Plant training is how individuals learn to operate and maintain large construction machines and equipment like excavators, dumpers and backhoes. ³ A construction site is full of large and potentially dangerous equipment – being able to use it safely is vital.
Plant training doesn’t just cover how the machinery works. It also covers how to mitigate risks, how to handle dangerous chemicals and what to do in an emergency. These skills are vital to keep you and everyone on the site safe.
What Are NVQ Assessments?
Unlike other academic qualifications, NVQs are recognised work-based qualifications that ensure an individual has the skills and knowledge they need to do a job. ⁴ Through NVQ assessments, you need to demonstrate you’re competent to work in your chosen field.
NVQ assessments are carried out while you’re at work, so you don’t need to take time off or go back to college. The NVQ assessment process looks a bit like this:
- Initial assessment – an assessor will find out about the candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills in their field. This helps the assessor decide what level of qualification the candidate should aim for.
- Portfolio – the candidate will create a portfolio that includes written evidence of their competence in their role. It may also include witness statements from managers and work records. The portfolio will show the assessor the candidate has the skills and knowledge needed for the job.
- On-the-job assessments – the assessor will carry out assessments in the workplace. They will watch the individual carry out their role and determine whether they have the skills required. ⁵
Combining Plant Training And NVQ Assessments
When plant training and NVQ assessments are combined, they give you the best of both worlds. Not only do you get to hone practical skills through plant training, but you also gain theoretical knowledge by completing NVQ assessments.
The need for highly-skilled professionals is high in the construction industry, so being able to prove you already have the skills needed will open the door to a whole host of opportunities in terms of career progression and development.
Safety and Compliance: A Top Priority in Construction Training
One component that can’t be overlooked in either plant training or NVQ assessments is safety. It goes without saying that construction sites can be hazardous places. Operating heavy machinery comes with great responsibility, not just for your own safety, but for that of your colleagues and the wider public.
We must also strive to maintain credibility within the industry. Failure to follow health and safety regulations is not just bad for workers, it’s also damaging for the company’s reputation. Once trust is lost, it’s hard to get it back, so taking safety seriously must be the top priority of everyone working in the construction industry. ⁶
How To Choose The Right Training Program
When it comes to choosing the right construction training courses, we can’t underestimate the importance of safety on construction sites. It’s essential to choose a training course that has a strong focus on health and safety.
Choosing a training provider that is accredited by other organisations, like the CITB and NPORS, means you’ll receive high-quality construction training courses that are recognised within the industry.
Investing in Your Construction Career
Looking to invest in your career with high-quality construction training courses? Contact our highly trained training coordinators today to find out where our construction training courses can take you: www.vallyplanttraining.co.uk/contact-us
References:
- https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/skills/uk-needs-217000-new-construction-workers-by-2025-09-06-2021/
- https://www.ribaj.com/intelligence/market-analysis-construction-skills-shortage-aging-workforce-reduced-immigration
- https://www.goconstruct.org/why-choose-construction/whats-happening-in-construction/plant-operator-training-and-key-responsibilities/
- https://www.vocationaltraining.org.uk/nvq-overview
- https://www.thinkconstructionskills.com/understanding-the-nvq-assessment-process/
- https://www.e-architect.com/articles/why-construction-safety-is-important