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Civil Engineering and Construction (Plant Operations) – Groundworks Certificate

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LOCATION & START DATE
Bicton College - 8 September 2025
LEVEL
Level 2 Levels Explained
DURATION
1 Year
LEARNING AREA
Construction Find out more
ATTENDANCE

Course information

This Civil Engineering and Construction (Plant Operations) – Groundworks Certificate is your gateway to gaining your full professional operators qualification if you want operate heavy plant to the exacting standards of the modern construction site this is the course for you. Once complete and the NPORS test has been passed this is your passport to a career in the construction industry and recognition of your professional operating skills.

You will have the opportunity to carry out a number of construction tasks using plant ranging for 1.8 tonne mini excavators up to 13 tonne 360 degree tracked excavators and if that’s not enough you will also receive industry training using 6 tonne High vis forward tipping dumpers and road roller. At the end of the 1 year course you will have been assessed on 4 machines to gain your level 2 qualification and given the opportunity to take NPORS tests should you wish.

As a trainee operator you will be involved in basic excavation trenching etc. then progressing onto more complex excavations for example structural foundations and service excavations. All training will be delivered to the high standards required By the Construction industry training board.

Bicton College is in the fortunate position to be in partnership with Holt JCB, this allows student’s access to the range of the most up to date machines currently available.

This one-year course will deliver training on at least 4 types of construction plant to construction skills level 2 standards. At the end of the course you will be given the opportunity to take your full NPORS.

GCSE English and maths at grade 3 or above (or equivalent).

Work experience placement.

60 hours work experience

The assessment will be carried out by a series of practical assessments and portfolio based work books/ training log.

Once you’ve finished the Level 2 course you could consider additional NPORS training on a wider range of plant equipment, maybe a move into Landbased Engineering to develop your machinery maintenance skills or seek employment in the sector.

Bicton College

Bicton College

Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.


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Course type 16-19 Adult
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Tuition fees: £0
If you’re aged 16-18 when you begin your course, you will usually be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support section.
Financial support for School Leavers
Tuition Fees: £823.00
If you are aged 19+, the cost of the course will depend on your circumstances. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support Section.
Financial support for ages 19+
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Course Code 10258-BIC-25

Courses listed on this website are indicative of the subject, nature and level of study. The College reserves the right to alter specific qualifications titles, awarding bodies and levels of qualification, which can change in year. Any cost may also vary, based on personal funding eligibility. The Cornwall College Group reserves the right to withdraw any course listed at any time.

Civil Engineering and Construction (Plant Operations) – Groundworks Certificate Level 2 Bicton College Construction, PlantOps, DiggerDriver, Digger, JCB, CAT, MiniDigger, SwingShovel, 360, Plant
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