NPORS PLANT
TRAINING
The NPORS scheme is widely considered to be one of the UK’s leading accreditation and registration bodies operating across a number of sectors. NPORS, the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme, whilst initially formed around construction plant training and lifting operations back in 1992 has diversified considerably and offers accredited and recognised courses across the Construction, Demolition, Industrial, Utilities, Agricultural, Mining, Ports and Marine sectors. In recent years the NPORS scheme has launched new products including the NPORS HS&E Health Safety & Environment test, and the NPORS CSSS Construction Site Safety Scheme; this scheme includes the NPORS Health & Safety Awareness (which allows delegates to obtain a Green CSCS Labourer card) alongside the NPORS Construction Site Safety Manager and NPORS Construction Site Supervisor courses, equivalents to the CITB SSSTS & CITB SMSTS.
NPORS take great pride in their exceptional standards and the level of customer service offered to both us as an NPORS training centre and to the NPORS operator. The NPORS card is recognised not only across the UK by Build UK (formally UKCG) contractors and the MHBG Major Home Builders Group, but internationally given the diversity of their offering across a multitude of sectors. NPORS training courses are recognised by many as being equivalent to CPCS cards; in the last few years the scheme has become widely accepted across the construction and civil engineering sectors given the availability of the NPORS Red Card & NPORS Blue card, both of which are CSCS embossed at request in the same way that CPCS cards are. This option was made available as part of a drive to bring all card schemes under a ‘one logo’ which easily allows employers and principle contractors to validate cards and ultimately operator competency to better ensure the safety of those on site.
Earthmoving Machinery Courses
N016 Micro Excavator 360° Training
N020 Tiltrotator System Training
N021 Suction Excavator Training
N116 Dragline Training
N139 Forward Tipping Mini Dumper <1T Training
N201 Excavator 180° Training
N202 Excavator 360° Training
N203 Trencher Training
N204 Forward Tipping Dumper Training
N205 Rear Tipping Dumper Training
N206 Loader Compressor Training
N209 Loading Shovel Training
N212 Skid Steer Training
N215 Dozer Training
N240 Grader Training
N601 Agricultural Tractor Training
N726 Quick Hitch Awareness Training
Street Works Courses
Cranes/Lifting Courses
N014 Marine Knuckle Boom Crane Training
N046 Rigging and Fleeting Loads-Lift Planner Training
N047 Rigging and Fleeting Loads Training
N100 Excavator as a Crane – Lifting Operations Training
N101 Mobile Crane Training
N102 Tower Crane Training
N103 Crawler Crane Training
N104 Overhead Crane (Gantry) Training
N107 Lorry Loader Training
N114 Overhead Container Gantry Crane Training
N115 Remote Control Tower Crane (Ped-Op) Training
N140 Compact Crane Training
N242 Side Boom Training
N401 Appointed Person Training
N402 Slinger Signaller Training
N405 Crane / Lift Supervisor Training
N722 Material Rehandler Training
Accessing Equipment Courses
Transportation Courses
Forklifts/Lift Truck Courses
N001 Counterbalance Lift Truck Training
N003 Reach Lift Truck Training
N004 Lorry Mounted Lift Truck Training
N006 Side Loader Training
N009 Rough Terrain Lift Truck Training
N010 Telescopic Handler Training
N010A Industrial Telescopic Handler Training
N012 Container Handler Training
N138 Telescopic Handler Suspended Loads Training
Health and Safety Courses
N132 Plant Mover (Non-Operational) Training
N133 Plant Machinery Marshal Training
N403 Vehicle Marshal Training
N404 Safe Working at Height Training
N702A Confined Space – Low Risk Training
N702B Confined Space – Medium Risk Training
N702C Confined Space – High Risk Training
N703 Fire Warden Training
N704 Manual Handling Training
N711 Safe Use of Ladders Training
N723 Harness & Fall Arrest Training
S001 Site Safety Awareness Training
Miscellaneous Equipment Courses
Small Equipment Courses
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NPORS or CPCS Training?
Why NPORS Training? The question is asked a lot, and there are a number of key differences. Ultimately both are recognised by the HSE Health & Safety Executive and both are recognised UK wide by the majority of Principle Contractors. NPORS courses however offer flexibility and versatility that that the CPCS card scheme doesn’t whilst maintaining standards in line with industry best practice. The NPORS scheme offers accredited training much like CPCS and allows operators to obtain an NPORS CSCS card, also commonly referred to as the NPORS Red Card or NPORS Blue Card (the latter being available to those that hold an accepted NPORS NVQ). NPORS courses consist of both theoretical and practical training, with the theory element being more user-friendly that CPCS in that it’s in a multiple choice format. The NPORS scheme also offers a number of courses that the CPCS alternative doesn’t, and the NPORS CSCS card is also recognised by CITB, in turn grants or funding can be paid on completion. As a CITB ATO Approved Training Organisation, Safeteam can help employers draw down funding and can also claim CITB grants on completion of training and the NPORS assessment, as long as the operator gains the NPORS Red Trained Operator card or NPORS Blue Competent Operator card with is CSCS embossed.
All NPORS training and assessments can be delivered at either a purpose built NPORS training centre or at a client’s location, enabling Safeteam to cover the full length and breadth of the UK. With NPORS machine training taking place on site this of course has the additional benefit of reducing downtime as staff aren’t having to be released from site for training and testing purposes; this is also typically a more cost-effective option too and reduces travel time and expenses, furthermore training durations can be reduced for 1-to-1 training, aiding in site productivity.
One of the key benefits of NPORS over CPCS, is the ability for us to add restrictions to NPORS cards. Such restrictions can be based on the capacity in which the machine is used, i.e. our NPORS telehandler training can be restricted to ‘low level’ use only for groundwork and civils as an example, given that operators are typically not lifting to height. NPORS cards can also be restricted to specific sites or employers, aiding in staff retention and giving financial security to employers that are investing in a sub-contract workforce.
What Types of NPORS card are there?
There are a number of different types or card, although an NPORS certificate is available for certain product types in addition to the standard NPORS card.
NPORS Traditional card
Internationally the standard NPORS card (typically referred to as a ‘traditional’ NPORS card) lasts between 3 and 5 years and is valid until the end of the month in which the NPORS assessment is completed. This card can carry the HS&E tested logo for those that have undertaken a relevant test.
NPORS CSCS card
(NPORS Red Trained Operator or NPORS Blue Competent Operator)
In more recent years the introduction of the NPORS CSCS card, which is embossed with the CSCS logo much like CPCS, has become widely accepted and requested across the UK by construction and construction allied industries. In order to obtain this version of the card, trainees need to have passed the HS&E test within 2 years at point of an NPORS ticket being applied for. Operators initially obtain an NPORS Red card which lasts for 2 years on completion training and/or an NPORS test, thereafter a recognised NPORS NVQ needs to be completed to allow the card to be converted from a Red NPORS Trained Operator card to a Blue NPORS Competent Operator card which lasts for 5 years. Those that hold an NVQ already, or who are currently on a CPCS Blue Competent Operator card may be able to undertake an NPORS test to go straight to the NPORS Blue card.
How do I renew an NPORS card?
Best practice would always be to undertake refresher training to ensure that an operators skills remain up-to-date and coincide with best practice, familiarity can also be given to more modern machines and the ever-evolving technology within the sector.
The main renewal routes are as follows;
- NPORS Traditional card (3 or 5 years and doesn’t carry a CSCS logo) – complete an EWT Experienced Worker Test for the relevant categories listed on an NPORS card, the EWT route is highly recommended to ensure your delegates are aware of best practice, and they are assessed by an impartial NPORS accredited instructor.
- NPORS CSCS Red Trained Operator card – operators need to complete a recognised NPORS NVQ, these are the same NVQ qualifications that would be recognised under the CPCS scheme. The NVQ stands to verify experience and competence since the initial testing and allows operators to upgrade to the NPORS CSCS Blue Competent Operator card. The NVQ must be completed on site and can be turned around very quickly as long as the operator has access to the relevant machine.
- NPORS CSCS Blue Competent Operator card – operators holding this card simply need to have completed a HS&E Health Safety & Environment test (either under NPORS or CITB) in order to renew their card for a further 5 years.
NPORS card checker – how do I validate an NPORS card?
NPORS cards can be validated easily by visiting the online NPORS card checker, you’ll simply need the operator name and NPORS registration number (or Name, Date of Birth & NI Number) in order to locate the record online, verify authenticity and to maintain proof that an operator has been tested in line with NPORS guidelines. The NPORS card checker is real-time, as soon as an operators registration is processed the record will show online. The link to the online NPORS card checker card be found below;
https://online.npors.com/#_operator_card_checker
How long does it take the NPORS card to arrive?
NPORS cards can be turned around very quickly, typically within 24 hours of the paperwork being processed at our head office any attendees will have online records generated by NPORS, allowing employers to validate competence and to allow them access to site. We find that NPORS are one of the quickest in the industry in terms of turn-around, and physical cards usually take no longer than a few days to arrive once paperwork has been administered and results uploaded.
NPORS Red to Blue?
Need to know how to upgrade an NPORS CSCS card? Anyone needing to upgrade from a Red Trained Operator to a Blue Competent Operator card needs to undertake a relevant and recognised NPORS NVQ, we deliver NVQ’s nationally at the convenience of site and the learner – for further information click here.
Can I claim CITB grant on NPORS?
In short yes. CITB levy registered businesses can claim CITB grant for NPORS courses as long as the durations hit certain parameters for NPORS experienced worker or NPORS novice training. The CITB grant amount is subject to the duration of training and will consist of 1 grant payment which encompasses both training and the NPORS assessment. The CITB grant is only payable on training that leads to the CSCS embossed version of the NPORS card.
NPORS Training near me?
We have a multitude of highly regarded NPORS instructors right across the UK with the ability to deliver all training and NPORS tests on site in a live environment, we also have a network of training facilities across the UK for those that don’t have access to the machine or sufficient welfare facilities, and in turn need to undertake training in a simulated environment. Safeteam are a specialist provider of NPORS training, we have a truly unrivalled offering and a multitude of time-spent leading instructors across a number of disciplines. Speak to one of our advisors and we’ll always to our best to schedule training and NPORS assessments around your requirements!
If training and assessments can’t be undertaken on site, we deliver courses from purpose-built training centres in the following regions;
Buckinghamshire NPORS Training Centre
Northamptonshire NPORS Training Centre
Yorkshire NPORS Training Centre
Birmingham NPORS Training Centre
Somerset NPORS Training Centre
London NPORS Training Centre
Why Safeteam?
- We are the nationwide training provider of choice for many of the UK’s largest construction contractors and have a wealth of experience in NPORS Plant & Lifting training, we offer unrivalled advice and guidance to ensure that you’re booking the right course and remain fully compliant
- Cost-effective training and development solutions, arranged by a dedicated account manger who can guide you through every part of the process
- Safeteam are made up of very well-regarded, time served and personable instructors who are keen to pass on their knowledge and to see others excel
- We’re a CITB ATO Approved Training Organisation so can assist you in claiming money from CITB to help with the cost of your training
- Full nationwide delivery, 7 days a week with out of hours training available!