SPOC 2024 Competition Format
Building upon the invaluable insights from the 2023 event, we are thrilled to unveil an enhanced format for SPOC24. This year, we plan a schedule featuring eight simultaneous challenges, scheduled from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. A lunch break for the judges will be incorporated midday, followed by the highly anticipated announcement of results at 4:45 pm.
Reflecting the exceptional talent pool and standard of operators across Scotland, all participants will be required to compete in every challenge. Our primary objective is to identify the most versatile and proficient operator, mirroring the demands and expectations of employers within the Scottish plant industry. This strategic approach ensures that every operator, regardless of their level of experience, is presented with an equal opportunity to showcase their capabilities on a level playing field.
Real-Life Scenarios
Our new, meticulously crafted challenges are intricately designed to emulate real-life scenarios, testing operators adaptability, safety adherence, observations, technical prowess, and industry experience. While upholding the utmost professional standards, we have also infused an element of enjoyment into the challenges, ensuring an engaging and immersive experience for both participants and spectators.
Judging
Set to be a groundbreaking competition, this event will feature skilled operators vying for top honours, with judging conducted by distinguished experts from leading plant training schools across Scotland and the esteemed plant department at the National Construction College. Each challenge will be timed, with penalties based on adherence to industry-standard practices.
The meticulous scoring system, facilitated through a challenge specific scorecard, will ensure a fair and transparent evaluation process, simulating real-world assessments. Penalties for rough control use and unmet objectives will guarantee a rigorous and measurable competition environment.
As safety remains a top priority, all operators will be required to wear specified personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, hi-visibility vest, and safety boots within the challenge zone.
Challenges
The following machines will be used for the eight challenges, each of these is sponsored by a leading manufacturer, dealer or hirer.
- 1. Backhoe Loader - Sponsored by JCB
- 2. Telehandler - Sponsored by Scot JCB
- 3. Mini Excavator - TBA
- 4. 8t Tracked Excavator - Sponsored by Field and Forest Machinery
- 5. 13t Tracked Excavator - Blackwood Plant Hire
- 6. 20t Tracked Excavator - Sponsored by SANY
- 7. 20t Tracked Excavator - Sponsored by Scot JCB
- 8. Mystery Wildcard! - TBA
Prizes
A celebration of excellence as we announce an impressive lineup of prizes, valued up to £17,500 which includes some amazing tools from Milwaukee courtesy of Highland Industrial Supplies, to recognise the talents of the participants at SPOC24.
Individual Challenge Winners: A thrilling triumph awaits the winner of each individual challenge, along with a £250 cash prize and exclusive merchandise from the challenge sponsors.
1st Place Overall: £5000 plus an incredible Milwaukee bundle that is just too much to list plus crowned as the SPOC Champion.
Alongside the prestigious title of SPOC Champion, the winner will go home with an array of exclusive and coveted rewards from our esteemed sponsors.