The review is being carried out by CITB with the aim of simplifying access to plant grants for employers whilst maintaining high standards of training and testing in this safety critical area.

To find out more and to share your views on the initial proposals for the new plant standards and grants please click here and fill out the survey. The deadline is November 26. Those taking part will be able to register interest in being involved in the working groups, who will ultimately support the development of the new plant standards.

The review comes at a time of increased demand for training and plant skills in the construction sector. The latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) forecast for 2021-25 predicts that another 850 plant operators will be required each year to keep pace with demand.

According to CSN, there are over 42,000 plant operators in the UK. Over 4,000 CITB-registered employers work primarily within plant hire, demolition or civil engineering, with an element of plant on most construction sites.

Gillian Brewin, head of grant and funding products at CITB, said: “Plant skills are hugely important to the whole construction sector. The purpose of this review is to get to an agreed industry position on training and testing standards, and to ensure our Plant Grants support and encourage quality training.

“We are consulting with industry and are very keen to hear from all those with an interest in plant training and testing, especially small and micro employers and training providers. This is the industry’s opportunity to shape standards in a safety critical sector so please have your say today.”