Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship course is for individuals who wish to gain the relevant Knowledge, skills and behaviours required to carry out the role of a plant operator in the construction industry, this apprenticeship includes undertaking the role of a plant and vehicle marshal.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to check, prepare and safely operate a variety of plant machines that are used on-site in the construction sector. On this apprenticeship, the individual will further undertake a range of non-operational activities such as the checking, maintaining and cleaning of the machine. They will also learn to direct and guide other plant and vehicles, carry out checks on the work they do and finally help to load their plant onto or off a transporter when being delivered to another site.

This gives the individual the potential opportunity to progress to become a lead operator, supervisor, manager, or even set up their own contracting company.

Course content

Teaching and assessment

18 weeks of training and assessment delivered over a minimum of 15 months, with further training if required.

Block 1: 5 weeks

Block 2: 4 weeks

Block 3: 7 weeks

Block 4: 2 weeks

Qualifications you gain

• The learner will get a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) trained operator card (red) converted to a competent operator card (blue) upon completion of the EPA.
• Level 1 Functional Skills

Methods of assessment

Apprentices will be regularly assessed via a range of different methods and will be required to complete college and site-based activity journals.  Apprentices will be given clear, direct and constructive feedback to enable them to progress to a successful completion.

Maths and English

The UK government has announced that adult learners over 19 no longer need formal English and maths qualifications for apprenticeships. However, apprentices must still show proficiency in these skills during their training.

At the National Construction College (NCC), we will continue to offer Level 1 and Level 2 English and Maths Functional Skills qualifications, along with Applied English and Maths for Construction sessions. These sessions focus on practical, industry-relevant skills to help apprentices succeed in their roles and pass their assessments.

We believe strong literacy and numeracy are crucial for personal and professional growth. By offering these qualifications and sessions, we ensure our apprentices gain essential skills for long-term success.

NCC Apprenticeship Entry Requirements

Level 2 Apprenticeship:
Applicants must have achieved Maths and English at:

• GCSE grades 3-9 (equivalent to old GCSE grades D-A)
  or
• Functional Skills Level 1 or above (if qualifications were taken after school).

If an applicant does not meet the NCC entry requirements, our dedicated team is here to provide advice and support on the next steps to help them achieve the necessary qualifications.

Other information

You’ll need to have:

• Good communication skills
• A good level of physical fitness.