COURSE DETAILS

Training Course Type

  • On-site training and assessment

Novice Training Course Duration

1-10 days dependant on any previous experience 

Novice Candidate Numbers

3

Experience Worker Tests per day

4

Variations

  • Tracked
  • Wheeled
  • 1-10 tonne 
  • Above & below 10 tonne
  • Quick hitch theory

Card Options

  • 5-year NPORS traditional card & certificate
  • 2-year CSCS trained operator red card

Minimum Age

16

Instructor

Bertie Tupper & Tuppco instructors

FURTHER
INFORMATION

  • What is a 360° Excavator?

    The 360°degree excavator digger is a powerful piece of machinery used to excavate and move large objects in a construction environment. The 360°degree range of movement makes excavators ideally suited for different types and stages of work in the industry and it is rare to see a building site without one.

  • What does the Tuppco training course include?
    • Learning a working knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook for the particular machine to be used.
    • Being able to locate and identify the major components of the machine and explain their functions.
    • Being able to locate and identify steering, Driving and braking controls and explain their functions.
    • Identifying and maintaining PPE appropriate for excavator use.
    • Conducting all pre-operational checks in accordance with manufacturers and legislative requirements.
    • Safely mounting and dismounting the machine.
    • Starting and stopping the engine and safely moving the Machine off and stopping it safely.
    • Configuring the machine for travel and manoeuvring it safely across varying terrain in open and confined areas.
    • Conducting all necessary safety checks at the work area
    • Manoeuvring the Machine to the Work area and correctly configuring in readiness to carry out excavating tasks.
    • Carrying out excavating tasks
    • loading material onto transporting vehicles or into containers.
    • Reinstating excavation, grade, and level ground
    • Fitting and removing attachments.
    • Carrying out all end of shift and shut down procedures
  • Venue and Equipment Requirements:
    • Suitable and safe area to dig trenches and backfill
    • Varying terrain and slopes
    • Bulk material to load vehicle
    • Vehicle or hopper to load (dumper, trailer)
    • Suitable and safe area to complete paperwork
    • Suitable welfare facilities
    • 360° Excavator with digging and grading buckets
    • Operators’ manual 
    • Risk assessment completed
  • Theory Assessment:
    • 20 multiple choice questions
    • 5 written questions
    • 4 marks per question
    • 80% pass mark required
  • Practical Assessment Criteria
    • Pre use and operational checks
    • Excavate a trench and with vertical ends and back fill
    • Trench length: 10 – 20 meters long
    • Trench depth: 1 metre
    • Trench width: 1 buckets width
    • Form a load out bench appropriate for loading vehicles
    • Load material on to a vehicle/hopper x 2
    • Travel over varying and sloping ground
    • Remove and attach bucket/attachment
    • Excavator parked safely and isolated

    Pass mark is less than 20 penalty points and no mandatory disqualifications

    Time allowed is 2 hours 15 minutes

  • Where Does Tuppco Deliver Onsite Courses?

    Tuppco proudly delivers on-site training courses across a wide region of the South and Central UK. From Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire to Reading, Oxford, and Swindon, our team provides expert, accredited instruction at your workplace using your own equipment. We specialise in NPORS plant training, Lantra land-based and machinery courses, and Qualsafe first aid and health & safety training. Businesses across Berkshire, the Cotswolds, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Buckinghamshire, Cheltenham, and Northamptonshire rely on Tuppco for flexible, professional training solutions that minimise downtime and maximise compliance.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Objective Of Course

The objective of the NPORS  360° Excavator course is to ensure operators can safely and competently carry out excavation and loading tasks using compact excavators. The training focuses on machine control, excavation accuracy,working in confined areas, and hazard awareness to reduce the risk of accidents, damage to services, and unsafe working practices.

What Will Be Awarded

Upon successful completion of the course and assessments, learners will receive either a 5-year NPORS traditional operator card and certificate or a 2-year CSCS trained operator red card. This recognised qualification confirms competence in micro excavator operation in line with NPORS standards.

Training Duration: How Long Is the Course?

The duration of the NPORS 360°  Excavator  course varies depending on the learners’ experience level:

Course Duration Overview:
  • Novice / Less-Experienced Operators: 1- 10 days
  • Experienced / Refresher Training: 1 day
  • Course content includes: safety theory, pre-use inspections, machine checks, lifting operations, excavation tasks, practical driving, and a NPORS practical assessment
  • Delivered by certified TUPPCO Training plant instructors with extensive operational experience

TUPPCO Training delivers this course across the UK, including construction sites, utilities depots, highway maintenance environments, and industrial facilities, providing flexible, hands-on, and fully accredited NPORS training.

Expert Training On Your Business Site

With TUPPCO Training, you can receive 360° excavator training directly on your site, ensuring operators train in your real working environment, with your excavator, and following your site rules.

Benefits of On-Site Excavator Training:
  1. Training tailored to your site layout, tasks, and ground conditions
  2. Operators learn using your wheeled excavator and attachments
  3. Reduces staff travel time and maximises productivity
  4. More realistic learning through real-site digging, lifting, and manoeuvring
  5. Delivered by experienced TUPPCO Training excavator instructors
Ideal On-Site Locations Include:
  • Construction and civil engineering sites
  • Utilities, drainage, and water installation projects
  • Highways and road maintenance sites
  • Industrial yards and commercial premises
  • Landscaping and groundwork environments

Training available across the Cotswolds, Midlands, South West, and the entire UK.

FAQs

All FAQs
  • Do I Receive A Certificate & Skills Card?

    Yes! Upon successful completion of your course, you’ll receive an official certificate and skills card accredited by Lantra, NPORS or Qualsafe recognising your achievement and qualification.

  • What Areas Do We Cover?
    TUPPCO Training proudly provides expert first aid and workplace training across the Cotswolds, surrounding counties, and nationwide across the UK. We bring our trainers directly to your business, school, nursery, or organisation. Local Cotswold Areas We Cover- Cheltenham, Gloucester, Cirencester, Tewkesbury, Stroud, Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton-on-the-Water Wider Regional & UK Coverage- We also cover Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire, and all areas across the UK, ensuring flexible, high-quality training wherever you are located. If your area isn’t listed, just get in touch—TUPPCO Training travels nationwide.
  • Where Do We Deliver Training?

    All training is delivered at your site, farm, or another suitable location. We tailor each session to your environment to ensure it’s relevant and practical. Specific arrangements can be discussed in more detail upon request.

  • Who Delivers Your Training?

    Our training is delivered by Bertie Tupper and a team of fully qualified instructors who are accredited by Lantra, NPORS or Qualsafe. Each trainer brings real industry experience and a passion for helping learners build practical skills and confidence.

  • Why Is NPORS 360 Excavator Training Important?
    Training ensures operators can excavate safely, accurately and efficiently while reducing site risks and meeting legal and site safety requirements.

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