March 2026 will see the launch of phase three of CITB’s new plant training standards.

CITB and the Plant Sector Representative Organisation (PSRO) have been working together closely to standardise plant training across the construction industry. This has seen the introduction of short-course training standards for plant categories that reflect the increased requirements and responsibilities for plant operators.

Following updates to the phase one standards in December 2024, the second tranche of 19 standards were launched in June.

Once again, the standards are being developed in collaboration with industry working groups, consisting of employers, training providers and federations. The changes will ensure employers see a return on their investment by producing competent, work-ready plant operators, who have received training from experts.

Phase three standards will cover the following confirmed categories:

Slinger Signaller

Slinger/Signaller: All Types, Static Duties

Slinger/Signaller: Excavator

Slinger/Signaller: Knuckle Boom, Static Duties

Earthworks

Wheeled Loading Shovel

Tracked Loading Shovel

Crawler Tractor Dozer

Forklift

Rough Terrain Masted Forklift

Reach Truck

Lifting Operations

Appointed Person

Lifting Supervisor

Christopher Simpson, Head of Quality and Standards at CITB, said:

“These changes will help standardise and improve the quality and consistency of plant training; increase the amount of plant training that takes place before testing; and increase the number of people trained in plant operations, particularly new entrants to construction.”

Original Article: https://www.citb.co.uk/about-citb/news-events-and-blogs/third-phase-of-plant-training-standards-launching-in-march/