CPCS Plant Training

An introduction to the CPCS scheme, the CPCS Red Trained Operator route and the progression to the Blue Competent Operator card via an NVQ.

• Varies by category
• Theory and practical
• New and experienced plant operators

• The structure of the CPCS scheme
• Choosing the right category (novice / experienced worker)
• Progression from Red Trained Operator to Blue Competent Operator

Training and technical testing for the A58 tracked 360° excavator category (above 10 tonnes).

• 5–10 Days (based on prior experience)
• Theory and practical operation on a tracked 360° excavator
• Plant operators

• Pre-use inspection and machine familiarisation
• Safe operating techniques for excavation, loading and lifting
• Attachments and quick-hitch operation

Training and technical testing for the A17 telescopic handler category (all durations, from novice to experienced worker).

• 3–10 Days (based on prior experience)
• Theory and practical operation on a telescopic handler
• Plant operators

• Machine familiarisation and pre-use checks
• Load charts and safe stacking
• Working on gradients and travelling with loads

Training and technical testing for the A09 forward tipping dumper category.

• 2–5 Days
• Theory and practical operation on a forward tipping dumper
• Groundworkers

• Pre-use inspection and safe start-up
• Loading, travelling and tipping techniques
• Working on gradients and near excavations

Training and technical testing for the A25 ride-on roller category (single and double drum compaction).

• 2–5 Days
• Theory and practical operation on a ride-on roller
• Highways and groundworks operatives

• Machine controls and safe start-up
• Compaction techniques for different materials
• Working near edges, kerbs and services

Training and technical testing for the A56 skid steer loader category.

• 2–5 Days
• Theory and practical operation on a skid steer loader
• Site operatives

• Machine familiarisation and pre-use checks
• Loading, spreading and stockpiling
• Attachments — buckets, forks and sweepers

Training and technical testing for the A21 wheeled loading shovel category.

• 3–5 Days
• Theory and practical operation on a wheeled loading shovel
• Aggregates, quarry and waste operators

• Machine familiarisation and pre-use checks
• Loading vehicles and stockpile management
• Working around stockpiles and traffic

Training and technical testing for the A66 crawler tractor / dozer category.

• 5–10 Days
• Theory and practical operation on a tracked dozer
• Bulk earthworks operators

• Machine familiarisation and pre-use checks
• Bulk earthmoving and spreading techniques
• Working on gradients and near excavations

Training and technical testing for the A73 plant and vehicle marshaller (traffic marshal / banksman) category.

• 1–3 Days
• Theory and practical marshalling exercises
• Traffic marshals

• Standard hand signals and communications
• Site traffic management plans
• Segregation of pedestrians and vehicles

Training and technical testing for the A40 slinger / signaller category — including selection of lifting accessories and safe signalling to crane operators.

• 3–5 Days
• Theory and practical slinging and signalling
• Steelfixers and steel erectors

• Lifting accessories selection and inspection
• Load weight estimation and centre of gravity
• Standard hand signals and radio comms

Training and technical testing for the A02 crawler crane category.

• 5–10 Days
• Theory and practical operation on a crawler crane
• Experienced crane operators

• Machine familiarisation and pre-use checks
• Load charts, radius and duty tables
• Lifting planning and communications with slinger / signaller

Training and technical testing for the A60 mobile crane category (all-terrain and truck-mounted).

• 5–15 Days
• Theory and practical operation on a mobile crane
• Experienced crane operators

• Machine familiarisation and pre-use checks
• Set-up, outriggers and ground bearing
• Duty charts and configuration