The Importance of NPORS Certification for Excavator Operators
When you operate an excavator on a construction site, you realise there is much more focus on safety than when using it on private land. Not only do the operators need to know how to operate an excavator accurately, but they need to be able to operate it safely while following the health and safety rules of the construction sites.
NPORS certification for excavator operators is one of the best ways to gain practical skills and improve your skills in operating an excavator on a site. On top of that, the NPORS card is widely accepted by all major contractors and construction sites across the UK.
If you were wondering why an NPORS certification is essential for pursuing a career as an excavator operator, then you are at the right spot. We at Vally Plant Training have provided 360 excavator training courses in the UK as a recognised NPORS training provider for over ten years. We have created this article to explain everything you should know about NPORS and help you understand its importance.
What exactly is NPORS?
Orange Mc GOVERN Excavator
Before fully understanding the importance of NPORS, you must first understand what this certification is all about. NPORS stands for National Plant Operators Registration Scheme, established in 1992. This scheme is considered one of the UK’s top accreditation and registration bodies, especially in the construction sector.
When someone completes the NPORS training and passes all the associated tests for a specific piece of machinery, they become a trained operator and receive an NPORS card. So, NPORS certification for excavator operators is a record of assessment that proves their ability to operate the machinery safely.
On top of it, all NPORS cards are recognised by CSCS, which means most NPORS cards come with a CSCS logo.
What types of NPORS cards can excavator operators get?
NPORS cards come in two types, each with the same testing criteria. With that said, here are the types of NPORS cards you can get as an excavator operator at Vally Plant Training:
NPORS Traditional operator card
An NPORS Traditional operator card is best for individuals operating machinery in non-construction sectors. On the other hand, the non-traditional operator card qualifies you for grants from the CITB Levy scheme, which means you can get the money you invested in the training back. However, the traditional NPORS operator card will not be affiliated with CSCS. This means a traditional NPORS operator card won’t hold a CSCS logo.
When operators apply for a traditional operator card, they can choose between a three-year or five-year validity. However, we recommend operators go with the five-year validity instead of the three-year one to get the most out of their certification.
Traditional cards can be renewed after 3 or 5 years by undergoing refresher training at Vally Plant Training after expiration. It is important to note that the NPORS Traditional Operator card is only suitable for some individuals who work in the construction industry. If you plan on working as an excavator operator on major construction sites, you should go for the second type of NPORS card.
NPORS CSCS trained operator card
As the name suggests, the NPORS CSCS trained operator card carries the CSCS logo. This card proves that an operator fulfils the requirements of the Construction Leadership Council. However, the NPORS CSCS trained operator card is divided into two types: the red trained operator card and the blue competent operator card.
You can apply for the red trained operator card once you complete your CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test. The red NPORS card is valid for two years; operators must enrol and complete their NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) during these two years.
Once a red NPORS operator cardholder completes their NVQ, they can upgrade their red card to a blue one. As mentioned earlier, a blue NPORS operator card represents a competent operator.
Why is NPORS certification for excavator operators important?
Excavator Operator sitting inside the cab
Apart from opening up a world of employment opportunities for the excavator operator, an NPORS certification offers additional benefits to the holder. Here is what makes NPORS certification important for aspiring excavator operators:
Allows contractors to assess your qualification
When an excavator operator holds an NPORS card, they can show it to a contractor to help evaluate your eligibility to work with the plant. As a result, having an NPORS card makes you more attractive to potential employers and increases your chances of getting selected. Also, NPORS have the facility for online card checking to prevent the use of fraudulent cards. The online verification makes it possible for employers to make sure that a candidate has, in fact, completed the NPORS qualification.
Ensures safety
The main reason schemes such as NPORS were introduced was to improve plant safety. The health and safety training provided by our experts during the training period ensures that both the operator and others around them stay safe despite the complex working environment.
NPORS is recognised internationally
NPORS certification for excavator operators is recognised as a credible qualification both in and outside the UK. So, if an operator decides to move to a different country, they can still use their NPORS certification when applying for jobs.
Conclusion
It should be clear that NPORS is more than just a certification; it is more of an investment to further your career as an operator. Since NPORS training can be administered remotely at a company’s training area, it offers flexibility to businesses and operators alike.