Looking to begin your career in construction as a plant operator? Or perhaps you already work in a position that involves plant machinery, either way, qualifications are an essential part of this type of occupation and obtaining a CPCS card is a certain way to boost your career prospects. In this blog we look at some of the important reasons why plant operators should be CPCS Trained.
Health & Safety
One of the key reasons plant operators should be CPCS trained is to strengthen their awareness of health and safety on site. Construction work frequently involves a multitude of dangerous jobs that cannot afford to be performed incorrectly. According to the Health and Safety Executive, the construction industry accounted for 27% of all fatal workplace injuries in the UK in 2020/21. 25 of the fatal injuries were caused by being struck by a moving vehicle, 14 by being trapped by something collapsing or overturning, and a further 14 were caused by workers coming into contact with moving machinery. By taking CPCS training courses, workers can ensure that they are receiving invaluable, industry standard training when working with plant machinery.
Boost Your CV
Working as a Plant Operator is not a position workers can simply just walk into without sufficient training. It is imperative that workers are environmentally aware due to the danger the role can possess, not just to themselves, but also to colleagues and others around them. By completing CPCS training courses and receiving a CPCS card, workers are able to provide proof that they have been trained to the highest standard and they hold a solid level of skill, knowledge and competence to work within the role.
Looking to the Future
Should a Plant Operator hold a Red CPCS Trained Operator Card, they have two years until the card expires. In that time, card holders should naturally look to upgrade their red card to the Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card by completing the relevant Plant NVQ. The blue card is a clear indicator that the worker in question has a higher level of skill, knowledge and experience. With this in mind, holding a Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card will significantly increase a workers chances of being employed in or promoted to, more senior roles with more demanding but rewarding work. A worker can extend their Red CPCS Trained Operator card with a single year extension. During the extension period, individuals must successfully complete the relevant NVQ qualification in order to apply for the Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card.
Salary Potential
According to Indeed, the average hourly rate for plant operators is approximately £14.84p/h, with a starting salary of £25,743. These rates will vary depending on a worker's skill and experience, which is where CPCS training comes in. If a worker has significant experience in a specific CPCS category of plant machinery or proof that they are competent in and possess qualifications in more than one CPCS category of plant machinery, they are considerably more likely to be paid more than a plant operator who does not carry a CPCS card.
Begin Your CPCS Training
If your aim is to work in construction and specifically as a Plant Operator, or if you wish to further your skills and knowledge as a Plant Operator, then CPCS training is certainly for you. At Easybook Training we have an extensive range of CPCS courses available across many different categories of plant machinery. Below is a list of available courses:
Should you wish to take one of the above CPCS courses, or enquire about a relevant NVQ course, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service & bookings agents who will be happy to assist you in getting your perfect course booked in on 01892 543000.