WESTERN
PLANT TRAINING

What Is a Pre-Course Assessment?

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A pre-course assessment is an opportunity for an instructor to assess your current operating ability before recommending a suitable training course or test.

 

It is particularly useful if you have operated machinery before but are unsure whether you need further training or may be ready to take an experienced worker test. It can also help identify any gaps in your knowledge or practical skills that may need to be addressed before training or testing.

 

During the assessment, our instructor will discuss your previous experience, the machinery you have operated and the type of card or qualification you need. You will then be asked to carry out some practical tasks on the relevant machine so that we can get a better understanding of your current ability.

 

Following the assessment, we will explain our recommendations and discuss the most appropriate next steps.

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How Much Does a Pre-Course Assessment Cost?

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A pre-course assessment costs £50 + VAT (£60 including VAT) per assessment.

 

The fee can be paid by bank transfer in advance or by cash on the day of your assessment.

 

If you go on to book a training course or test with us, the full £50 + VAT assessment fee will be deducted from the cost of your booking. This means you will not pay the assessment fee on top of your training or test price if you proceed with a booking.

 

If you decide not to book training or testing with us, the assessment fee is non-refundable.

 

We introduced this fee because each assessment requires instructor time, preparation and access to the relevant machinery. Charging for assessments allows us to dedicate the necessary time to each candidate and continue providing a personal, professional service.

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How Long Does an Assessment Take?​​

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A pre-course assessment usually takes around one hour, although the exact time can vary depending on the machine category, your previous experience and the tasks being assessed.

 

We allow time to discuss your experience, observe your practical ability and explain our recommendations. We want to make sure we have a reasonable understanding of your skills before advising you on the most suitable course.

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What Will I Have to Do During the Assessment​​​

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The practical element of your assessment will depend on the type of machinery you want to operate and your previous experience.

 

You will normally be asked to carry out a selection of basic operating tasks relevant to the machine category. These may include:

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• Completing relevant pre-use checks and identifying potential safety issues.

• Demonstrating your understanding of safe operating procedures.

• Carrying out basic machine movements and manoeuvres.

• Demonstrating control of the machine and awareness of your surroundings.

• Completing practical tasks appropriate to the machine and your level of experience.

 

For example, an assessment for a 360 excavator may involve basic machine controls, safe movement and simple digging or manoeuvring tasks. An assessment for a forward tipping dumper may involve basic driving, manoeuvring and tipping operations.

 

You do not need to be an expert to attend a pre-course assessment. The purpose is to establish your current ability, not to expect you to perform as a fully qualified operator if you are still learning.

 

Our instructor will explain what is required and take your experience into account when making a recommendation.

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Why Do I Need a Pre-Course Assessment?

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Not every candidate needs the same level of training. Some people are completely new to plant machinery, while others have considerable experience but may need to improve certain skills before taking a test.

 

A pre-course assessment helps us to:

 

• Recommend the right course. We can advise whether a novice training course, refresher training or an experienced worker test is likely to be the most appropriate option.

• Avoid unnecessary training. If you already have relevant experience, an assessment can help establish whether a shorter course or experienced worker route may be suitable.

• Identify areas for improvement. We can highlight any gaps in your practical ability or understanding of safe working practices before you begin training or testing.

• Provide a more accurate quotation. Understanding your current ability helps us recommend a suitable course duration and provide a more appropriate price.

• Make better use of your training time. By identifying your needs beforehand, we can plan training that focuses on the areas where you need the most support.

 

Our aim is to give you honest advice so that you can make an informed decision about your training, rather than booking a course that may not be suitable for your current ability.

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Do I Need a Pre-Course Assessment if I'm a Complete Beginner?

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Yes. Even if you have never operated plant machinery before, a pre-course assessment is still useful. It allows us to understand how you approach the machine, how quickly you pick up the basic controls and how comfortable you become with the practical tasks.

 

Although novice courses have estimated durations, not every candidate learns at the same pace. Some beginners pick things up quickly, while others need more time and practice to develop their skills and confidence. An assessment helps us judge how much training you are likely to need, rather than automatically recommending the full estimated course duration.

 

This means we can provide more appropriate advice about the length of training you may require and give you a more accurate quotation before you book. Our aim is to make sure you receive enough training to develop the skills you need, without recommending more training time than is necessary.

 

The assessment is not a test of whether you are already a competent operator. It is simply an opportunity for us to get to know your starting point and recommend the most suitable training plan for you.

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​​Will I Be Tested or Receive a Qualification?

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A pre-course assessment is not the same as a formal NPORS or other certification test. It is an opportunity for us to assess your existing skills and recommend the appropriate route.

 

You will not receive a card or qualification simply for attending a pre-course assessment. If you need a recognised operator card, you will still need to complete the relevant training and/or formal assessment requirements for your chosen qualification.

 

The assessment is intended to help you decide what you need to do next.

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What Happens After My Assessment?

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Once the assessment is complete, our instructor will discuss the outcome with you and explain the options available.

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Depending on your experience and ability, we may recommend:

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• Novice training: If you are new to the machine or have limited experience, a full training course may be the best option.

• Experienced worker training or testing: If you have suitable practical experience, we can discuss whether an experienced worker route is appropriate.

• Refresher or additional training: If you can operate the machine but need to improve particular skills, further training may be beneficial before taking a test.

 

We will explain our recommendation, discuss the likely course duration and provide a quotation before you decide whether to proceed.

 

There is no obligation to book a course or test following your assessment.

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What Should I Bring to My Assessment?

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Please wear suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety boots and high-visibility clothing. A hard hat and any additional PPE required for the site or machine category should also be brought where applicable. We do have some spare hard hats and high-vis vests available if you don't have any.

 

It is helpful to bring details of any previous training, qualifications or operator cards you hold, along with information about the card or qualification you are looking to obtain.

 

If you are unsure what to bring, please contact us before your appointment and we will be happy to advise.

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Book Your Pre-Course Assessment

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If you are unsure which plant training course you need, or whether you are ready to take an experienced worker test, we can help you work out the best next step.

 

Contact Western Plant Training to discuss your experience, the machine category you are interested in and the qualification you need. We can explain the assessment process and arrange a suitable appointment.

 

Call or email us today to arrange your pre-course assessment and get started on the right training route.​​​

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