Digger course near Peterborough
The construction industry in the United Kingdom is developing extremely dynamically. Just drive through cities such as Peterborough, Northampton, Milton Keynes or Bedford to see dozens of new investments. Roads, housing estates, industrial halls and logistics infrastructure are being built.
And where there is construction, one of the most important machines on the site almost always appears – the excavator.
That is why excavator training and digger training courses are currently in high demand. Construction companies need operators who can work efficiently, safely and in accordance with British industry standards.
However, a natural question arises.
Can anyone become an excavator operator?
Yes, but only if they undergo the appropriate training and obtain the required qualifications.
This is exactly what the excavator training courses run at our training centre are for.
Why choose our excavator training courses?
There are many companies offering digger courses on the British market. At first glance, they all look similar. A website, photos of excavators, promises of a quick course.
It is only when you enter the training ground and sit in the cab of the machine that you realise where the difference lies.
Our training is completely different.
We do not teach how to operate an excavator from a textbook. We teach how to work on a real construction site.
In practice, this means several things:
- many years of experience in training construction machine operators
- instructors who have worked on construction sites themselves and know the realities of an operator’s work
- a training programme based on real tasks performed on a construction site
- access to various categories of machines, including wheeled and tracked excavators
- an individual approach to each student
What’s more, thanks to our contacts in the construction industry, many graduates find their first job shortly after passing the exam.
We won’t sugarcoat anything. Construction is a demanding industry. However, a good excavator operator will always find employment.
What is the 360 Excavator Training Course?
One of the most popular training courses is 360 excavator training.
The 360 excavator, commonly known as the 360 digger, is one of the most versatile machines used on construction sites.
What does such an excavator look like?
The design includes several basic elements:
- a rotating superstructure that allows for a full 360° range of motion
- a boom
- a dipper arm
- a bucket
- an operator’s cab
There are two types of machines of this type:
Crawler excavator
Most often used for heavy earthworks.
Wheeled excavator
Used where greater mobility is required.
What is a 360° excavator used for?
The operator uses it to perform, among other things:
- excavations for foundations
- earthworks
- installation excavations
- work on water supply and sewage networks
- loading of bulk materials
- terrain profiling
- ground levelling
Sounds simple? Only at first glance.
Operating an excavator is not just about moving joysticks. It is primarily about controlling the machine, planning movements and being fully aware of what is happening around the machine.
Why is the CPCS Red Card certificate so important?
On British construction sites, one question is asked very often:
‘Do you have a ticket?’
This, of course, refers to operator licences.
In the UK, the CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) is the industry standard. It is one of the most recognised certification systems for construction machine operators.
What does the CPCS Red Card offer?
Having a CPCS Red Card means that:
• you have completed professional excavator operator training
• you have passed a theoretical and practical exam
• you meet the requirements of the British construction market
In practice, it means even more.
Without the appropriate qualifications, you will often not be allowed onto larger construction sites.
Employers treat the CPCS card as confirmation that the operator can work safely and does not pose a risk to the investment.
What does the further development path look like?
First, you obtain a CPCS Red Card.
Then you gain experience on a construction site.
Later, you complete NVQ Level 2.
Finally, you can obtain a CPCS Blue Card.
This card signifies the level of Competent Operator and significantly increases your value on the labour market.
How long does the excavator operator course last?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions.
The answer is simple.
The duration of the training depends on your experience.
Most often, the course lasts:
1 to 5 days
Several factors influence the length of the training:
- the participant’s level of experience
- the type of excavator
- the category of the machine
- the pace of acquiring practical skills
We do not provide training ‘just for the certificate’.
Our goal is to ensure that after the course you are truly able to work as an excavator operator.
What excavator training courses can you take with us?
Our training centre offers a wide range of operator courses.
The most popular digger training courses:
- CPCS A59 360 Excavator Course – One of the most recognised training courses for 360° excavator operators.
- N016 Micro Excavator up to 1 tonne – Training for operators of micro excavators used in confined spaces.
- N202 Excavator 360 Course – Training for other categories of 360° excavators.
- N100 Digger as a Crane – Operation of an excavator used as a lifting device.
- A10 Excavator 180 up to 5 tonnes – Training for smaller 180° excavators.
- A12 Excavator 180 over 5 tonnes – Operation of larger 180° excavators.
- A78 Vacuum Excavator Training – Specialised training for operators of vacuum excavators used in underground installations.
- A68 Plant Driving and Z68 Plant Driving Course – Training in driving construction vehicles.
If you are unsure which course to choose, please contact us.
We will select a training course tailored to your work and career plans.
What skills will you learn during excavator training?
This is where the most interesting part of the entire training begins.
During the course, you will acquire a set of skills that directly translate into work on a construction site.
1. Regulations and industry standards in the United Kingdom
First, you will learn about the legal regulations governing the work of an excavator operator.
You will learn:
- what regulations apply on a construction site
- what safety standards you must meet
- what employers’ requirements are
This knowledge will protect you from problems on the construction site.
2. Excavator operator responsibilities
A good operator does much more than just dig.
During the training, you will learn:
- how to organise a safe workplace
- how to cooperate with the signalman and other teams
- how to plan work operations
An excavator operator must think several moves ahead.
3. Excavator construction and control
During the practical part, you will learn in detail:
- the construction of the machine
- the functioning of hydraulic systems
- boom movement control
- smooth operation techniques
In addition, you will learn the professional terminology used by operators and site managers.
4. Machine inspection before starting work
Every operator must carry out a pre-start inspection.
During the course, you will learn how to perform:
- technical inspection before start-up
- daily machine inspections
- proper shutdown of equipment after work
These may seem like minor details, but they are often crucial for safety on the construction site.
5. Safe working in difficult conditions
A construction site is rarely perfectly flat.
That is why you will learn how to work on:
- uneven terrain
- slopes
- confined spaces
- different types of surfaces
This is where you can see the difference between someone who has completed the course and a real operator.
6. Earthworks and excavations
During the practical exercises, you will perform, among other things:
- foundation excavations
- installation excavations
- terrain profiling
- ground levelling
- loading of excavated material
These are the skills you will use later in your work.
7. Additional excavator attachments
An excavator can work with various tools.
During the training, you will learn the rules for using additional working elements that increase the machine’s capabilities.
8. Identifying hazards on the construction site
This is a topic that often determines the safety of the operator.
During the course, you will learn to recognise:
- underground installations
- overhead lines
- areas where other machines are working
- collision risks
If you don’t see any hazards on the construction site, it means you don’t know where to look yet. We will show you.
Do you need experience to start digger training?
This question comes up very often.
Can beginners enrol in the course?
Of course.
Excavator operator training courses are designed for both beginners and operators who want to expand their qualifications.
Instructors lead the course step by step. First theory, then practice, followed by an exam.
Ready to start excavator operator training?
If you are planning to work in the construction industry and want to obtain a CPCS Red Card, operator training is the first step.
Contact us and together we will determine:
- the right course
- available dates
- the cost of training
- the best career path
Take the first step and start your journey as an excavator operator in Peterborough.
Our excavator training courses are also popular among trainees from nearby towns such as Whittlesey, Market Deeping, Deeping St James, Yaxley, Eye, Thorney, Stilton and Sawtry. If you are looking for professional excavator training or digger training near Peterborough, our training centre is easily accessible from all surrounding areas.