Plant Operations (Construction) (Compacting) (Level 2 Nvq Certificate)

This qualification is for Plant Operatives on construction sites, carrying out specific activities, using specific machinery (see full lists below). Certain units of the qualification also have endorsements, as shown in the table below. This allows prospective employers to see the particular role the learner is qualified to carry out, the particular machinery they can use, and the context in which they can use it. This qualification is not a licence to practice, but can be used as a component of achievement of the Construction Plant Competence Card Scheme which is recognised by many employers in the UK.

This qualification offers a unique set of pathways and endorsements when compared to the Pearson Edexcel Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Construction). The NVQ Diploma is also available for Plant Operators, but covers endorsements on different types of machinery working in different contexts. Learners should chose the appropriate Plant NVQ according to the machinery, role and context in which they are presently working, or intending to work in.

What does this qualification cover?

This qualification is based on the latest National Occupational Standards for Plant Operations.

This qualification is for operatives working with specific machinery carrying out specific activities. It is written to the agreed national occupational standards for that machinery and those activities and is entirely vocationally-related in its content. As an NVQ, all units within the qualifications are derived from these occupational standards directly, and evidence of knowledge, skill and understanding will be gained from a workplace or a realistic workplace situation.

This qualification offers pathways for the following job roles:

Crane Operative and Specialist Lifter in Construction Plant (using compact cranes, pedestrian operated tower cranes, overhead or excavator cranes, hoists, lorry loaders and knuckle booms, skip and container handlers, self-propelled modular transporters, ergonomic manipulating machines);

Fork-lift truck Operative in Construction Plant;

Extracting Operative in Construction Plant (using wheeled loading shovels, skid steer loaders or loader compressors only);

Load Transporter in Construction Plant (receiving , transporting and discharging loads using forward or rear-tipping dumpers, trailer-mounted concrete pumps, self-propelled bowsers, static concrete placing booms and volumetric trucks);

Mobile Elevated Work Platform Operative;

Plant laying and distributing Operative;

Construction Plant compacting Operative;

Processing Operative in Construction Plant;

Loading and securing Operative in Construction Plant;

Road/rail and Attachment Operative in Construction Plant; lifting loads with excavator cranes, forklifts and telescopic handlers only;

Construction Plant Excavation Operative; using wheeled loading shovels or skid steer loaders only;

Construction Plant Sweeping Operative;

Cleaning Operative in Construction Plant;

Clearing Operative in Construction Plant;

Operations Guide in Construction Plant and

Movement Guide in Construction Plant

Further detail on endorsements for particular machinery is listed below.

There are two mandatory units, these are Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace; and Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace. Learners must then select a pathway from the above and complete a minimum of 11 credits from one of the optional units available.

Occupational role:

Compact Crane and Specialist Lifting Plant Operator (hoists, lorry loaders and knuckle booms)

Machinery Usage / Work Context Endorsement:

Compact Crane – Static Stabilisers, compact crane – mobile industrial, compact crane – luffing static, compact crane - 360° pick and carry Hoist rack and pinion goods, hoist passenger/ goods combined, hoist rope operated goods, hoist transport platform, Lorry loader – knuckle boom operation, lorry loader – hook operation, lorry loader – clamshell bucket operation, lorry loader – hydraulic clamp operation

How is this qualification assessed?

This qualification is assessed through a portfolio of evidence gathered from a range of sources including workplace activities and realistic work environments, professional discussions, questioning and observation of performance.

Potential job roles for those working towards this qualification are:

• Construction Plant compacting Operative

Who supports this qualification?

It is approved by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and their employer groups, as it is an approved qualification based on the occupational standards they have devised.

This qualification is highly valued and supported by Professional Bodies the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) and The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). It is also supported by the employer Blyth Marble Ltd.

This qualification is for all learners aged 16 and above who are capable of reaching the required standards and have opportunity to demonstrate practical skills in a realistic construction working environment. Learners do not need any prior qualifications, knowledge or experience before starting the qualification.

Learners can use the qualification to progress in their job roles to become fully competent plant operatives. They may progress further to supervisory qualifications such as site supervision, or occupational work supervision, if their job roles develop accordingly.