The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and UK Plant Operators (UKPO) Magazine have announced the return of the 'UK Plant Operator of the Year' competition (UKPOOTY) for its fifth year. The finals will be held at CITB’s National Construction College (NCC) in Bircham Newton, Norfolk, on Saturday, July 12th.

The competition, the largest independent plant operator event in the UK, will feature ten unique challenges for plant operators to demonstrate their skills. The overall winner will receive £10,000, with additional prizes for runners-up and challenge winners.

The event will bring together plant operator competitors, manufacturers, plant hirers, contractors, industry professionals, and those interested in construction careers.

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The ten category challenges include: Excavators, Mini-Excavators, Site Dumpers, Backhoes, Articulated Dump Trucks, Tiltrotators, Grapple Grabs, Fork Attachments, Dozers, and Wheeled Loaders.

Kirsty Evans, Executive Principal for NCC, said: "We’re looking forward to hosting the UK Plant Operators competition again at our National Construction College in Bircham Newton. This annual event is open for everyone to attend – from experienced plant operators demonstrating their skills, construction employers wanting to attend and support, those interested in a career in the sector, or even people just looking for a fun day out."

Jeff Schofield, Director of UK Plant Operators Magazine, added: "UKPO Magazine is once again delighted to work with CITB to deliver the fastest growing construction event in the UK. Finals day provides quite the spectacle with so many live working challenges, demos and live commentary. With attendances growing year on year, we trust the event will provide the inspiration for many to consider a career in construction, a journey that begins for many by training and upskilling with CITB."

Registrations for competitors are open from February 27th to June 13th, 2025. Visitor tickets will be available on Eventbrite from April 4th to July 12th.