Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship course is for individuals who wish to gain the relevant Knowledge, skills and behaviours required to carry out the role of a plant operator in the construction industry, this apprenticeship includes undertaking the role of a plant and vehicle marshal.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to check, prepare and safely operate a variety of plant machines that are used on-site in the construction sector. On this apprenticeship, the individual will further undertake a range of non-operational activities such as the checking, maintaining and cleaning of the machine. They will also learn to direct and guide other plant and vehicles, carry out checks on the work they do and finally help to load their plant onto or off a transporter when being delivered to another site.

This gives the individual the potential opportunity to progress to become a lead operator, supervisor, manager, or even set up their own contracting company.

Course content

Teaching and assessment

13 weeks of training and assessment delivered over a minimum of 15 months, with further training if required.

Block 1: 3–4 weeks

Block 2: 3–4 weeks

Block 3: 6–7 weeks

Block 4: 2 days

Qualifications you gain

• Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) trained operator card (red card)
• Level 1 Functional Skills

Methods of assessment

Apprentices will be regularly assessed via a range of different methods and will be required to complete college and site-based activity journals.  Apprentices will be given clear, direct and constructive feedback to enable them to progress to a successful completion.

Mandatory entry requirements

Academic

No formal requirements, but it’s useful to have Maths and English GCSE Grades 3-9 or D-A.

To help us assess your suitability for the course, you'll need to:

• complete a skills learning exercise and possibly attend the college for further tests
• complete a questionnaire and take part in an informal discussion.

Other information

You’ll need to have:

• good communication skills
• a good level of physical fitness.