Having a construction business requires a workforce. That workforce handles a lot of heavy machinery, which poses safety problems, does installations that require regulations, and works on-site, which poses health hazards.
Hence, for construction business owners, safety, health, on-site conditions, and industrial standards are of utmost importance.
This is where a CPCS training becomes beneficial for your construction workforce.
What is a CPCS Training?
CPCS or Construction Plant Competence Scheme from the NOCN group is the UK’s leading skills certification provider for plant operators. The CPCS certification process is done under the guidance of CPCS testers, which in turn is certified by the CPCS themselves. The CPCS gives out certifications on basic skills for the following :
- Plant operators
- slinger/signalers
- Excavator 180°
- Cranes
- Forklifts
- Piling rigs
- Trencher
- Forward tipping dumper
- Loading shovel
- Mobile elevating platform
- Skid steer loader
- Lorry loader
- Skip handler
- Crusher
- Dump truck
- Excavator 360°
- Screeners
- Soil-landfill compactor
- Motorised scrape
- Grader
- Industrial forklift truck
What is Included in a CPCS Training?
CPCS training is done at accredited centres and follows a study method that is classroom-based teaching with hands-on training and continuous assessments. A CPCS training follows these methods:
- Classroom-based study (theoretical part): covers all the important safety principles, health standards, equipment handling procedures, and risk assessments.
- Practical training: Operators gain practical knowledge by working with plant machinery and by performing duties on-site.
- Theory test: A written exam and a viva-voce are conducted to assess the knowledge of the candidates
- Practical test: A practical test is conducted under the vigilance of a supervisor, often video recorded for quality purposes
- Log-book and on-site assessments: Daily routine tests are done and tracked to ensure skills remain up-to-date
- Vocational qualifications: Upgradation of skills by pursuing NVQ/SVQ qualifications from a red card holder to a blue card holder
- Renewal tests: Every 5 years, plant operators must re-take their assessments to renew their CPCS cards to maintain industry standards
Duration: 2-10 days
Price: varies from provider to provider; grants are available to cover the cost of training
CPCS red card and CPCS blue card
You may be wondering why there are two CPCS cards. Well, the reason is pretty simple, both serve a purpose for both immediate entrants and the experienced.
- CPCS red card (Trained Operator card): This is an entry-level card. That is given on successful completion of the theory test, practical test, and CITB Health and Safety Environment Test. It shows that the operator has basic knowledge and skills in operating plant machinery. The red card is valid for two years and cannot be renewed. During this phase, the operator is expected to complete a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).
- CPCS blue card (Competent Operator card): The blue card is the competence card and is earned after completion of two years of the red card. The operator possesses advanced skills after completion of an NVQ in the chosen plant category. The NVQ shows that the worker has a proven record of competence in a working environment. It is valid for 5 years and can be renewed.
Benefits of CPCS Training for your Construction Workforce
1. Enhanced Safety
Safety is placed highest in the list of priorities; as a result, construction plant operators can now implement safety principles in their work site. This reduces accidents, injuries, and costly errors, which protects both the workforce and the general public.
2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
UK laws are extremely strict when it comes to protecting the interests of workers and ensuring competence in their work. Operating plant machinery in a deft way is proof of that competence. As a result, CPCS training helps workers stay on the right side of laws and regulations.
3. Increased Productivity
Being well-trained means that construction plant-related work, like handling machinery, transporting, and carrying equipment, is done under the supervision of the same construction plant workers. This ensures the work standard is of the highest quality and maintains consistency.
4. Professional and Competitive Advantage
Holding a CPCS card is a win-win for the construction workforce. It shows contractors, developers, promoters, and regulators that they meet the highest industrial standards. The CPCS certification opens up a wide range of opportunities to the workforce, like lucrative contracts and large-scale projects.
5. Higher Earnings
A CPCS certification fetches higher wages because of the experience it provides while handling and working on machinery. By investing in the certification, the workforce earns more because of experience and the complexities of the tasks involved. This increases staff retention and less turnover.
6. Access to CITB grants and funding
CITB grants and funding are expected when the workforce switches to a blue competent CPCS card. This reduces pressure on them to work only for the company, as they will receive training almost free of cost and will be done under the guidance of industry experts.
How to choose the right CPCS Training provider?
Multiple agencies offer CPCS training; they come in different price packages and features. Do consider the following points when opting for a CPCS training provider for your workforce:
- Accreditation: Is the provider approved by the CITB?
- Facilities: Do they have the required space and machinery for training?
- Trainer Experience: Are there mentors who are industry experts in the field?
- Support: Will they provide further training in case of NVQ and other advanced courses?
Difference between CPCS and CSCS
It is okay to get confused between CPCS and CSCS, even though both focus on construction-related work. Both serve different purposes.
- CPCS: CPCS is competence in handling construction equipment and machinery
- CSCS: CSCS is basic knowledge of construction site safety
Conclusion: CPCS Training, A smart investment for your Workforce
Well, there you have it! A CPCS training comes not only with a certification but also with essential knowledge based on safety, health, and regulatory compliance. It increases the competitive nature of your workforce, along with skills and new growth opportunities.
Contact us at Trade Mastermind to scale your construction business by adding CPCS training as part of benefiting your workforce now!
