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Return to shopREFRESHERS & CPD
Refresher and CPD Courses for Plant & Machinery
Refresher training for plant operators is essential for renewing operator cards and maintaining safety standards on site.
Training is usually linked to major accreditation schemes like NPORS or CPCS .
- NPORS Refresher: To renew a NPORS Traditional Card (often used outside major construction sites), you generally need to complete a NPORS Refresher Test, which is often delivered on client sites .
- CPCS Renewal (Blue Card): To renew a CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card, you need to pass the relevant CITB health, safety and environment test and complete a CPCS CPD Renewal course for your specific machine categories .
You also need to demonstrate ongoing experience, such as a logged 300+ hours . - NPORS CSCS Card Renewal: If you hold a NPORS CSCS Red Trained Operator Card, this is valid for 2 years.
To move to the 5-year Blue Competent Operator Card, you must complete the relevant NVQ in plant operations . - Specific Machinery Courses: Refresher courses are available for almost every type of plant machinery.
For example, a one-day NPORS Vehicle Marshall refresher course is available for those guiding vehicles and plant machinery on site .
Refresher and CPD Courses for HGV Driving
The HGV training landscape has seen significant updates recently, particularly around the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC).
- New National Driver CPC (N-DCPC): As of late 2024, a new National Driver CPC is available for drivers who only operate within the UK .
The key change is flexibility: training is now delivered in 3.5-hour blocks instead of full-day sessions, and some elements can be completed via e-learning .
You are still required to complete 35 hours of training every 5 years - Return-to-Work Module for Lapsed CPCs: From February 2025, drivers with lapsed CPC qualifications can return to driving more quickly.
They can now complete a new 7-hour “return to work” module and then finish the remaining 28 hours of training within 12 months - Government-funded Skills Bootcamps: There are funded refresher courses available through schemes like the Skills Bootcamps, managed by the Driver Academy Group .
These are designed for drivers looking to rebuild confidence, upgrade their licence (e.g., from Category C to C+E), or gain specialist qualifications like ADR for transporting hazardous goods - Specialist Online CPD Courses: For continuous professional development, many providers offer online courses on specific topics.
These are often CPD-certified and cover areas such as driver fatigue awareness, safe loading (cargo securement), vehicle maintenance, and sustainability in HGV operations . These are typically self-paced and last between 1 and 12 hours.
How to Choose the Right Course
For HGV Drivers: First, check if you need mandatory Driver CPC training to renew your qualification.
The new modular system offers flexibility, so you can book individual 3.5-hour modules on topics that interest you .
If your CPC has lapsed, look for the specific return-to-work module .
For Plant Operators: Your choice depends on the card you hold and need to renew (e.g., NPORS Traditional, NPORS CSCS, CPCS).
Check the expiry date on your card and the specific renewal requirements for that scheme, as they differ .
For CPCS renewals, ensure you have a log of your operating hours ready .
General Consideration: For both sectors, decide whether you prefer online theory-based CPD or require practical, in-person assessment.
Specialist courses like ADR or Vehicle Marshall can also enhance your skills and employability..