Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations (Construction)

About Level 2 Certificate in Plant Operations:

The Level 2 Certificate in Plant Operations is an ideal qualification for those who are just starting in the industry and are seeking a solid foundation in the basics of health and safety, as well as an in-depth understanding of a specialised pathway. This work-based qualification is highly regarded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and is recognised throughout the UK's construction sector, which makes it an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.

With this qualification, you'll have the flexibility to be assessed at your workplace, which means that you won't need to take time off work. Instead, an experienced and qualified assessor will be assigned to you, and they'll help you connect to a suitable pathway based on your previous experience and your current role in the industry. This personalised approach ensures that you receive tailored guidance and support throughout the programme.

The Level 2 Certificate in Plant Operations will provide you with the essential expertise to operate specific types of plant machinery, such as forklift trucks, excavators, or dumpers, with confidence and safety. The qualification also helps you to upgrade from a Red Trained Operator Card to the CPCS Blue Card.

What is the Difference Between a Level 2 Diploma in Plant Operations and a Level 2 Certificate in Plant Operations?

Although both qualifications are classified as Level 2, their scope and flexibility vary significantly. For instance, the Diploma offers 11 pathways to choose from, while the Certificate has 15, providing greater options to suit your career choices. 

The Diploma is an advanced qualification that assumes prior industry knowledge, covering more in-depth concepts and techniques. In contrast, the certificate is designed for those starting out in entry-level roles and offers a foundational understanding of plant operations.

To determine the best qualification for your needs and experience, it's recommended to connect with an assessor who can evaluate your knowledge, familiarity, and understanding of the industry before enrolling on either programme. This personalised approach can ensure that you are on the right track and get the most out of your training.

What Does Each Pathway Focus On?

Pathway 1: This pathway concentrates on building your expertise in crane operations and developing your aptitude to operate specialist lifting equipment.

Pathway 2: For those interested in forklift truck operation, this pathway is designed to equip you with the skill set necessary to operate and maintain forklift trucks.

Pathway 3: This pathway focuses on the extraction of materials from quarries, mines, and other locations, and will teach you how to safely operate equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and front-end loaders.

Pathway 4: In this pathway, you will learn about the safe and efficient transportation of materials and equipment, including how to operate vehicles such as dump trucks, articulated lorries, and low loaders.

Pathway 5: For those interested in work platform operation, this pathway provides comprehensive training on the safe and efficient use of work platforms such as scissor lifts and cherry pickers.

Pathway 6: This pathway delves into the laying and distribution of materials, such as pipes and cables, and covers the operation of equipment such as trenchers, cable laying machines, and pipe layers.

Pathway 7: If you're interested in the compaction of materials such as soil, asphalt, and concrete, this pathway is designed to equip you with the skill set necessary to operate equipment such as rollers and compactors.

Pathway 8: This pathway focuses on the processing of materials such as aggregates and concrete, and provides training on the operation of equipment such as crushers and screeners.

Pathway 9: For those interested in loading and securing techniques, this pathway provides detailed training on how to safely load and unload various materials from vehicles.

Pathway 10: This pathway is designed for those interested in operating plant machinery on both roads and railways and covers the regulations and safety procedures that apply in each environment.

Pathway 11: This pathway is about using attachments on plant machinery. You'll also discover the various applications for different attachments, such as digging, lifting, and loading.

Pathway 12: You'll learn about the different types of excavation equipment and their applications. You'll also gain an understanding of excavation techniques, including trenching, grading, and sloping.

Pathway 13: This pathway is focused on the use of plant machinery for sweeping, cleaning, and clearing activities. You'll learn about the different types of equipment used for these tasks, as well as the various applications for each.

Pathway 14: This pathway is a comprehensive guide to plant operations, covering a range of topics including health and safety, machine maintenance, and operating procedures.

Pathway 15: This pathway focuses on the transportation of machinery. You will gain practical experience in loading and unloading machinery onto vehicles.

What Are The Steps To Obtaining a Blue CPCS Skilled Workers Card?

These steps must be followed in a chronological order.

Step 1: Complete the Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Plant Operations).

Step 2: Pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test.

Step 3: Pass the CPCS Theory Test

*You must pass this test within 2 years of appearing for the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.

Step 4: Pass the CPCS Practical Test

*Within six months of passing the CPCS Theory test, you have to pass the CPCS practical test which practically assesses your competence at the workplace.

Is It Necessary To Have Access To a Worksite In Order To Enrol On This Qualification?

To enrol on this programme, you need to be currently employed or working in a similar role. This is because the programme requires you to provide evidence of your activities, which can only be done if you have access to a workplace. If you're not currently employed, we suggest that you first apply for a job and gain access to a workplace before taking this qualification. This way, you'll be able to fully participate in the programme and get the most out of it.

How Will You Be Assessed For This Programme? 

The assessment process for this qualification is very flexible, which means that you can be evaluated at your workplace. This not only saves you time and money, but also the extra effort of covering an extra mile to appear for side evaluations. After you enrol, an assessor will work with you to create a personalised assessment plan. 

To begin with, you will need to fill out a form, which will include your employment history so that the assessor can evaluate your understanding of plant operations. Based on this information, the assessor will select a suitable pathway and guide you through the process.

In order to meet the learning outcomes specified by the awarding body (ProQual), you will need to provide evidence of your ability to operate machinery. This evidence can take many forms, such as:

• Observation report by an 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 qualification take?

The time it takes to complete this qualification depends on your dedication and motivation. Once you provide the required evidence to your assessor, you'll pass the qualification. Generally, it takes upto 6 weeks to finish the program, but this may vary based on how eager you are to learn new techniques and skills.

Who Should Enrol On Level 2 Certificate in Plant Operations?

• Construction workers who want to upgrade from their CPCS Red Trained Operator Card to a CPCS Blue Card

• Individuals who want to gain a nationally recognised qualification to validate their expertise in plant operations

• Plant operatives who wish to develop their expertise in one core area of plant operations, such as excavators, bulldozers, backhoe loaders, or other types of machines.