New Competent Operator Development Scheme

Mineral products sector gains new flexible route to develop competent, safe and future-ready operators

MP Skills has launched its new Competent Operator Development Scheme (CODS), providing the mineral products sector with a commercially funded, apprenticeship-free route for developing competent, safe and future-ready operators across a wide range of roles. CODS is a 12-month development programme designed for mobile plant operators, static plant operatives, weighbridge operators and laboratory technicians working in the extractive and mineral products industry. The launch follows a successful pilot with a cohort having progressed through a structured curriculum of technical training, behavioural development, continuing professional development (CPD) and portfolio creation. The final stage will be completion of the relevant vocational qualification.

It is suitable for both new entrants and existing employees moving into new roles, and provides an alternative route for or the purpose of delivering an alternative style apprenticeship for their employees in devolved nation that were not able to join the apprenticeships which are funded in England under the Department for Education.

The programme combines technical training, health and safety qualifications, vocational qualifications, webinars, classroom workshops and workplace assessment. Learners build their knowledge and skills through a structured journey that starts with induction, health and safety awareness and quarry regulations, progresses into operational and technical training, and culminates in a vocational qualification, portfolio of evidence, CPD record and a final presentation reflecting on their development.

Throughout the programme, learners receive ongoing support, regular recall sessions and workplace assessments, leading to industry-recognised qualifications and a clear pathway towards more advanced operational, technical or supervisory roles.

This scheme is particularly well suited to employers looking to develop competent, confident operators through a structured programme that combines practical workplace learning with nationally recognised qualifications.

On-Programme Delivery

MPQC Red* and Blue Card (*RED card assessed on the first VQ visit)

IOSH Working Safely

Introduction to Quarries Regulations and ACOP

MHFA Mental Health Awareness

Workshops via webinar and classroom, plus many more…

Vocational Qualification Pathways

Mobile / Static Plant Operators: MPQC Level 2 Diploma in Plant or Processing Operations for the Extractives and Mineral Processing Industries (mobile plant training provided by the employer, or subcontracted at an additional rate)

Weighbridge Operators: MPQC Level 3 Diploma in Weighbridge Operations

Laboratory Technicians: MPQC Level 2 Certificate in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities for Mineral Products Operations         

12-Month Journey

Months 1–2: Discovery Day, manual handling, risk assessments, e-learning induction, general health awareness

Months 3–4: Isolation procedures, IOSH Working Safely, mental health & geotechnical awareness, plant training (recommended by month 3), quarry regulations, basic maintenance, incident root cause

Months 5–6: Vocational qualification starts; operational efficiency, safety/health/environmental awareness, sustainability, haulier management

Months 7–8: Product knowledge and behavioural safety recall sessions

Months 9–11: Visible felt leadership and final presentation workshop

Month 12: Final showcase presentation; certification and qualification finalised

Final Assessment

A portfolio of evidence, 35 hours of Continual Professional Development (CPD), and a final presentation showcasing the learner's journey

Investment

Tiered pricing per candidate, based on cohort size:

Tier	Cohort Size	Price per Candidate
Standard rate	1 candidate	£5,000
Small cohort discount	2–3 candidates	£4,750
Medium cohort discount	4–6 candidates	£4,500
Large cohort discount	7+ candidates	£4,250

Pricing is per candidate and scales down automatically as cohort size increases. Contact us to confirm the rate for your group.

Delivery & Quality Assurance

How Learning Takes Place Webinars: delivered via Zoom from 08:30, joined on a laptop or desktop (not smart devices), with a host on hand for technical support Classroom sessions: 08:30–16:00 with lunch and refreshments, led by experienced industry trainers On-site delivery: assessments and VQ visits at the learner's site or an agreed location, booked in advance; the first VQ visit includes the RED Card assessment E-learning, homework and workbooks, which also evidence CPD; regular recall sessions and pastoral support check understanding and progress

Quality Assurance Internal (IQA): checks learner progress against required standards, reviews trainer/assessor delivery, and confirms portfolios before certificates are claimed External (EQA): the awarding body's independent assurer may speak with learners or join an assessment visit; the awarding body's name appears on the final certificate

Designed in response to employer demand for more flexible workforce development options, CODS offers a robust, industry-aligned alternative to traditional apprenticeship routes. It has also been developed with the needs of employers operating in devolved nations in mind, where access to apprenticeship funding can be more limited.

Commenting on the launch, Neil Frost-Peacock, general manager of MP Skills, said: ‘This scheme has been built by industry, for industry. Employers told us they needed a flexible, high-quality alternative to apprenticeships and one that still delivers competence, confidence and progression. The Competent Operator Development Scheme is aligned to MPQC standards and supported by internal and external quality assurance processes, ensuring robust, auditable evidence of competence'.