Light Vehicle Operator (Integrated Steel Plant) Apprenticeship Course Syllabus

Course Title

Light Vehicle Operator (Integrated Steel Plant) Apprenticeship Course

Course Code

FMOLVO101

Description

This course, under the Flexible Memorandum of Understanding (Flexi-MoU) Scheme within the Apprenticeship Training Scheme (ATS), provides specialized training for light vehicle operators in integrated steel plants. It focuses on operating light vehicles such as forklifts, electric carts, and transport vans to move materials like steel coils, tools, and spares within plant premises. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience in safe vehicle operation, load handling, and navigation in high-risk steel plant environments, preparing them for roles in material handling and logistics in steel manufacturing facilities. The course emphasizes safety due to the presence of heavy machinery and high-temperature zones and aligns with the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and the Apprentices Act, 1961.

Objectives

  • Operate light vehicles (forklifts, utility vehicles) safely to transport materials within steel plants.
  • Handle and secure loads, ensuring stability and compliance with plant safety protocols.
  • Perform pre-operational inspections and basic maintenance on light vehicles.
  • Adhere to safety, environmental, and BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) regulations in vehicle operations.

Duration

6 months (2 weeks basic training, 5 months on-the-job training)

Schedule

The course spans 6 months, combining basic training and on-the-job practical training as per Flexi-MoU guidelines. Each phase focuses on specific skills essential for light vehicle operators in integrated steel plants. Below is the detailed breakdown:

Weeks 1-2: Basic Training

Introduction to light vehicle operations in steel plants, workplace safety, and trade practices. Overview of vehicle types (forklifts, electric carts, transport vans), steel plant materials (coils, spares), and plant layout navigation. Training on personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard identification, and safety regulations for high-temperature and heavy-traffic areas.

Month 1: Vehicle Operation Fundamentals

Learning to operate forklifts and utility vehicles, including controls, load capacity, and maneuvering in confined spaces. Training on basic driving techniques and plant traffic rules.

Month 2: Load Handling and Securing

Mastering load handling techniques for steel coils, tools, and spares. Training on securing loads with straps, chains, and pallets to prevent shifting during transport.

Month 3: Navigation and Safety

Navigating steel plant layouts, including furnace areas, rolling mills, and storage yards. Training on avoiding hazards like hot metal, overhead cranes, and pedestrian zones, with emphasis on communication (e.g., horns, signals).

Month 4: Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance

Conducting pre-operational inspections of light vehicles, checking tires, batteries, and hydraulic systems. Training on basic maintenance tasks like fluid checks and reporting mechanical issues.

Month 5: Advanced Operations and Quality Control

Operating vehicles in complex scenarios, such as transporting materials during production shifts. Training on quality control, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of materials, and maintaining operation logs.

Month 6: Final Project and Assessment

Completion of a comprehensive vehicle operation project (e.g., transporting a steel coil from storage to a rolling mill safely) and preparation for joint ITP-DGT assessment.

Assessment Methods

Apprentice performance is evaluated through a combination of practical, theoretical, and participatory components, preparing them for the Certificate of Proficiency:

  • Practical Assessments: 50% (vehicle operation, load handling, navigation)
  • Project Work: 30% (complete material transport task)
  • Theoretical Tests: 15% (vehicle mechanics, safety regulations)
  • Attendance and Participation: 5%

Instructor

Industry Expert (designated by ITP, e.g., steel plant logistics supervisor or safety officer)

Language

Available in: English

Status

Published

Additional Notes

Apprentices must be at least 18 years old (due to hazardous environments) and meet the minimum educational qualification (typically 10th grade passed or equivalent, preferably with a valid driving license for light vehicles, as per ITP requirements). The course includes 20-25% basic training and 75-80% on-the-job training, with a stipend as per NAPS guidelines (e.g., Rs. 7700 per month for one-year ITI trade passed apprentices, as per Gazette notification dated 25th September 2019). The government reimburses 25% of the stipend (up to Rs. 1500/month) to the ITP. Successful completion leads to a Certificate of Proficiency, recognized for employment in steel manufacturing and related industries. The training emphasizes safety, precision, and compliance with BIS and steel industry standards, addressing the demand for skilled light vehicle operators in India’s integrated steel plants, with the steel industry producing 128.85 million tonnes of crude steel in FY24. For specific ITP curriculum details, contact the Apprenticeship Training Portal (www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in). This syllabus can be adapted for posting on vocational training websites like https://mmiti.in or https://iti.today, aligning with your previous requests for trade syllabi (e.g., Electrician, Fitter (Integrated Steel Plant), Grinder (OF), Crane Operator) and your focus on enhancing MM Private ITI’s offerings in Kasganj. The inclusion of basic calculations (e.g., load weight, vehicle capacity) aligns with your earlier request for "Workshop Calculation and Science" content, ensuring technical depth suitable for your audience. Note that, based on your mention of Pacific Private ITI on March 22, 2025, which offers the Fitter trade but may lack official NCVT recognition, this syllabus is designed for verified Flexi-MoU programs to ensure credibility for MM Private ITI.