The Construction Plant-Hire Association (CPA) has invested in a plant simulator to help attract young people to construction careers.
The simulator, from Tenstar Simulation, allows users to get practical experience operating a range of equipment, including dumpers, excavators, telehandlers and tower cranes, using realistic controls and 3D motion.
The simulator is housed in a bespoke trailer, allowing it to be transported across the country.
It will be used at schools, colleges and career events to help raise awareness about plant operating and encourage young people to consider careers in the construction plant sector.
Steve Mulholland, CPA’s CEO, said: “Our industry offers jobs for life and it’s really important that we highlight these opportunities to young people before they leave school or college.
“Unless they have a family connection to the industry, many young people just aren’t aware of plant operating or other career paths the sector offers.”
Connecting with young people
He added: “The simulator will help us connect with school children, college students and others, allowing them to use immersive technology to experience what it’s like to actually drive a piece of plant machinery.
“It’s the next best thing to actually sitting in the cab and operating a real machine.
“One of the winners from the CPA Stars of the Future Awards 2025 entered the industry as a direct result of trying her hand on a plant simulator at a careers event at her school, so it just shows the huge potential they offer in attracting young people to our industry.”
