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CITB is piloting changes across a series of construction plant training standards and grants
CITB has announced an overhaul of plant training standards and grants which aim to help standardise plant training and testing requirements across the construction industry.
The first set of new standards has been developed in collaboration with industry working groups, including employers, providers and federations.
These new standards represent a shift in the way plant training and testing is delivered, streamlining the system and making grants more accessible, according to CITB.
The first phase of the changes will see new standards introduced for the following:
- 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
Christopher Simpson, head of quality and standards at CITB, said: “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.
“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.”
Training grants
Alongside the new standards, the grant rates for plant training and tests will also be updated.
Currently, three smaller grants are available for practical test, theory test and short course training, which employers can apply in different ways. Under the new changes, 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 a grant for either the old or new standards while the process is embedded.
From October, grants will only be available against the new requirements for the training and testing of the eight categories under review.
To ensure grant eligibility, they will have to:
- Meet CITB’s new standards
- Lead to a card carrying the CSCS logo
- Be delivered by an approved training organisation (ATO)
Going forward, employers will need to provide their CITB registration number to an ATO, who will apply for the grant on their behalf. Any other plant training that is separate from the new standards will remain eligible for the grant, and employers can apply for this in the same way they currently do.
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.
