The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) is tackling the industry’s skills gap head-on with a new state-of-the-art Plant Simulator, which will take centre stage on the CPA stand at the Executive Hire Show, taking place on 11 and 12 February 2026 at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
The Simulator, supplied by Tenstar Simulation, gives future operators a realistic taste of life in the cab — allowing them to ‘get behind the controls’ of dumpers, excavators, telehandlers and tower cranes through an immersive, motion-based 3D experience.
Housed in a bespoke Ifor Williams trailer, the Simulator will tour schools, colleges and careers events across the UK, raising awareness of the rewarding career paths in plant operation. The trailer itself is protected by Datatag’s Trailer Forensic Security Marking System – the UK’s most trusted theft deterrent for trailers. Datatag protects – for life.
CPA Chief Executive Steve Mulholland 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.
“The Simulator helps 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 sitting in the cab.”
The CPA hopes to inspire a new generation into the construction plant sector — and with tools like the Simulator and strong industry backing, the future looks bright.
See the CPA Simulator in action at the Executive Hire Show, 11–12 February 2026, Coventry Building Society Arena.
👉 Register for your free entry today at www.executivehireshow.co.uk