THE Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) has unveiled plans to host its ‘best ever’ stand at ScotPlant 2024 after announcing a weekend of activities, information, and support during the exhibition.
The trade body will be joined at ScotPlant by partner institutions including Police Scotland, CITB and the National Construction College. Visitors to the stand can also enjoy complimentary coffee from Flat Flat White and a barbecue from Over Hot Coals.
The Police JCB 3CX, which has been on a mission all over Scotland to raise awareness of plant and fuel theft, will be on display. Advice will be given on how to reduce the risk of being a victim of theft.
Aligned to the challenge of fuel theft prevention, there will be an opportunity to find out more about fuel management systems which can remotely control fuel dispensing and link to machine telematics.
Representatives from the National Construction College will be at ScotPlant to talk to employers about how plant mechanic and operator apprenticeships work. Two of the SPOA’s award-winning apprentices will be available to talk to anyone interested in getting into the industry, while Barry Dawson, CITB engagement manager, will be on hand to answer questions relating to CITB grants.
A focal point of the stand will be the Tenstar simulator and its new SPOA-branded trailer. The trade body has ambitions for members to take the machine to schools and careers fairs in their communities.
Also joining the SPOA over the weekend will be Gail McEwen from Setting Out For Construction, who will demonstrate the machine control training available through the trade body.
Following the creation of the Women in Plant working group at the SPOA, members and plant operators Charlie Macgregor and Carly Sommerville will be talking about the group’s plans and sharing their personal experiences of following a career in plant.
Representatives from the SPOA’s executive committee will be available to listen to issues and concerns on industry matters and offer support and solutions. Non-members can join the association at ScotPlant.
Callum Mackintosh, immediate past president of the SPOA, said, “ScotPlant is a real highlight for the plant industry. It is an opportunity to see the newest innovations in machinery and equipment, and importantly a chance for everybody to get together and share the challenges, experiences and opportunities we are facing.
“With that in mind, we have gone all out this year to make the SPOA’s stand at ScotPlant 2024 a social space where members can meet up informally over a coffee and a bite to eat but also have access to partners and valuable advice and information. Of course, we are also using the opportunity of having so many plant operators in one place to stage the qualifier for the Scottish Plant Operator Challenge and we’re looking forward to seeing as many as possible putting their skills to the test.
“I will be there all weekend along with colleagues from the executive committee. See you there!”
