Plant Operations

Learning Programme Content

The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of four mandatory elements:

• Qualifications
• Essential Skills
• On/off the job training
• Additional Employer requirements (digital Skills)

The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Pathway (Plant Operations) is 80 credits

Entry requirements

List a This Apprenticeship is suitable for learners who:

• are aged 16+ currently working in the trade area and have¹ :
• achieved the Foundation in Construction and Building Services Engineering or
• achieved Progression in Construction or:^2.
• achieved a Level 2 or 3 Certificate or Diploma in the trade in which the apprenticeship is to be undertaken or
• Verifiable³ 3 years or more employment in the trade in which the apprenticeship is to be undertaken.

List b, and one or more of the following, or equivalent qualifications, at or above level of the list below ⁴:

• Welsh Baccalaureate National Diploma.
• Foundation Qualification in Construction and Building Services Engineering
• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in a Construction Trade
• Essential Skills Wales or Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number at level 1 or above.
• GCSE grade A*-D in any two of the following: - a communication subject, maths and either a science or technical-based subject.
• A*- D grade in The WJEC Built Environment GCSE.
• Level 2 Merit WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Designing the Built Environment.
• WJEC A/AS Built Environment GCE.
• Merit, Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Construction and the Built Environment

¹ Direct entrant onto the Construction Core in Construction and Building Services Engineering pathway will only have to have achieved one of the entry requirements from list b.

² From 2023 onwards the Progression Qualification will not be eligible as an entry requirement option.

 ³ Will require verification from the employer that the learner has the necessary trade employment experience.

⁴ Experienced learners as defined in list a may also have qualities or achievements beyond qualification attainment which should be considered.  They will not have to attain one of the qualifications in list b.

Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)

Level 3: Plant Operations

Level 3: Plant Operations Qualifications

Where learners have achieved one of the entry requirements in list a, they will not need to undertake the Construction Core Qualification.
All learners will need to have achieved one of the requirements from list b for entry.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh.

Learners who will start their Foundation in Construction and Building Services Engineering, Foundation Core in Construction and Building Services Engineering, or Progression in Construction Qualification in 2022 will be required to work towards level 2 Essential Skills in both Application of Number and Communication during their apprenticeship. 

On completion of their apprenticeship learner will aim to have achieved level 2 Essential skills in both subjects but will be deemed to have completed their apprenticeship if one of the essential skills is passed at level 2 and the other at level 1.  This as above will allow an adequate and fair period of transition for these learners.

From August 2023 any new learner who starts their Foundation in Construction and Building Services Engineering, Foundation Core in Construction and Building Services Engineering, or Progression in Construction Qualification will be required to pass both Essential Skills at level 2 as part of their apprenticeship.

On/Off the Job training

The anticipated duration of the Plant Operations Apprenticeship will be between 2 years (Post Foundation Qualification) and 3 years (Including Foundation Core in Construction and Building Services Engineering).

The above figures are for guidance only and may be different for experienced/older workers depending on the amount/nature of relevant experience, and significantly reduced for those progressing from related qualifications.

Job roles

This Framework specifies the standards and criteria for the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Plant Operations. Successful achievement of all the components of this Framework will lead to the award of a Level 3 qualification and recognition as a qualified Plant Operator within the sector. The Award of this Qualifications will enable the learner to apply for a Competent Operator Card.  

This Framework has a single pathway:

• Plant Operations

Working on a construction site, in a public place or on the highway operating plant/machinery to transfer loads, excavate, lift, and move materials to given specifications.

This Apprenticeship is designed to provide individuals with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge that are needed to carry out the work of a plant operator using the following items of plant.

• Forward Tipping Dumper
• Telescopic Handler
• Ride on Roller
• 180-degree or 360-degree excavator

On completion of the requirements in this Framework the Apprentice should, as a minimum, have the core skills and core knowledge required to carry out Plant Operation in a safe, sustainable, and competent manner.  Details of skills to be developed are outlined in the qualification specifications and employer confirmation handbooks.

In addition, the Apprentice should also be able to:

• Apply professional judgement and support 
• Challenge unsafe behaviors/activities
• Demonstrate innovation through the identification of areas for improvement and suggestion and/or development of innovative solutions
• Identify and manage risks to self and others
• Keep work area clean and tidy
• Manage own time effectively
• Think logically and accordance with the demands of the situation using clear and valid reasoning when making decisions to undertake the work instructions
• Work effectively individually and in a team
• Work in accordance with quality requirements
• Work productively
• Work safely and ensure the safety of others
• Work within own level of competence and know when to seek advice from others.
• Apply health and safety and environmental legislation in the Construction sector.
• Establish and maintain relationships in the Construction sector
• Understand Technological requirements and changes
• Understand Statutory and Non- Statutory Regulations & Requirements
• Understand Working practices in accordance with Health and Safety requirements
• Understand Inspection, testing and commissioning procedures

Throughout the Apprenticeship process the Apprentice should, as a minimum, develop and display the behaviours that show them to be consistently:

1. Assertive
2. Confident
3. Dressed appropriately
4. Empathetic
5. Fair
6. Honest
7. Proactive
8. Productive
9. Punctual
10. Reliable
11. Respectful (in terms of equality, diversity and inclusion)

Progression

The aim of this Framework is to ensure that the successful learners gain:

• The Skills and Knowledge required by the industry to achieve competence
• Job related skills that will be used in the working environment
• Knowledge and skills aligned to working practices, relevant statutory and non-statutory regulations
• Transferable and Core Skills
• The basis for career progression

When apprentices have completed this Framework, they have a number of progression options to them including:

• Vocational: develop self in the role and seek promotion 
• Academic: use the qualifications gained as the basis for further study and entry to Further or Higher Education as appropriate
• Combination of Vocational and Academic: undertake part time study while still working. This may be as part of a structured Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) if this is relevant/available.

More specifically, on successful completion of this Apprenticeship in Plant Operations an apprentice will be furnished with the skills and knowledge, and have the qualifications to:

• Apply for a Competent Operator Card.  Further information and options can be obtained at www.cscs.uk.com/about/plant-partner-card-schemes/
• Progress onto a relevant Higher-Level Apprenticeship  
• Progress in their career with further training into such job roles as, Site/Workshop Supervisor/ Manager etc.

Further career guidance can be found at:

• www.goconstruct.org/construction-careers/what-jobs-are-right-for-me/plant-operator/
• www.careerswales.gov.wales/job-information/construction-plant-operator

It is anticipated that successful candidates will progress within the Construction industry in qualified positions such as employed or self-employed, supervisors, managers.

Continuous learning will be expected of the qualified candidates in order to maintain awareness of the regulations impacting on the industry and technological changes/advances.

Equality and diversity

It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.

The protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.

Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.

Although the construction industry has not, historically, been a traditional career choice for women. This has now changed, and women are better supported and work successfully in the industry.

The sectoral bodies work at local, regional and national levels to identify and address issues around equality and diversity. This work is supported by local/national government, non-governmental bodies/agencies and relevant Unions. 

It is a requirement that apprentice recruitment is open and fair to all who meet the selection criteria, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, religion/belief, sexual orientation or disability.

All partners involved in the delivery of the apprenticeship and employers must be committed to a policy of equal opportunities and must have a formal equal opportunities policy and procedure in place.

Employers/providers must be able to demonstrate that there are no overt or covert discriminatory practices in selection and employment. All promotional, selection and training activities must comply with relevant legislation such as the Equality Act 2010.

Providers will monitor equality of opportunity practice and procedures within their own organisation and take positive action when necessary. It is also recommended that employers/providers conduct an exit interview if the apprentice leaves the programme before completion.

Employment responsibilities and rights

Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory.  But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Training Provider and Employer to ensure that the requirements of this pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government/Medr Apprenticeships Guidance.

Further information may be obtained from: Medr

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