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plant operations nvq

Plant Operations

Trade NVQ

NVQ Level 2 Diploma Plant Operations

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Success Rate

+

Delegates completed their NVQs with us in 2024

£

Eligible for CITB Short Qualification Grant
Home » Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Construction)
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About Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Construction)

Qualification Title
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Construction)
Target Audience - Occupation
Plant Occupations
Purpose
The Diploma in Plant Operations covers specific plant machinery and allows candidates to develop their knowledge and skills in areas relating to the plant machinery they work with (360 excavator, 180 excavator, dumpers, telehandlers, rollers, cranes, loading shovels, concrete pumps, road-rail plant) in a safe and efficient manner while using them within the workplace.

What this NVQ involves

Our assessor schedules the appointments with the candidate at times that work for both parties.

Since the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Construction) are candidate-led, they can be completed swiftly once the majority of the evidence has been acquired for the proposed evidence list, a copy of which we've provided. After the evidence is gathered (by email), the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Construction) can be completed quickly in two to three sessions, lasting a few hours each, as long as the candidate can set aside time for the professional follow-up discussion to go over all of the given evidence.

The follow-up professional discussion can be completed face-to-face or remotely.

1st visit – Induction, planning

2nd visit – discuss evidences, identify shortfall of evidences

3rd – visit – Discuss new evidences, cover shortfall in questions (if required) - completed

Call us on 01623 287830
Enquire about this NVQ online

Key Course Details

Duration: See section "What This NVQ Involves"

Location: Work-based, on-site assessment and/or remote

Cost: £995 + VAT, or, CITB Short Qualification Grant - £395

Dates: On-site assessment

Accreditation: OFQUAL Certification

CITB Support

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mark and the entire team at Workforce Skills for the outstanding training and support provided throughout my Level 7 NVQ in Senior Site Management. From start to finish, the process was handled with professionalism, clarity, and a consistently high standard of delivery.

The depth of knowledge and experience that Mark brings to the table is evident in every interaction. His guidance was invaluable, not just in navigating the NVQ requirements, but in enhancing my understanding of leadership and site management at a senior level. The training materials were comprehensive, well-structured, and directly aligned with industry expectations, which made the learning both relevant and engaging.

What stood out most was the team’s commitment to quality and their proactive approach to ensuring I stayed on track. They were always available to answer questions and provide feedback, making the journey feel both supported and efficient.

Luke Lee
Head Of Operations, MCC Homes

Reduce Your Net Cost

Check Your Funding Eligibility Here
Or Speak to An Advisor - Call us on 01623287830

Trusted by over 1,000 construction employers, including CITB levy-registered companies.

  • MOST POPULAR
Option 1
Reduced via Grant

Net Cost to You

£395

Who It's For
CITB Levy Registered Companies

Funding Route
Short Qualification Grant (£600)

Option 2
Standard Payment

Net Cost to You

£995 + VAT

Who It's For
Not CITB Levy Registered Companies

Funding Route
No CITB Grant Available

*Funding is subject to CITB eligibility

Qualification Structure

Choose the pathway that best matches the role and responsibilities of the person undertaking the qualification.

Candidates must complete 2 Mandatory units.
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6537Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace1641
T/508/6538Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace2642

Cranes and Specialist Lifting is for candidates that use cranes of various types (mobile, tower, crawler) and want to develop the skills and prove their competence.
Candidates must complete 2 Mandatory units and 1 Optional unit.
mandatory units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6537Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace1641
T/508/6538Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace2642
Optional Units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
H/508/6566Preparing and operating crawler cranes (above10 tonnes) to lift and transfer loads in the workplace2387Bv2
K/508/6567Preparing and operating tower cranes to lift and transfer loads in the workplace2387Cv2
M/508/6568Preparing and operating mobile cranes to lift and transfer loads in the workplace2387Dv2
T/508/6569Preparing and operating crawler-tractor side booms to lift and transfer loads in the workplace2387Pv2

Extracting is for candidates that operate with extracting machinery and equipment (360 excavator, 180 excavator, graders, dozers) and want to develop the skills and prove their competence.
Candidates must complete 2 Mandatory units and 1 Optional unit.
mandatory units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6537Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace1641
T/508/6538Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace2642
optional units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
K/508/6570Preparing and operating draglines to extract ground and/or loose materials in
the workplace
2388Av3
M/508/6571Preparing and operating 180 degree excavators to extract and excavate ground and loose materials in the workplace2388Bv3
T/508/6572Preparing and operating tracked loading shovels to extract ground and loose
materials in the workplace		2388Dv3
A/508/6573Preparing and operating motorised scrapers to extract, transport and distribute materials in the workplace2388Fv3
F/508/6574Preparing and operating trenchers to extract ground and/or loose materials in
the workplace		2388Gv3
Y/508/6575Preparing and operating 360 degree excavators to extract ground, face and/or
loose materials in the workplace		2388Jv3
L/508/6576Preparing and operating crawler tractor dozers to carry out dozer operations in
the workplace		2388Lv1

Excavating is for candidates that prepare and operate excavating machinery (360 excavator, 180 excavator, dozers) and want to develop the skills and prove their competence.
Candidates must complete 2 Mandatory units and 1 Optional unit.
mandatory units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6537Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace1641
T/508/6538Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace2642
optional units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6571Preparing and operating 180 degree excavators to extract and excavate
ground and loose materials in the workplace		2388Bv3
L/508/6576Preparing and operating crawler tractor dozers to carry out dozer operations in
the workplace		2388Lv1
R/508/6577Preparing and operating draglines to excavate ground materials in the
workplace		2389Av3
Y/508/6578Preparing and operating 360 degree excavators to excavate ground in the
workplace		2389Cv3
D/508/6579Preparing and operating trenchers to excavate ground in the workplace2389Dv3
R/508/6580Preparing and operating tracked loading shovels to excavate ground and loose
materials in the workplace		2389Fv1

Construction & Forming is for candidates that Shape ground and carry out dozer/grader operations and want to develop the skills and prove their competence.
Candidates must complete 2 Mandatory units and 1 Optional unit.
mandatory units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6537Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace1641
T/508/6538Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace2642
optional units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
Y/508/6581Preparing and operating graders to form and shape ground and/or loose materials
in the workplace		2390Av3
L/508/6576Preparing and operating crawler tractor dozers to carry out dozer operations in
the workplace		2388Lv1
D/508/6582Preparing and operating formwork rigs to construct and form in the workplace2390Dv1

Transporting Loads is for candidates that prepare and operate concrete pumps to receive, pump and discharge materials within the workplace and want to develop the skills and prove their competence.
mandatory units
Candidates must 3 Mandatory units.
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6537Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace1641
T/508/6538Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace2642
H/508/6583Preparing and operating truck-mounted boom concrete pumps to receive, pump
and discharge materials in the workplace		2391Av3

Transporting Loads is for candidates that prepare and operate crawler tractor dozers/soil stabilisation and want to develop the skills and prove their competence.
Candidates must complete 2 Mandatory units and 1 Optional unit.
mandatory units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6537Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace1641
T/508/6538Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace2642
optional units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
L/508/6576Preparing and operating crawler tractor dozers to carry out dozer operations in
the workplace		2388Lv1
K/508/6584Preparing and operating soil stabilisers to lay and distribute materials in the
workplace		2393Av3

Road/Rail is for candidates that prepare and operate road adapted plant want to develop the skills and prove their competence.
Candidates must complete 3 Mandatory units and 1 Optional unit.
Mandatory Units
Candidates must complete all mandatory units.
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6537Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace1641
T/508/6538Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace2642
J/508/6527Preparing and operating road/rail adapted plant in the workplace2398v3
Optional Units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6571Preparing and operating 180 degree excavators to extract and excavate
ground and loose materials in the workplace		2388Bv3
T/508/6572Preparing and operating tracked loading shovels to extract ground and loose
materials in the workplace		2388Dv3
J/508/6575Preparing and operating 360 degree excavators to extract ground, face and/or
loose materials in the workplace		2388Jv3
L/508/6576Preparing and operating crawler tractor dozers to carry out dozer operations in
the workplace		2388Lv1
Y/508/6578Preparing and operating 360 degree excavators to excavate ground in the
workplace		2389Cv3

Attachments is for candidates that work with plant or machinery attachments and want to develop the skills and prove their competence.
Candidates must complete 3 Mandatory units and 1 Optional unit.
mandatory units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6537Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace1641
T/508/6538Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace2642
L/508/6528Preparing and operating plant or machinery attachments in the workplace2399v3
Optional Units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6571Preparing and operating 180 degree excavators to extract and excavate
ground and loose materials in the workplace
2388Bv3
T/508/6572Preparing and operating tracked loading shovels to extract ground and loose
materials in the workplace		2388Dv3
J/508/6575Preparing and operating 360 degree excavators to extract ground, face and/or
loose materials in the workplace		2388Jv3
L/508/6576Preparing and operating crawler tractor dozers to carry out dozer operations in
the workplace		2388Lv1
Y/508/6578Preparing and operating 360 degree excavators to excavate ground in the
workplace		2389Cv3

Shore Marine is for candidates that work with plant or machinery on a floating vessel and want to develop the skills and prove their competence.
Candidates must complete 3 Mandatory units and 1 Optional unit.
Mandatory Units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6537Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace1641
T/508/6538Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace2642
M/508/6585Preparing and operating plant or machinery from a floating vessel in the
workplace		2403v2
Optional Units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
R/508/6479Preparing and operating compact cranes to lift and transfer loads in the workplace2387Av2
H/508/6566Preparing and operating crawler cranes (above 10 tonnes) to lift and transfer
loads in the workplace		2387Bv2
M/508/6568Preparing and operating mobile cranes to lift and transfer loads in the workplace2387Dv2
J/508/6480Preparing and operating pedestrian operated tower cranes to lift and transfer
loads in the workplace		2387Ev2
R/508/6482Preparing and operating excavator cranes to lift and transfer loads in the workplace2387Gv2
F/508/6493Preparing and operating telescopic handlers to lift and transfer loads in the
workplace		2387Lv2
D/508/6484Preparing and operating lorry loaders or knuckle booms to lift and transfer loads in the workplace2387Qv2
R/508/6577Preparing and operating draglines to excavate ground materials in the
workplace		2389Av3
Y/508/6578Preparing and operating 360 degree excavators to excavate ground in the
workplace		2389Cv3
H/508/6583Preparing and operating truck-mounted boom concrete pumps to receive, pump and discharge materials in the workplace2391Av3
H/508/6504Preparing and operating trailer-mounted concrete pumps to receive, pump and discharge materials in the workplace2391Ev3
F/508/6509Preparing and operating boom-type mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP) in the workplace2392Bv3
A/508/6587Preparing and operating powered units, tools or pedestrian plant, machinery or equipment in the workplace2400v2

Erecting & Dismantling is for candidates that erect and dismantle cranes and rigs in the workplace and want to develop the skill and prove their competence.
Candidates must complete 5 Mandatory units.
Mandatory Units
Candidates must complete all mandatory units.
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6537Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace1641
T/508/6538Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace2642
A/508/6525Slinging and hand signalling the movement of suspended loads in the
workplace		2402Av1
F/508/6588Erecting and dismantling plant (cranes and rigs) in the workplace2404v2
Y/508/6533Moving, handling and storing resources in the workplace2643

Candidates must complete 3 Mandatory units.
Mandatory Units
Unit Ref.TitleLevelCITB Ref.
M/508/6537Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace
2641
T/508/6538Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace2642
J/508/6589Preparing, operating and controlling operations or road plant or machinery in
the workplace		2376v3
why take this nvq

Benefits of the NVQ Level 2 Diploma Land Drilling Operations

check your eligibility for citb funding
can lead to a NPORS / CPCS blue skilled worker card
  • Eligible for a Blue CPCS/NPORS card
  • CITB Grant Eligible for CITB levy registered companies
  • For CITB levy registered companies this NVQ is grant eligible for £600 CITB Short Qualification Grant
  • Demonstrates that you are highly qualified for your role
  • You earn a lifetime qualification and improves your job advancement chances
  • We are a nationwide CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO), CITB Employer Networks Partner and will help you claim funding and eligible grants

Find out more about this NVQ

We’ll check your eligibility for CITB grants and guide you through every step—from application to reimbursement.
Please complete the form below and one of our advisors will get in touch with you.
Is your company levy registered?*
Are you happy to be contacted for marketing?*
Or Speak to An Advisor - Call us on 01623287830

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about this NVQ? Here is a compilation of our most frequently asked questions.

The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Construction) is a vocational qualification designed for individuals who operate plant machinery within the construction industry. It assesses your competence in the safe and effective operation of a range of construction plant and machinery based on real workplace performance, including machinery such as excavators, dozers, cranes, loaders, concrete pumps, road‑rail plant, and other specialist equipment.

This NVQ is for people employed in construction roles where they regularly operate plant machinery. It is suitable for experienced operators who want to gain formal recognition of their competence with plant equipment, including those aiming to support applications for industry card schemes such as CPCS or NPORS.

The NVQ cost can vary. Please see our payment options. 

There are no formal academic entry requirements. You should already be employed in a role where you operate plant machinery so that you can generate real workplace evidence for assessment. Candidates are expected to have sufficient experience and knowledge of the machinery they work with to complete the qualification.

Assessment is workplace‑based and focuses on evidence of your actual performance. A qualified assessor will observe you operating plant machinery, review your portfolio of evidence including workplace documentation and photos, and hold professional discussions to confirm your competence. There are no traditional exams; the qualification is assessed through naturally occurring work activities.

Yes, upon successful completion of this NVQ you can be eligible to apply for a CPCS Blue Competent Operator card or an NPORS Blue Competent Operator card, provided you have passed the relevant Operative Health and Safety Test within two years of applying and achieved the required novice or experienced worker test through CPCS or NPORS. Please contact Workforce Skills Support for full guidance on card requirements.

Please visit our All NVQ page to find your relevant occupation and required NVQ.

Yes. The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Operations (Construction) is regulated by OFQUAL and recognised nationally across the construction industry. Employers accept it as evidence of competence in plant operations.

Yes. This qualification is eligible for the CITB Short Qualification Grant, which can reduce the net cost of the NVQ for eligible candidates. Workforce Skills Support can help check eligibility and guide you through the grant application process.

Pay-Then-Claim Reduce your training costs

Claim the £600 CITB Short Qualification Grant – NVQ cost drops to just £395 after reimbursement!

Reduced cost - Pay then reclaim 

  • NVQ cost: £995 + VAT
  • CITB Grant: £600
  • Net cost to your business: £395
Check Your Funding Eligibility

*only available to CITB levy registered companies

Get in touch or call us on 01623 287830.