What Is NPORS?
NPORS is a qualification that is recognised by the HSE. It shows that an organisation has trained instructors who are fully able to train, test and certify operators.
The main aim of NPORS or The National Plant Operators Registration Scheme is to grant accredited training providers the ability to meet the needs of the company and provide satisfactory personnel.
NPORS allows you the flexibility of attending a training venue or having a fully qualified instructor come to your workplace to deliver the training. This eliminates the need for you to travel and means we can be flexible around timings that suit you.
We have a network of tutors across the country and if required, have many training partners that can provide training centre courses.
NPORS is also CITB grant claimable. This means that you can receive money back for investing in your employees.
How is the NPORS accreditation different?
NPORS is different from other accreditations as it offers a range of categories: the “normal” categories such as. FLT’s, Rollers, Excavators and Dumpers. Or categories that other schemes do not provide such as; Slinger, Vehicle Banksman, Safety Awareness, CAT and Genny and Abrasive Wheels.
Is NPORS as good as CPCS?
Although CPCS and NPORS are relatively the same; NPORS training is a much more adaptable scheme than others. The course can be specified in your company’s working environment. The course allows you to:
- Include attachments. e.g. adding a telescopic handler
- Restrict the card for operational reasons. e.g. 180 excavator- restricted to front bucket use only.
- Restrict the card for commercial reasons. e.g. restricting the use of the company site only.
Plant Training
NPORS training can be delivered to novices with no experience all the way up to experienced workers.
Those who are experienced would attend an EWA (experienced worker assessment). Completing this will make the successful delegates viable for an NPORS card.
The NPORS accreditation also recommends that delegates should take a refresher course. This would make sure that the operator is working to the correct standard. It will also correct any bad habits the operator may have picked up over the duration of the card.
How Long Does An NPORS Card Last?
You can take the traditional NPORS route and the card can last 3 or 5 years.
If you would like to be CSCS affiliated with the ‘HS&E Tested’ logo, your card will be valid for 2 years under the Red Trained Operator Card. You will need to enrol on the relevant NVQ and complete it within the 2 years. You will also need to have taken the CITB Health, Safety & Environment touch screen test within the last 2 years.
Once completed, you can then upgrade to a Blue Competent Operator Card which lasts for 5 years.
Find out how to apply for an NPORS card here.
To inquire about possibly booking training or for more information click here.
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