New framework for eco operator training
11 September 2023
The Plant Sector Representative Organisation (PSRO) and the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s (SCSS) Plant Group have worked together to develop a new Eco-operations National Training Delivery Framework.
On the path to Net Zero, the construction industry’s long-term objective is to replace all carbon-emitting equipment with zero or low-emission powered versions. However, the short-term aim is to reduce as far as practicable, engine-derived emissions through both minimising engine run time and efficient operation of equipment.
The PSRO and SCSS say that an education programme is required for owners and users, with eco-operation courses, are bringing vital learning for this subject, either in-house or from established awarding organisations.
To provide overarching criteria for consistency and standardisation for eco-operations, the two organisations have launched the new training delivery framework which can be downloaded here.
This sets out parameters for consistent delivery and provides guidance on areas such as core and optional learning outcomes, assessment strategies and course durations.
As the learning content can between roles and occupations, it further identifies individual course content and delivery factors for plant operatives, supervisors, plant and site managers, planners, plant procurers and maintenance personnel.
The aim is that on completing such a course, participants should have attained a required level of understanding on the principles of reducing machine-based carbon emissions, enabling them to take personal ownership of the issue.
The framework is divided into three parts. Part 1 outlines the aims and principles of the framework, the second identifies the delivery aspects for the relevant occupations, and part 3 specifies the learning outcomes and training specification.
The PSRO is an employer-led body comprising representatives from construction-focussed employers and includes Build UK, CECA, CPA, FPS, HBF, NFDC and SPOA.
Peter Brown from the PSRO said: “With education being a key part in terms of plant-emission reductions and from a programme jointly developed by CPA members Flannery Plant Hire and L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, we’re pleased to have built upon and created the framework in partnership with the SCSS.
“This will help ensure that future training courses on this topic both cover the relevant industry-derived content and provide a platform for the consistency for the training of plant and site-based occupations though this open-source framework.”
Imogen Player, Senior Sustainability Consultant and Plant Category Group Lead at Action Sustainability and the SCSS said: “For the built environment to seriously tackle climate change and reduce emissions, then the impact that good operator behaviour has must be properly realised. The publication of the Eco-operations National Training Delivery Framework is great and I’m excited for it to lead the way forward for best-practice training.”
