step 2: Passing the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test

After completing your training, you must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test. This test is designed to ensure that you possess the essential knowledge and understanding of health and safety regulations within a construction environment.

Step 3: Passing the CPCS Theory Test

Within two years of passing the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test, you must pass the CPCS Theory Test. This test is designed to assess your theoretical knowledge of operating plant machinery competently. You can take this test online or through a CPCS-approved test center.

Step 4: Passing the CPCS Practical Test

Within six months of passing the CPCS Theory Test, you must pass the CPCS Practical Test. This test is to assess your practical skills and ability to operate plant machinery. The test consists of a series of tasks that you must complete in a simulated work environment.

Do I Have To Be Employed To Enrol On This Programme?

To start this qualification, you must already be employed in a similar role because you'll be required to provide evidence of your completed assignments. This means that if you're just starting out and don't have access to a worksite, it wouldn't be suitable for you to sign up for this course. Therefore, it's essential that you secure employment before enrolling on this program.

How Will This Qualification be Assessed?

This qualification will be assessed at your workplace, which means you won't have to worry about scheduling extra evaluation sessions. An assessor will work with you to select a specialised pathway that fits your skills and interests, and then guide you through the entire process. To meet the assessment criteria, you'll need to provide evidence of your work. This evidence could come in various forms such as

• Observation report by assessor

• Assignments/projects/reports

• Professional discussion

• Witness testimony

• Candidate product

• Worksheets

• Record of oral and written questioning

• Recognition of Prior Learning 

How Long Will This Programme Take?

The self-paced nature of this diploma allows you to fit the learning around your current work and personal commitments. This flexible approach to learning is perfect for those who are already employed in the industry and want to further their skills without taking extended periods away from work. Typically, it takes 4-6 weeks.

Is There Any Refresher for this Qualification?

You do not need to re-sit the qualification for any refresher, as it is valid for a lifetime. It's worth noting that while the CPCS card may have an expiration date, this won't affect the validity of your diploma. If your card does expire, you can proceed to step 2 without worrying about the status of your diploma. 

Is the Course Price Inclusive of the CSCS Card and CITB Test Fee?

The price of the CSCS card and CITB test fee isn't included in the course price. But, on the bright side, once you finish the course, you'll receive a qualification that counts towards one of the four requirements for getting a CPCS Blue Card.

Who Should Opt For This Diploma?

• Construction workers who wish to pursue a career as a plant operator and are looking to gain a nationally recognised qualification to further their career prospects.

• Individuals who have worked with plant machinery before and want to specialise in a specific type of machinery to improve their chances of career advancement.

• Plant operatives who want to enhance their knowledge and skills to work with various types of machines such as excavators, bulldozers, backhoe loaders, etc.