Plant & Vehicle Marshaller Training

Plant marshallers (also called banksmen or signallers) direct the safe movement of plant and vehicles on construction sites. This includes:

• Guiding reversing excavators, dumpers, and lorries using hand signals
• Managing blind spots and ensuring operators can see pedestrians and obstacles
• Controlling traffic flow at site entrances and congested areas
• Coordinating multiple plant movements to prevent collisions
• Stopping operations immediately if hazards arise

Every major construction site requires trained marshallers—it's a legal and safety requirement when plant operators have restricted visibility.

Novice (no marshalling experience): 2 days (full training + theory and practical tests)

Renewal (existing CPCS card holders): 1 day (refresher training + re-testing). The course is shorter than plant operator courses because it focuses on safety protocols and communication rather than machine operation.

No. This course is designed for people with no prior marshalling experience. If you've worked on construction sites and understand basic site safety, you'll find the training straightforward.

Yes. The CPCS Red Card is valid for site work as soon as you receive it. It's recognised across UK construction sites.

However, you must upgrade to Blue Card (via NVQ Level 2) within the two-year validity period.

You need to complete NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations (Marshalling) while working on site. This typically takes 6-12 months and is assessed based on your real-world competence, not another exam.

The process:

1. Pass A73 and get Red Card (valid 2 years)
2. Work on site as a marshaller, logging hours and building portfolio
3. Complete NVQ Level 2 with assessor (6-12 months)
4. Apply to CPCS for Blue Card (valid 5 years, renewable)

We can connect you to NVQ providers and help you explore funding options.

It depends. Some larger sites employ dedicated marshallers full-time, especially at busy site entrances or complex logistics areas. However, it's often an additional skill that enhances your primary role:

• Supervisors direct plant movements during works
• Groundworkers guide excavators during trenching operations
• Plant operators assist colleagues when reversing or manoeuvring
• Site operatives manage deliveries and lorry movements

Having A73 certification increases your versatility and value to employers—you can step in whenever safe plant direction is needed.

You'll learn the industry-standard hand signals recognised across UK construction sites:

• Emergency stop: Both arms raised vertically (most important signal)
• Forward/reverse: Directional arm movements
• Left/right turn: Pointing and sweeping motions
• Raise/lower: Vertical arm movements for lifting operations
• Slow down: Horizontal hand patting motion
• All clear: Thumbs up signal

These signals must be clear, deliberate, and unmistakable—sloppy signalling gets people hurt.

We'll debrief you on what went wrong—whether it's hand signal accuracy, positioning, hazard awareness, or communication. Then we'll discuss the best way to get you retested.

The practical test requires clear, confident signalling—hesitation or incorrect signals mean failure. Practice makes perfect.

No plant operator qualifications are needed. However, you must pass the CITB HS&E test (or CSCS Touch Screen Test) before taking the CPCS technical tests.

Basic construction site awareness is helpful but not essential—we cover everything you need during the course.

Two years. Within that time, you need to complete your NVQ Level 2 and upgrade to a Blue Card. If you don't, your Red Card expires and you'll need to retest.

No, a CSCS card isn't required for CPCS training. However, if you have one, bring it—it's useful to have for general site access.

Funding options depend on your employment status:

• Employers: CITB grants may be available (if levy-paying). Many employers pay for marshalling training as it benefits site safety.
• Self-employed: Typically self-funded, but it's a short, affordable course that adds significant value

Contact us to check eligibility and discuss options.

Because reversing and blind spot accidents kill and injure people every year on UK construction sites. Professional marshalling prevents this:

• Legal requirement: HSE regulations require trained marshalling when operators have restricted visibility
• Blind spots: Plant operators can't see behind excavators, dumpers, or lorries—you're their eyes
• Pedestrian safety: Workers on foot are vulnerable near moving plant—marshallers create safe zones
• Coordination: Multiple plant movements in confined spaces need professional direction
• Liability: Accidents without proper marshalling expose both employers and individuals to prosecution

Good marshalling is invisible—nobody notices because nothing goes wrong. Bad marshalling ends in tragedy.

Yes. The A73 qualification covers marshalling for all types of construction plant and vehicles:

• Excavators (all sizes and types)
• Dumpers and tipper lorries
• Forklifts and telehandlers
• Cranes and lifting operations (though specialist slinger/signaller training may also be required for complex lifts)
• Site traffic and delivery vehicles

The principles of safe marshalling—clear communication, hazard awareness, positioning—apply universally.

Strong demand. Every construction site needs marshalling capability, and it's often combined with other roles:

• Site supervisors and foremen routinely marshal plant
• Groundworks gangs need at least one qualified marshaller per team
• Traffic management companies employ marshallers for road works
• Large sites and depots employ dedicated full-time marshallers

Pay for dedicated marshaller roles typically ranges from £120-£180/day depending on location and site complexity. As an additional skill, it enhances your primary role's value.