The legislation surrounding training and qualifications to operate plant machinery is remarkably complex, and can vary depending on the job role, type of machine and the specific standards of the industry. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Whilst the Health and Safety Executive’s advice is somewhat vague and simply requires that anyone operating plant machinery has “adequate training”
However, operating our SANY range of excavators, Mecalac range of dump trucks or our selection of forklifts almost invariably requires on-site training at the very least, as well as formal certification through a body approved by the work site itself.
There are two major qualifications recognised by sectors who operate plant machinery:
- The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
- The National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS)
Which is right for you? Should you have both?
What Is The Construction Skills Certification Scheme?
The CSCS is a widely used scheme for certifying operators of plant machinery, including dumpers, excavators and forklifts, ensuring that for sites that accept the accreditation, there is a qualification suited for your needs.
The CSCS accreditation process, which results in an identification card, features a series of both theory and practical assessments.
There are two levels of CSCS card, often known as the Red Card and Blue Card:
- Red Card – A provisional card which is valid for two years, allowing you to operate machinery whilst building skills.
- Blue Card – A full licence that is issued after a certain number of logged hours, completed assessments, or a combination of the two.
What Is The National Plant Operators Registration Scheme?
Another widely accepted certification body, NPORS also uses red and blue cards, but is flexibly designed around individual machines or groups of machines that you may be expected to operate.
Some companies prefer the flexibility and bespoke nature of NPORS training and thus would require that over a CSCS card, but you will be made aware ahead of time which you need and whether it is worth having both for your career.
