Civil Engineering and Construction (Plant Operations) – Groundworks Certificate

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.

What You Will Learn

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.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Three or more GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, or successful completion of a relevant Level 1 qualification.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and, where relevant, progress in maths and/or English.

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

Work experience placement.

Work Experience

60 hours work experience

Assessment

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

Progression

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.

Find out more about our Bicton campus

Events

Open Event

Bicton College

Open Event at Bicton College

• 18 Jan 25
• 26 Apr 25

Taster Event

Bicton College

Taster Day at Bicton College

• 17 Feb 25
• 28 May 25