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More than 50 invited guests from across the construction and plant sectors gathered at One Great George Street in London on 16 July to celebrate 40 years of plant operator certification and reflect on the journey from the Certificate of Training Achievement (CTA) to today's Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS).

Jointly hosted by NOCN Group and the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), the anniversary lunch brought together individuals who have played a significant role in the development of plant operator training, testing and competence over the past four decades.

The event marked 40 years since the launch of CTA on 1 July 1986. Developed to establish national standards for plant operator training and certification, the scheme evolved into CPCS in 2003 and today remains one of the UK's leading plant competence schemes, supporting employers, training providers and operators across the construction sector.

Guests heard from industry figures including Peter Brown, Steve Mulholland and Carl Hassell, who reflected on the development of the scheme and the collaborative approach that has helped shape it over the past 40 years. Their insights highlighted how CPCS continues to evolve in response to the needs of employers, operators, training providers and the wider construction sector.

The event also provided an opportunity to recognise the many organisations, employers, instructors, testers and operators whose commitment has helped shape the scheme and raise standards throughout the industry. It also recognised the contribution of influential individuals, including Jemma Carmody, whose work within the civil engineering sector played an important role in the formation and development of CTA and CPCS.

To commemorate the milestone, guests received a special anniversary booklet charting the history of CTA and CPCS, from the introduction of the original six plant categories in 1986 through to the competence-based scheme recognised across the industry today. The publication highlights key milestones, influential figures and the ongoing evolution of plant operator competence over the last 40 years.

Paul Taylor, Head of Card Schemes at NOCN Group, said:

"Celebrating 40 years of plant operator certification is an opportunity to recognise the people, organisations and industry partners who have helped shape the scheme into what it is today. From the launch of the original Certificate of Training Achievement in 1986 to the development of CPCS as a leading competence card scheme, the focus has remained the same: raising standards, improving safety and supporting workforce competence.

One of the reasons CPCS has remained relevant for 40 years is that it has always been shaped by the industry it serves. From its earliest days as CTA through to the CPCS scheme we know today, employers, training providers, operators and industry representatives have played a central role in its development. That industry-led approach continues today, ensuring the scheme evolves to meet the changing needs of the construction sector while maintaining the high standards of competence and safety it was founded upon."

The anniversary celebration not only recognised four decades of achievement, but also reinforced the importance of maintaining an industry-led approach to competence. Through ongoing engagement with employers, training providers and operators, CPCS continues to evolve alongside the sector, ensuring it remains relevant, trusted and fit for the future.