Competence-Based Plant & FLT Training
Qualification through competence
HSE/PUWER aligned training delivered on-site across the East Midlands. Structured assessment, full audit trail, competitive pricing — without the scheme overhead.
6 Common Plant & FLT Myths
Misconceptions about plant training are widespread. Here are the facts.
What is an "FLT Licence"?
The short answer: there is no official government forklift licence in the same way as a car or HGV licence. Here is what actually exists.
The Reality
- No government-issued forklift licence exists for workplace use
- What people call an "FLT licence" is evidence of training and assessment
- Certificates and cards from training providers are informally called "licences"
- Training can be delivered by accredited bodies (CPCS, NPORS) or competent independent providers
On Private Premises
- No road licence is required for plant on private land
- Law requires adequate training and competence under PUWER
- Employer must ensure operators are trained and authorised
- A structured assessment with documentation satisfies the legal requirement
On Public Roads
- Road traffic law applies in addition to PUWER
- Correct DVLA entitlement for the vehicle category is required
- Vehicle must be registered, taxed and insured for road use
- Construction & Use regulations must be met
- Plant competence training does not replace road entitlement (and vice versa)
Refresher Training
- Typically recommended every 3–5 years
- This is about maintaining competence, not "licence expiry"
- May be needed sooner after incidents, equipment changes, or observed unsafe habits
- Employer is responsible for monitoring operator competence on an ongoing basis
Independent Training vs CPCS/NPORS
An honest comparison of what we deliver against scheme-based training.
| Feature | Our Training | CPCS / NPORS |
|---|---|---|
| Legal compliance | ✓ PUWER aligned | ✓ |
| Theory + Practical | ✓ | ✓ |
| Formal assessment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full audit trail | ✓ | ✓ |
| NVQ-aligned units | ✓ | ✓ (scheme-specific) |
| Scheme card issued | ✗ | ✓ |
| Major site access | May need scheme card | Usually accepted |
| Cost | Competitive | Higher (scheme fees) |
| Flexibility | On-site, tailored | Fixed format |
Courses Offered
All courses are delivered on-site at your premises with your own equipment where possible.
Counterbalance FLT Refresher
Refresher training for experienced counterbalance forklift operators. Theory revision, practical assessment, competence sign-off.
RefresherTeletruk / Telescopic FLT Refresher
Specialist refresher for teletruk and telescopic forklift operators. Covers unique handling characteristics and load management.
Refresher360 Excavator Competence Training
Full competence training for 360-degree excavator operation. Theory, practical assessment, and NVQ-mapped documentation.
Full Course180 Excavator / Backhoe Loader (JCB 3CX)
Competence training for 180-degree excavators and backhoe loaders including the JCB 3CX. Covers all standard operations.
Full CourseDumper Competence Training
Forward tipping and articulated dumper training. Covers safe loading, travel, tipping, and site-specific hazard management.
Full CourseTelescopic Handler Competence Training
Full competence training for telescopic material handlers. Covers load charts, attachments, stability, and practical operation.
Full CoursePricing
Transparent pricing with no hidden scheme fees. All on-site training includes travel within 25 miles of DE65 5EH.
On-Site Day Rates
Open Course Pricing
What Clients Receive
Every training course comes with a comprehensive audit trail — the same standard of documentation that satisfies HSE inspectors.
-
Course Syllabus & Learning Outcomes
Detailed breakdown of what is covered, mapped to HSE/PUWER requirements. -
Theory Assessment Results
Written or verbal knowledge assessment with recorded scores and pass criteria. -
Practical Assessment Checklist
NVQ-mapped practical competence checklist completed during observed machine operation. -
Machine Category & Limits of Competence
Specifies exactly which machine type(s) and operating conditions the assessment covers. -
Trainer/Assessor Credentials
Evidence of the trainer's qualifications and competence to deliver the training. -
Refresher & Reassessment Recommendations
Documented recommendation for next refresher period (typically 3–5 years). -
Employer Authorisation Template
Ready-to-use template for the employer to formally authorise the operator post-training.
Road-Capable Plant
Machines like the JCB 3CX, telehandlers, and some dumpers can travel on public roads. This creates two separate but related compliance layers.
Layer 1: Plant Competence
Governed by PUWER / HSE
- Competence-based training and assessment
- Machine-specific theory and practical
- Employer authorisation to operate
- Refresher training programme
- Our training covers this layer
Layer 2: Road Legality
Governed by Road Traffic Law
- Correct DVLA driving entitlement for the category
- Vehicle registration (V5C)
- Road tax (VED)
- Insurance for road use
- Construction & Use (C&U) compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. UK law requires adequate training and competence under PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) — not a specific card scheme or accreditation body. Our training meets these legal requirements in full.
Our training meets PUWER Regulation 9 requirements with structured theory, practical assessment, documented competence outcomes, and a full audit trail. This is the standard HSE inspectors look for.
A comprehensive audit trail including course syllabus, theory assessment results, practical assessment checklist (NVQ-mapped), competence sign-off with machine categories, trainer credentials, and refresher recommendations.
We deliver the same standard of competence-based training without the scheme registration fees and overhead costs. For the majority of businesses operating plant on their own sites or for general hire work, this is more than adequate and represents better value.
Our training can serve as thorough preparation for scheme-based assessment if a specific site or principal contractor requires CPCS or NPORS cards. The competence standard is the same — the difference is the card and scheme registration.
Typically every 3–5 years as standard. However, refresher training may be needed sooner following incidents, near-misses, changes in equipment or workplace layout, a period away from operating, or if unsafe habits are observed by supervisors.
Contact PHW Services
Qualification through competence
Ready to book training or have questions? Get in touch.