CPCS aims and benefits

The Construction Plan Competence Scheme (CPCS) was originally launched in 2003 at the request of employers to help them comply with regulations and requirements, and aims to apply common standards for all plant operators.

CPCS aims and benefits:

• provide identification for plant operators and those involved with plant operations by recognising skills, knowledge and understanding, competence and qualifications
• raise health, safety and environment standards through a programme of Health, safety and environment testing to prove workers have met minimum standards
• provide standards of learning and assessment to equip individuals with relevant skills and knowledge to seek employment within the industry
• provide or improve employment prospects for individuals and experienced operators
• keep a record of workers in the construction and allied industries who have achieved a recognised level of operating ability and competence, and to provide a means of identification
• be self-financing; with any surplus funds being used for the benefit of the construction industry
• encourage construction and allied employers to use certificated and competent plant operators
• provide certification for UK workers that could be accepted in Europe through agreements with other European national schemes to mutually recognise qualifications.