Workers, employees, and employers in the construction industry will all be well acquainted with the presence and relevance of qualifications when it comes to working on a construction site. Those who work with and operate plant machinery are subject to the same regulations. When handled by someone who isn't trained, this type of machinery can be extremely dangerous, which is exactly what CPCS concentrates on and tackles. In this blog we cover CPCS courses and the different CPCS cards in order to provide you with the knowledge you require when contemplating one of the many training courses.
What is CPCS?
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme, or CPCS, is a card system split into two different cards, and is designed to highlight plant machinery operators' abilities, knowledge, and experience. The system starts with the CPCS Red Trained Operator card, followed by the CPCS Blue Competent Operator card. The scheme combines professional competence and health & safety awareness, which are two critical requirements when handling plant machinery, not only for your own safety but also for the safety of so many others. The CPCS system is the most renowned of its kind, and the vast majority of employers now require employees to have an appropriate CPCS card to operate machinery on the job.
CPCS Red Trained Operator Card
The CPCS card scheme begins with the CPCS Red card, the most basic level of card available. The red card is temporary and is only valid for 2 years but will enable workers to prove their level of competency to employers and allow them to operate machinery on the job. Once the 2 year validity period comes to an end, the card cannot be renewed. CPCS courses vary between 3-5 days in duration depending on what type of course has been taken, but candidates must also successfully complete the relevant CITB Health & Safety Touch Screen Test within two years of their initial application in order to receive the CPCS Red Card.
Since the Red Card is only valid for two years, the holder should naturally aim to progress onto the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card, with the Red Card essentially serving as a stepping stone towards the Blue Card while also being able to work on-site with plant machinery while completing their vocational training.
CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card
Succeeding the CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, is the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card. The Blue card is a substantial step up from the Red card, indicating that the bearer has a higher level of knowledge and experience. Holders of a Blue card are more likely to be granted increased responsibility, more demanding but fulfilling work, as well as a plethora of new career opportunities in plant construction for individuals seeking more senior roles.
Candidates who wish to advance from a CPCS Red Trained Operator Card to a CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card must first complete the appropriate NVQ qualification as well as the relevant CITB Health & Safety Touch Screen Test, all of which are required for the CPCS Red Trained Operator Card. Unlike the Red card, the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card is valid for 5 years and can be renewed.
All CPCS Cards are now CSCS-approved, and as a result, they will now feature the CSCS logo, indicating that the card holder's training is current, up to date, and follows industry best practices and requirements.
What Types of CPCS Courses are Available with Easybook Training?
Easybook Training offers a variety of CPCS courses around the United Kingdom, with a focus on both the CPCS Red Trained Operator Card and the CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card. Here are some of the CPCS courses available for you to consider:
If you are interested in taking a CPCS course, or would like to find out more information regarding a specific course, please do not hessite to contact our incredible customer service & booking agents on 01892 543000 who will be happy to assist with your enquiries.