• Site roles and responsibilities; Describe the nature of the sector of industry and their role and responsibilities as a excavator operator 

• Preparing for work; Name and explain the purpose of principle components, the basic construction, controls and terminology. Conform with manufacturers requirements as per the operator’s handbook, other types of information source and relevant regulations and legislations. Undertake all pre-use checks. Undertake all pre-use checks. Identify and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) and appropriate safety control equipment for a excavator operator uses. Safely get into and out of the excavator. 

• Travelling and manoeuvring; Configure and set for site travel. Travel and manoeuvre the excavator across varying terrain and inclines. Manoeuvre in confined spaces. 

• Setting up for work; Attach and remove backhoe buckets, using quick hitch couplers. Conduct and necessary safety checks at the work area. Configure and set up for excavating and loading duties. Explain actions required for hazards, underground and overhead services. 

• Working tasks; Excavate different types of excavations in various types of ground to given dimensions. Place materials into transporting vehicles and hoppers. Grade, spread and level ground and materials. Explain environmental considerations of machine use. 

• Shutting down; Carry out shut down and securing procedures. Explain the loading and unloading procedures for machine transporting. 

The theory test is a 40-question test picked at random from a possible 71 questions with 80% pass criteria.  

The practical test is comprised of several elements summarised as, preparing for work, traveling and manoeuvring, setting up for work, working tasks and shutting down. 

The learner will receive a CPCS Trained operator card (Red) which will last 2 years. This will give the learner time to achieve an NVQ level 2 to turn the card from a trained operator card to a competent operator card (lasts 5 years). 

As an official City & Guilds Training partner, Lynch Plant Hire and Haulage is recognised industry-wide for its commitment to excellence. Our highly skilled and experienced trainers deliver quality, site ready instruction and training, adapting their approach to guide each learner through the course with expertise and practical insight.