Overview
Following a review of plant grants, from 31 July 2023 we launched new plant training standards and grants for 8 categories of Plant. From 11th December 2024 new durations and ratios are being introduced for 7 of those categories (Industrial Forklift remains unchanged).
The training standards have been developed in collaboration with industry working groups, made up of employers, providers and federations. After further collaboration and consultation, the training course durations and ratios have been adjusted and refined to better align with the updated standards.
What’s changed?
The new durations are set out according to the learner: trainer: machine ratio i.e. how many learners on a course, how many trainers and how many machines.
The durations now also include the assessment time (theory and practical test) which previously they did not – removing any doubt as to how long the training and testing in total should take.
The novice standards also now state: “How the duration is organised is at the discretion of the training provider”.
The eight standards are listed below alongside the plant grant tier:
|
New standard title |
Plant grant tier |
|
Excavator 360, above 10 tonnes (tracked) |
Tier 3 |
|
Forward tipping dumper (wheeled) |
Tier 2 |
|
Rear tipping dumper/dump truck: articulated chassis (all sizes) |
Tier 2 |
|
Ride on roller |
Tier 1 |
|
Telescopic handler: all sizes excluding 360 slew |
Tier 2 |
|
Industrial forklift |
Tier 2 |
|
Plant and Vehicle Marshaller |
Tier 2 |
|
Slinger/Signaller: all types, all duties |
Tier 2 |
These new standards are supported by the grants detailed below.
Grant rates
The “experienced” plant grant rate is to support those who require some training before taking a test. In order to be eligible for the grant, experienced training will have to cover all elements in the relevant experienced training standard.
The higher “novice” grant rate is for employers who are putting staff through plant training, who have never had experience in the type of machinery they are being trained in. This is to help respond to the industry’s need for more people to become highly skilled and competent plant operators.
The plant grant rates for novice and experienced are as follows:
|
Plant Grant |
Novice |
Experienced |
|
Tier 1 |
£550 |
£250 |
|
Tier 2 |
£630 |
£300 |
|
Tier 3 |
£880 |
£470 |
The new standards affect eight of the most commonly used plant categories. In order to be grant eligible, the training and testing for these eight categories must:
- Meet our new standards
- Lead to a card carrying the CSCS logo, and
- Be delivered by an Approved Training Organisations (ATO).
To receive grant, you must use an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) and provide your CITB registration number, so that the ATO can apply for the grant on your behalf.
Any other plant training for categories not covered by the new standards remains eligible for grant and you can find more information on how to apply on the short course grant page.
