The NVQ isn’t a training course — it’s a competence-based assessment. We’re not teaching you how to operate the machine — you already know that. The NVQ is about proving that you can operate plant machinery safely, efficiently and competently in a real construction environment.

Traditionally, this kind of assessment was carried out on site with an assessor watching you work. Our process makes it easier: assessments are completed remotely using videos, photos, discussions and other evidence gathered from your normal work. Where it’s the best way to confirm competence, your assessor can also visit site to carry out a live observation.

Typical evidence would include:
• Detailed videos of you carrying out work tasks
• Photos showing site conditions, equipment and safety measures
• Witness testimonies from supervisors or managers
• Professional discussions with your assessor
• Copies of site documentation such as risk assessments, lift plans, method statements, etc

Everything is managed online so you can complete your NVQ flexibly without classroom sessions or written exams.

Not sure what kind of evidence you’ll need? That’s what we’re here for — we’ll guide you through every step.

Your assessment is managed remotely but it’s still based entirely on your real work on site.

You’ll upload your evidence – videos, photos and documents – to our secure online portal. Videos should clearly show you carrying out your normal work, be detailed enough for the assessor to see what’s happening, and include enough context so that you and the site can be identified.

One of the benefits of recording your own evidence is that you can do it over several days, showing different tasks or site conditions. This often gives a more accurate picture of how you work day to day than a single live visit.

Once your assessor has reviewed your uploads and confirmed that they show genuine workplace activity, they’ll arrange a short call or, where needed, a site visit to complete a structured discussion about your work.

During the discussion, the assessor will ask questions about how you carry out your job safely and competently. It’s not a test; it’s a conversation about the work you do every day, supported by the evidence you’ve provided.

Example questions might include:
• What checks do you carry out on your machine before starting work?
• How do you make sure your work area is safe?
• What would you do if you spotted a fault with your machine during use?
• How do you communicate with others on site during lifting operations?

There’s no written exam or classroom element – the assessment is simply about showing and explaining how you do your job in a genuine workplace setting.

You’ll have up to twelve months to complete your NVQ, but most experienced operators finish much sooner.

The timescale depends on how quickly you can provide your workplace evidence. Once your assessor has everything they need – such as videos, photos, documents and your professional discussion – the process can move quickly.

Your assessor will give you clear guidance from the start, so you’ll know exactly what to collect and how to present it. As soon as your evidence is reviewed and your workplace performance has been observed and confirmed, your NVQ can be signed off.

Some candidates complete everything in just a few days if their evidence is ready, while others take longer to gather what they need while working on site. Either approach is fine – your assessor will help you plan the assessment around your normal job and site access.

Yes — all of our Plant and Lifting Operations NVQs are CITB grant claimable.
If your employer is CITB-registered, they can claim a grant of up to £600 per learner once the NVQ has been completed.

Find out more about the CITB Short Qualification Grant Scheme.

Yes. While the NVQ is normally completed remotely using workplace evidence, we can arrange on-site assessments where it’s genuinely needed to confirm workplace performance.

Your assessor will decide the most suitable approach based on your work environment, site access and the type of evidence available. In most cases, videos of your normal on-site work provide everything required for assessment.

If a live visit is preferred or necessary, this can be arranged by agreement, although additional costs may apply depending on travel distance and logistics.

Every NVQ is based on real work carried out in your normal job and includes assessor observation, witness testimony and professional discussion, in line with the CITB Consolidated Assessment Strategy for Plant Operations.

No — we don’t deliver the CPCS or NPORS training courses that lead to a Red Card.

First, you’ll need a Red Card.
To get one, you’ll need to attend a practical and theory-based training course at an accredited CPCS or NPORS test centre. These courses typically last a few days and cover essential knowledge and hands-on skills. After completing the training, you’ll take a theory test and a practical assessment on the machine. If you pass, you’ll be issued a Red Trained Operator Card.

Once you’ve got your Red Card, we can help you upgrade to the Blue Card.
That’s where our NVQ comes in. We offer the NVQ you need to prove on-site competence and move up to the Blue Competent Operator Card. It’s all done remotely — no classrooms, no exams, and no hassle. You just carry on working while we assess you.

Need help understanding the steps? Get in touch and we’ll talk you through it.