UK plant hire machinery supplier Plantforce has launched new technology-focused 'grassroots' training courses to upskill operators. The new courses - which are being supported by SITECH UK & Ireland, a Trimble construction technology provider - will be initially launched at Weston College’s Construction Training Centre in Weston-Super-Mare, with a view to expanding the training to other colleges across the country as demand increases. Courses will be accredited by the college, offering a further incenti
UK plant hire machinery supplier Plantforce has launched new technology-focused ‘grassroots’ training courses to upskill operators.
The new courses – which are being supported by SITECH UK & Ireland, a Trimble construction technology provider – will be initially launched at Weston College’s Construction Training Centre in Weston-Super-Mare, with a view to expanding the training to other colleges across the country as demand increases. Courses will be accredited by the college, offering a further incentive for operators.
Plantforce says it has made a significant investment in technology for use by students, and will be on hand to provide support and impart knowledge. The courses will also give students access to the latest Trimble technology, with SITECH offering guidance on how to utilise machines to their full capability.
The facility itself contains both a classroom-based environment for essential skills training and a number of fully-fledged machine simulators that allow students to work together on a virtual site. In addition, there is also a practical training area where trainees can get behind the sticks of some of the latest Kobelco machines, which all come fitted with Trimble machine control technologies from SITECH UK & Ireland.
Sam Mercer, operations director at Plantforce, said that there is currently no training facility in existence that provides operators with training on modern machine control, which is required for Tier 1 projects such as HS2 and Hinkley Point.
He added: “With this in mind, we recognised the need to enable a site-ready workforce – including both existing and new operators – with the skills and knowledge required to effectively operate the latest machines and technology.
“These revolutionary training courses will provide the industry with a machine control-ready Trimble qualified workforce, while opening up opportunities for operators to gain access to new projects.”
Apprenticeship courses are available from September onwards. SITECH and Plantforce are hosting a launch event inviting potential students and press to find out more about what the courses entail.
