Debate on plant operator training ensues

The debate over the merit of insisting on NVQs and formal off-the-job training for plant operators is likely to be re-ignited following the revelation that less than 10% of the anticipated yearly demand across the industry is met by qualified operators.

The Construction Idustry Training Board's Skills Foresight Report 2002 estimates that the industry will have to attract 2,250 plant operators per year between now and 2006. This contrasts with the current output of only 150 qualified or part-qualified operators. "At present, the majority of the intake only receives short duration, informal or on-the-job training," the report states.

The report goes on to dismiss as "misleading" the traditional approach of assessing the skills base, which acknowledges the acquisition of skills through on-the-job training and conversion training for operatives transferring from other industries.