What does an excavator training course give you, and what work can you do after it?

Booking an excavator course Sydney-side? Get a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for RIIMPO320F and the skills employers want on site.

Written byEdway

An operator runs a tracked excavator on a graded dirt site while a second worker in hi-vis directs from the ground beside the machine

The short answer

The excavator training course gives you a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for RIIMPO320F Conduct civil construction excavator operations. It is not a licence. Since 2012, nobody in Australia has needed a high-risk work licence to operate an excavator. Instead, the business you work for must make sure you are competent, and your Statement of Attainment is the formal evidence that you are.

That makes it your key to operating one of the most powerful and versatile machines in construction, earthmoving and road building. Whether you are a novice operator or an experienced hand wanting to grow your career, this is the course for you.

The course code and what "ticket" means here

People often say "excavator ticket" or "excavator licence". On a job site, that means proof that you are trained to operate an excavator. For this course, that proof is a Statement of Attainment for the unit RIIMPO320F.

When an employer asks for an excavator ticket, show them your Statement of Attainment. Many sites also ask for a Verification of Competency (VOC) from time to time. A VOC is a check that you can still operate the machine safely. The site or employer decides when they want one.

So if you are wondering how to get an excavator licence, this is it: complete the course and keep your excavator certificate ready to show.

Excavator training course Sydney: how it runs

The excavator course in Sydney runs over 2 days.

Day 1, theory. A classroom day at Seven Hills.
Day 2, practical. Hands-on training on a real excavator at Bayview.

The course combines classroom and practical instruction, so you build every skill you need step by step. It covers:

planning the work and pre-operational checks
operating the excavator, including lifting, carrying and placing
loading trucks
using attachments
maintenance
work health and safety and site hazards

There is no prerequisite to enrol. You must hold a current White Card to attend Day 2. If you do not have one yet, book the White Card course first, or read what a White Card is.

Bring government-issued photo ID and your Unique Student Identifier (USI). For Day 2, bring your personal protective equipment (PPE): a hard hat, steel-capped boots, a hi-vis vest, gloves and eye protection. Arrive 15 minutes early.

The price is on the course page.

Your excavator training certificate and who issues it

Edway Training Pty Ltd (RTO 91401) delivers and issues the excavator course.

When you pass, you receive:

a Statement of Attainment for RIIMPO320F, within 24 hours
an Edway Training plastic card, posted to you within 3 weeks; the cost of the card is included

The Statement of Attainment is recognised nationally and has no regulated expiry date. It is the document to keep safe and show employers.

Finding work afterwards

The course suits new plant operators, labourers who want to move onto machines, and tradespeople who want to add plant skills. Excavators are used across civil construction, so your skills are in demand on all kinds of sites.

The greatest benefit of completing an excavator training course is your employability. Certified training on your resume makes you look attractive and competent to potential employers. Here is how to put it to work:

tailor your resume to showcase your excavator training, safety and attention to detail
tell your current employer you have completed the course
look for labouring or civil roles where you can build machine hours
attend industry events and reach out to construction companies directly
keep your Statement of Attainment and White Card ready to show

At Edway Training, we are committed to your success beyond the classroom. We offer ongoing support and resources to help you navigate your career path in the construction industry.

With our extensive network of industry connections and experienced trainers, you can trust Edway Training to provide the guidance and assistance you need to thrive in your career as a skilled excavator operator.

Whether you still need to complete an excavator training course or need assistance in finding a job after receiving your certificate, Edway Training is here for you. Get in touch with us today!

Choosing a course

Your goal is to be appealing to potential employers, so pick a course that gives you the right training for the job. Here is what to look for in excavator training in Sydney.

The unit code. Make sure the course gives you the current unit, RIIMPO320F. That way the Statement of Attainment is nationally recognised.
The RTO. Check the name and number of the registered training organisation (RTO) that will issue your Statement of Attainment. It should be shown on the course page before you book.

Look for real machine time too. This course includes a full practical day on a real excavator.

Next step

Check dates and book the Sydney course on the Excavator course page.

Sources

Edway knowledge base — courses/excavator/index.mdUnit code, course content, who it is for, what to bring, two-day structure
Edway knowledge base — courses/excavator/offerings.yamlSydney offering, venues and issuing RTO
Edway knowledge base — courses/excavator/recognition.md and faq.yamlNo high-risk work licence for excavators, competence duty, Statement of Attainment, plastic card, VOC
Edway knowledge base — courses/white-card/index.mdWhite Card unit for the Day 2 requirement