The National Construction Training Campus is the foremost provider for plant machinery training, offering comprehensive courses for both new entrants and experienced operators.
Tailored Courses for All Levels
New Entrant Courses: Perfect for individuals with three months prior experience, these courses cover both practical and theoretical aspects over four days. Upon successful completion, participants receive a SOLAS CSCS New Entrant Card, allowing them to operate machinery on-site under supervision.
Experienced Operator Courses: For those with six months of supervised experience and a valid candidate pack, our Experienced Operator Courses offer the opportunity to achieve full qualification. Successfully completing this course allows candidates to operate their chosen plant machinery independently.
Seamless UK Qualification Transfers
Irish to UK Changeover: Convert your Irish SOLAS CSCS Experienced Operator Card to a UK CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card by successfully completing a competence interview and theory exam, this conversion, priced at €100 per category, allows you to retain both the Irish and UK cards.
UK CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card/ Non-EU to Irish Changeover: Holders of the UK CPCS Blue Competent Operator Card, as well as non-EU operators, can obtain the Irish SOLAS CSCS Experienced Operator Card.
Following a successful referral from SOLAS, applicants can attend the National Construction Training Campus for the necessary competence interview and theory exam. This conversion costs €85 per category, and successful candidates will keep both their Irish and UK/Non-EU cards.
Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Exams:
We also offer the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) exams for operatives, managers, and professionals. These exams are required for obtaining any UK CPCS Card, including the provisional 6-month Red Card and the permanent Green Labourer Card. The cost for these exams is €50.
Simulator Training
The National Construction Training Campus has recently invested in three state-of-the-art construction plant simulators, creating an ideal training ground for young people who may not have previously considered a career in construction. These simulators provide hands-on experience, allowing trainees to build essential skills in a safe and controlled environment.
This innovative approach appeals to the younger generation’s preference for interactive and engaging learning methods, making the prospect of a career in construction more attractive.
“Simulator training is another game changer, offering a realistic, risk-free environment for learning and skill development,” says John Kelly, Campus Manager. This approach enhances the educational experience and resonates with those who favour digital learning environments.
The incorporation of new technology and simulator training in the CSCS New Entrant Plant Operator course not only benefits the industry by producing highly skilled professionals but also addresses the challenge of attracting and retaining younger talent.
By offering a contemporary, tech-driven learning experience, the National Construction Training Campus is creating a bridge between traditional construction practices and modern innovation. This approach ensures that the construction industry remains attractive and accessible to the younger generation, who are in search of meaningful and future-proof careers.
Whether you’re starting your career or upgrading your qualifications, the National Construction Training Campus offers the resources and support to help you succeed.
Skilled Utilities Traineeship
This Traineeship is aimed at learners who are hoping to build a career within the utilities sector. The Traineeship is 13 months in duration. Upon successful completion, trainees will graduate with a Level 2 CABWI Diploma and other industry related awards. This Traineeship was developed in consultation with key stakeholders including Construction Industry Federation (CIF) members of the Civil Engineer’s Contractor’s Association (CECA) and UISCE Éireann, to address the current skill gaps identified in the utilities sector.
This Traineeship includes the following qualifications:
• SOLAS New Entrant CSCS Site Dumper
• SOLAS New Entrant CSCS 360 Excavator
• Confined Space Training
• SOLAS Safe pass
• Abrasive Wheels
• Asbestos Awareness
• Manual Handling
• Working at Heights
• Workplace Safety
• Basic First Aid
• Welding: Butt fusion and Electro fusion
• SOLAS CSCS LUGS (Location of Underground Services)
• SOLAS CSCS SLG (Signing, Lighting and Guarding at roadworks)
• Road Re Instatement
• Water Hygiene
For existing employees fully funded courses in Electro Fusion, Butt Fusion and Water Hygiene are available. Both the Electro Fusion and Butt Fusion courses are completed to the WIS (Water industry Specification) 4-32-08 Issue 4 Specification for the fusion jointing of polyethylene pressure pipeline systems using pe80 and pe100 materials.
Electro Fusion Welding
1-Day Course – CABWI Certification: Joint materials by Electro Fusion Processes on Utility Network Construction and an Electro Fusion Welding Card
Butt Fusion Welding
1-Day Course: CABWI Certification: Joint materials by Butt Fusion Processes on Utility Network Construction and a Butt Fusion-Welding Card
Water Hygiene
½ Day Course: National Water Hygiene Blue Card- EUSR
National Scaffolding Apprenticeship
The National Scaffolding Apprenticeship was developed in conjunction with Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and members of the scaffolding industry. This is a two-year Level 5 QQI Apprenticeship programme aimed at school-leavers (minimum Junior Certificate or equivalent) or mature applicants who wish to pursue a career in Scaffolding.
Typically, applicants will already be employed in the scaffolding industry, either as a labourer/general operative, or with limited scaffolding experience. The National Scaffolding Apprenticeship is delivered in the National Construction Training Campus, Mount Lucas, Daingean, Co. Offaly.
The Scaffolding Apprenticeship provides the learner with a comprehensive understanding of the mechanics of scaffold, the different forces acting on scaffold structures and equips him/her with relevant specialist skills to become a fully competent Scaffolder.
The apprenticeship consists of eight modules which were developed in consultation with Industry. The apprenticeship includes 20 weeks off the job training delivered on campus in Mount Lucas and is broken down into 3- and 4-week blocks over the two-year duration. In addition to training in Klock, KStage, Layher, Tube and Fitting, apprentices receive training in the following areas:
• Rescue Plans
• Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
• Mobile Access Tower
• Harness Inspection
• Pull Tests
• Basic First Aid.
Celebrating the Achievements of the first Graduate Scaffolders
On Tuesday, 21 May 2024, the LOETB Scaffolding Team, along with family, friends, employers, mentors, and SOLAS Authorised Officers, gathered in the Midlands Park Hotel to celebrate the graduation of 26 scaffolders. These graduates were the first of their trade to commence and complete the apprenticeship programme.
Speakers at the event commended the graduates for their hard work and dedication over the two-year programme, highlighting the crucial support they received from their employers, mentors, family, and friends.
Just two days later, one of the graduates, Sean Cumiskey, embarked on an international adventure with his employer and team colleagues to represent Ireland at Scaffchamp24, a prestigious event hosted by Layher in Lithuania. This global competition challenges teams to erect and dismantle scaffolding structures based on provided drawings within a set timeframe, aiming to complete the task with the fewest penalties possible.
Cumiskey’s team, representing Ireland, excelled, securing 2nd place overall out of 20 teams. They also achieved 2nd place in the Health and Safety category, demonstrating their skill and commitment to excellence on the world stage.
If you are a Scaffolding Employer and would like further information or if you are interested in becoming a Scaffolder, please contact the National Construction Training Campus today.
NZEB and Retrofit
The National Construction Training Campus is home to one of the six Centre’s of Excellence for NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) and Retrofit Training. Conveniently situated in County Offaly, in the heart of the Midlands, the campus provides a range of fully funded upskilling opportunities for both new entrants and existing professionals within the construction sector.
We recently added a NZEB and Retrofit Mobile Training unit to our fleet. This mobile training unit is a fully immersive and simulated space with demonstration models, best practice exemplars and simulated construction training rigs allowing the learner to interact with site specific issues whilst learning how to install insulation and airtightness measures according to best practice guidance.
