The Importance of NPORS and CSCS in the Construction Industry
Let’s talk about your tickets… By that, we don’t mean the ones to an event or festival upcoming. Let’s talk about NPORS and CSCS in the construction industry, and why they are so important in the modern market.
In this article, we are going to cover everything you need to know about both NPORS and CSCS qualifications, understand the difference between them and explain their benefits. Further, we will look at costs and how you or your business could obtain funding to help you or your staff through training.
It is not the law to hold an NPORS or CSCS card to operate machinery on private land. Therefore, if you are hiring equipment for personal use, this article may not be what you are looking for. However, if you require the equipment for commercial usage, most construction sites and insurance companies now want proof of operator competency prior to work beginning. This is where an NPORS or CSCS card comes in. Let’s have a closer look.
What is NPORS and CSCS?
To start, let’s have a look at the difference between the two types of qualification cards an operator can obtain in the UK. Both are recognised in the construction industry. Meaning, either one provides evidence of competency for operating machinery on a construction site or commercially. They are both a part of what we call the approved partner card scheme.
NPORS
Is one of the largest accreditation and registration bodies, working across the construction, industrial, utilities, warehousing and distribution, agricultural, ports and marine sectors. NPORS, in fact, stands for National Plant Operators Registration Scheme and is the most established accredited training scheme in the UK.
As mentioned, specific training leads to an NPORS card. This card–like the card for other accreditation bodies such as CPCS–contains the CSCS logo. This is the ‘one logo’ policy that establishes each accreditation body qualification as accepted by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme.
Training is carried out in line with published course objectives and learning outcomes that have been derived from the National Occupational Standards. The Operator Training card “is a record of the training or assessment an individual has undertaken that proves their ability to safely operate an item of plant machinery/equipment.”
CSCS
CSCS stands for Construction Skill Certification Scheme and covers all plant equipment used within the construction industry. The CSCS logo is generally present on most NPORS operators’ cards, but as a governing body, stands separately from NPORS. Any holder of a card scheme displaying the CSCS logo has met the standards as mandated by the Construction Leadership Council. Ensuring the holder has gained an N/SVQ and passed the Health and Safety Test.
While these cards are not a legal requirement, these cards have become commonplace among major contractors. A CSCS card certainly works in the favour of the owner if they wish to pursue a career in the construction industry. These cards act as proof of any qualifications and evidence of training and competency. There are many different types of CSCS cards you will come across depending on your occupation within the industry. The cards will vary in colour depending on the person’s professional position.
In summary, both NPORS and CSCS are nationally identified forms of accreditation for operating plant equipment, hired or purchased, on a construction site. So, if you considering investing in one, what are the benefits you can expect to receive?
Benefits of NPORS and CSCS cards
Choosing to invest in an NPORS or CSCS card could be one of the best things you do because of the benefits they come with. First, these cards make you far more employable. Not just as an individual, but also as a business. Contractors will be able to access your qualifications and be able to see that you have the correct health and safety knowledge.
Further, these CSCS and NPORS cards help you and your staff stay safe whilst at work. The main reason for the introduction of these accreditation schemes is to improve health and safety awareness within the workplace. Especially in construction. By being aware of your surroundings, you are not only looking out for your well-being but your colleagues as well. You must remember a construction site is one of the most hazardous working environments.
Finally, these cards are recognised not only in the UK but also worldwide. They can act as a copy of your CV that can be used anywhere. If you are to relocate to another country, businesses will be able to access the modules and training you have already taken prior to hiring you.
All in all, these training qualifications are about keeping you safe while operating any piece of plant equipment. The more experience and knowledge, the less chance of fatal accidents occurring. Before jumping straight into booking your first course, you will need to know how much the courses are.
How much do NPORS courses cost?
NPORS course prices vary depending on the type of course and the location of where the training is taking place. The beauty of NPORS courses is that they can take place anywhere, even on your own business grounds. However, in terms of cost, you should expect to pay anywhere between a few hundred, to a couple of thousand pounds. For example, the safe use of a ladder would be substantially less than one on a crane or excavator.
Some training providers may be able to offer higher-level NVQ courses for current NPORS card holders wishing to continue personal development. It is important that you choose your training provider wisely to find the best value and quality for your money.
Things to consider when choosing a training provider
When choosing an NPORS training provider you should consider the following:
- Where are they located?
- The overall cost?
- In-house assessments?
- Who provides the equipment?
- Is the training provider recognised as a CITB training organisation?
Where are they located? – This is important to assess any additional costs, be it you have to travel to undertake training. Even though NPORS training can take place anywhere with an accredited instructor, you should always be aware.
The overall cost? – This is obviously a large determining factor in terms of the training provider. Be aware that some providers may charge you for travel, and accommodation if they are required to deliver training a distance from their base.
In-house assessments? – This is a huge defining factor, especially if you are looking to complete training fast and without delay. It is best to choose a company that can provide both training and assessment.
Providing the equipment? – Be sure that you understand who is providing the equipment for the training, especially if it is taking place outside a training centre.
CITB recognised? – CITB-recognised training centres are able to accept funding for training. This brings us on to…
How to get funding for NPORS and CSCS training.
CITB is the training board for construction within England, Scotland and Wales. Their sole purpose is to support the construction industry with a skilled, competent and inclusive workforce. With funding established through the UK government, CITB can offer a variety of different ways to secure NPORS and CSCS training.
If you are considering undertaking NPORS or CSCS training, it is worth exploring the options that CITB have to offer through their levy, grant and funding schemes they have available. For more information visit CITB here.
Whether you have an NPORS or CSCS operator card or not, anyone is able to hire plant machinery and operate it on private land. If you are looking to hire equipment for private, commercial, or even training reasons, then WHC Hire can help. Check out our full selection of high-performance equipment available for collection and delivery today!