The Importance of NPORS Certification for Excavator Operators
When you operate an excavator on a construction site, there is much more focus on safety than when using it on private land. Operators must know how to operate an excavator accurately. They also need 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 abilities in operating an excavator on a site. Additionally, the NPORS card is widely accepted by all major contractors and construction sites across the UK.
If you are wondering why an NPORS certification is essential for pursuing a career as an excavator operator, you are in the right place. We at Vally Plant Training have provided 360 excavator training courses in the UK as a recognised NPORS training provider for over ten years. This article explains everything you should know about NPORS and its importance.
What exactly is NPORS?
Before fully understanding NPORS’ importance, you must first grasp what this certification entails. NPORS stands for National Plant Operators Registration Scheme, established in 1992. This scheme is regarded as one of the UK’s top accreditation and registration bodies, especially in the construction sector.
When someone completes the NPORS training and passes all associated tests for a specific piece of machinery, they become a trained operator and receive an NPORS card. Thus, NPORS certification for excavator operators is a record of assessment that demonstrates their ability to operate the machinery safely.
Furthermore, all NPORS cards are recognised by CSCS, meaning 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. Here are the types of NPORS cards available for excavator operators at Vally Plant Training:
NPORS Traditional operator card
The NPORS Traditional operator card is ideal for individuals operating machinery in non-construction sectors. Conversely, the non-traditional operator card qualifies you for grants from the CITB Levy scheme, allowing you to recover the investment you made in training. However, the traditional NPORS operator card will not be affiliated with CSCS, meaning it 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. We recommend opting for the five-year validity to maximise the benefits of your certification.
Traditional cards can be renewed after three or five years by undergoing refresher training at Vally Plant Training upon expiration. It is also important to note that the NPORS Traditional Operator card is not suitable for everyone in the construction industry. If you intend to work as an excavator operator on major construction sites, consider the second type of NPORS card.
NPORS CSCS trained operator card
The NPORS CSCS trained operator card carries the CSCS logo, indicating that an operator meets the Construction Leadership Council’s requirements. This 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 after completing your CITB Health, Safety, and Environment test. The red NPORS card is valid for two years; operators must complete their NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) during this period.
Once a red NPORS operator cardholder completes their NVQ, they can upgrade their red card to a blue one, representing a competent operator.
Why is NPORS certification for excavator operators important?
NPORS certification opens up numerous employment opportunities for excavator operators and provides additional benefits to the holder. Here are the reasons why NPORS certification is important for aspiring excavator operators:
Allows contractors to assess your qualification
Holding an NPORS card enables an excavator operator to present it to a contractor, assisting in evaluating their eligibility to work with the plant. Consequently, having an NPORS card enhances your attractiveness to potential employers and increases your chances of selection. Additionally, NPORS offers online card checking to prevent fraudulent card usage, allowing employers to verify that a candidate has completed the NPORS qualification.
Ensures safety
The primary reason schemes like NPORS were introduced is to improve plant safety. The health and safety training provided by our experts during the training period ensures that both the operator and those around them remain safe, even in complex working environments.
NPORS is recognised internationally
NPORS certification for excavator operators is acknowledged as a credible qualification both within and outside the UK. Therefore, if an operator decides to move abroad, they can still utilise their NPORS certification when applying for jobs.
Conclusion
NPORS is more than just a certification; it is an investment in your career as an operator. Since NPORS training can be delivered remotely at a company’s training area, it offers flexibility to both businesses and operators.
