360° Excavator Training Course (above & below 10T available)

Develop Skilled, Safe and Productive Excavator Operators

The 360° Excavator remains one of the most versatile and widely used items of plant equipment across the construction, civil engineering, utilities, infrastructure, rail, and industrial sectors. However, with this versatility comes significant responsibility. Improper operation can lead to serious accidents, damage to underground services, equipment failures, project delays, and costly downtime.

C&G Services' 360° Excavator Training Course is designed to equip operators with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence required to operate excavators safely and efficiently in a variety of workplace environments.

Whether you are completely new to excavator operation, require refresher training, or need formal assessment and certification, our experienced instructors will ensure candidates develop the competence required to meet industry standards and employer expectations.

Course Duration

1 to 10 Days

The duration of training is dependent upon the candidate's existing experience, competence level, and certification requirements.

Training can be delivered at:

• Novice Level
• Experienced Worker Assessment
• Refresher Level

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for any operative who requires training and certification in the safe operation of a 360° Excavator.

Typical attendees include:

• Construction operatives
• Groundworkers
• Civil engineering personnel
• Utilities workers
• Rail industry operatives
• Plant operators
• Site supervisors seeking operational understanding
• Individuals entering the construction industry

No previous experience is required for novice training programmes.

Course Aim

The aim of the training is to provide candidates with the skills and knowledge necessary to operate a 360° Excavator safely, efficiently, and productively during their normal work activities.

Upon successful completion, operators will understand not only how to operate the machine, but also how to manage the risks associated with excavation activities, site hazards, machine instability, underground services, and lifting operations.

The course combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical exercises to ensure operators are fully prepared for real-world working environments.

Why Excavator Training is Essential

Excavators are powerful machines capable of causing significant harm if operated incorrectly.

Common risks include:

• Striking underground services
• Contact with overhead power lines
• Machine overturning
• Collapse of excavations
• Collisions with personnel or vehicles
• Damage to property and infrastructure
• Unsafe loading and transportation

Proper training significantly reduces these risks while improving productivity, machine utilisation, and site safety.

Employers also have legal duties to ensure plant operators are adequately trained and competent for the tasks they undertake.

What Will Candidates Learn?

Throughout the programme, delegates will develop both theoretical understanding and practical operating skills.

Training covers:

Operator Duties and Responsibilities

Candidates will gain an understanding of:

• Legal responsibilities
• Employer and operator duties
• Safe systems of work
• Industry best practice

Underground and Overhead Services

One of the most critical aspects of excavation work is identifying and avoiding buried and overhead services.

Operators will learn:

• Service avoidance principles
• Site information interpretation
• Safe excavation techniques
• Consequences of service strikes

Machine Familiarisation

Candidates will become familiar with:

• Excavator components
• Safety devices
• Controls and instrumentation
• Operational limitations

Understanding machine functionality is essential for safe and efficient operation.

 Pre-Use Inspections and Maintenance

Operators will learn how to carry out:

• Pre-start inspections
• Daily maintenance checks
• Defect reporting procedures
• Routine servicing requirements

This helps improve reliability while ensuring equipment remains safe for use.

Fuels, Oils and Chemicals

The course covers safe handling procedures for:

• Diesel fuel
• Hydraulic oils
• Lubricants
• Maintenance chemicals

Operators will understand environmental responsibilities and safe storage requirements.

Machine Controls and Functions

Delegates will develop confidence in:

• Control functions
• Excavator movements
• Safety systems
• Efficient machine operation

Practical exercises allow candidates to develop precision and control in a safe environment.

Safe Positioning of the Machine

Correct machine positioning is essential for both safety and productivity.

Candidates will learn how to:

• Assess ground conditions
• Position the machine effectively
• Maintain safe working distances
• Minimise operational risks

Excavation Operations

Practical exercises include:

• Shallow trench excavation
• Deep trench excavation
• Formation work
• Material movement

Operators will learn techniques that improve both safety and efficiency.

Site Marking, Levelling and Lining

Candidates will gain an understanding of:

• Site markings
• Excavation profiles
• Levels and gradients
• Working to plans and specifications

These skills are fundamental to successful excavation operations.

Backfilling and Compaction

Training includes practical guidance on:

• Backfilling procedures
• Material placement
• Compaction methods
• Ground reinstatement

Stability and Safe Working Loads

Machine instability remains a leading cause of excavator incidents.

The course covers:

• Causes of overturning
• Ground condition assessment
• Safe operating limits
• Load stability principles

Operators learn how to recognise hazards before they become incidents.

Working on Slopes and Inclines

Candidates will learn safe techniques for:

• Travelling on gradients
• Working on slopes
• Positioning on uneven terrain
• Maintaining machine stability

Productive and Efficient Operation

The course promotes operational efficiency through:

• Good operating techniques
• Reduced machine wear
• Improved fuel economy
• Better task planning

These skills benefit both the operator and employer.

Bucket Changing Procedures

Incorrect attachment changes can present serious risks.

Training includes:

• Safe attachment changes
• Locking systems
• Inspection requirements
• Safe working practices

Safe Shutdown Procedures

Operators will understand how to:

• Park safely
• Isolate equipment
• Secure the machine
• Prevent unauthorised use

Preparing for Transportation

The course covers:

• Loading procedures
• Unloading procedures
• Preparation for transport
• Safe machine recovery

Benefits to Employers

Investing in professional excavator training delivers significant business benefits.

These include:

Improved Safety Performance

Competent operators are less likely to be involved in incidents or near misses.

Reduced Equipment Damage

Correct operating techniques reduce unnecessary wear and costly repairs.

Increased Productivity

Trained operators’ complete tasks more efficiently and accurately.

Improved Compliance

Demonstrates compliance with legal duties relating to competence and training.

Enhanced Workforce Confidence

Operators who understand their equipment work more effectively and safely.

Experienced Instructors

Our instructors bring extensive industry knowledge and practical experience from construction, civil engineering, utilities, infrastructure, and industrial environments.

Training focuses on real-world operational challenges rather than simply passing an assessment.

Candidates benefit from practical guidance, industry best practice, and a supportive learning environment.

Certification Options

Training can be delivered under the following nationally recognised accreditation schemes:

CPCS

The Construction Plant Competence Scheme remains one of the most widely recognised plant operator certification schemes within the UK construction industry.

NPORS

NPORS provides flexible and nationally recognised operator certification across multiple sectors.

Our team can advise which accreditation best suits your organisation's requirements.

Invest in Operator Competence

Excavators are essential pieces of plant equipment, but their safe and effective use depends entirely on the competence of the operator.

Whether you are developing new operators, refreshing existing skills, or seeking nationally recognised certification, C&G Services can provide the training and support you need.

Contact our team today to discuss your requirements and discover how our 360° Excavator Training Course can help improve safety, compliance, and productivity across your organisation.