Starting from 31 July, the safer plant training and grant changes aim to standardise training and testing requirements across the industry
The first set of safer plant training standards has been developed in collaboration with industry working groups, employers, providers and federations.
The pilot will establish if the changes streamline the training and testing systems, with the additional aim of making grants more accessible.
The enhanced and safer plant training can help the industry meet its own demand for competent plant operators who have the requisite onsite experience and are up to date with new and emerging technologies.
The first phase of the changes will see new standards for:
- Excavator 360, above 10 tonnes (tracked)
- Forward tipping dumper (wheeled)
- Rear tipping dumper/dump truck: articulated chassis (all sizes)
- Ride on roller
- Telescopic handler: all sizes excluding 360 slew
- Industrial forklift
- Plant and Vehicle Marshaller
- Slinger, Signaller: all types, all duties.
The previous grant system has been streamlined into a single grant
Currently, three smaller grants are available for practical tests, theory tests and short course training, which employers can apply in different ways.
Under the new system, a single grant will be available for all CITB-registered employers.
A transition period is in place for two months, allowing employers to still receive grants for either the old or new standards while the pilot scheme continues.
After September, grants will only be available against the new requirements for the training and testing of the eight categories under review. Going forward, employers will need to provide their CITB registration number to an ATO, who will apply for the grant on their behalf.
To ensure plant training grant eligibility, they will have to:
- Meet CITB’s new standards
- Lead to a card carrying the CSCS logo, and
- Be delivered by an Approved Training Organisation (ATO)
Any other plant training that is separate from the new standards will remain eligible for grant, and employers can apply for this in the same way they currently do.
Accommodations are being made for plant novices
A separate, higher “novice” grant rate will be available for employers who are putting staff through plant training who have never had experience in the type of machinery they are being trained in.
This is to maximise the pool of potential candidates to become skilled plant operators and meet industry demand.
Creating a competent and compliant workforce
Christopher Simpson, head of quality and standards at CITB, said: “I’m delighted we have introduced these new standards, which will improve plant operations throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. These changes will help standardise and improve the quality and consistency of plant training; increase the amount of plant training that takes place before testing; and increase the number of people trained in plant operations, particularly new entrants to construction.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the changes made, who are helping to make a real difference in this area. By responding to the changing needs of the sector, we continue to focus on our priority of supporting the construction industry to have a skilled, competent, and inclusive workforce now and in the future.”
You can learn more about the grants and funding available from CITB here.
