What does an excavator training course give you, and what work can you do after it?
Booking an excavator course Sydney-side? What the 2-day RIIMPO320F course covers and the nationally recognised Statement of Attainment you receive.
Written byEdway

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.
Excavator work involves more than sitting in the cab and moving soil. The course takes you through the tasks that happen around the machine as well as the operation itself.
The course combines classroom and practical instruction, so you build every skill you need step by step. It covers:
- planning and preparing for safe excavator operations
- pre-operational checks and safety procedures
- lifting, carrying and placing materials
- loading trucks
- selecting and changing attachments
- operator maintenance and clean-up
- work health and safety and site hazards
- supervised hands-on operation in practical workplace situations
Training that includes both theory and practical work gives you a clear path from classroom instruction to confident machine operation.
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.
Before you pay, check these details on the course page:
- the unit code: RIIMPO320F
- the location: Day 1 at Seven Hills, Day 2 at Bayview
- how the course runs: 2 days, a theory day then a practical day
- what you receive: a Statement of Attainment and an Edway Training plastic card
A course that names the unit, location and issuing RTO gives you a clear record to present when an employer, contractor or labour hire company checks your training.
Why get an excavator training certificate?
Because it proves you can do the job. The business you work for has to make sure you are competent on the machine, and your Statement of Attainment is the formal evidence that you are.
It is recognised nationally and has no regulated expiry date. Whether you are new to plant or an experienced hand, it is your key to operating an excavator in construction, earthmoving and road building.
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. If you are new to machinery, supervised practical operation gives you time to understand the controls, machine movement and site hazards.
When you compare course options, treat price as one part of the decision. The more important checks are the unit code, the issuing RTO, practical machine time and the excavator training certificate you receive. Those details shape the training record you rely on when you apply for construction roles, labour hire placements or site-based work.
Can you do an excavator training course in Sydney with no experience?
Yes. There is no prerequisite to enrol, and the course suits new plant operators and labourers who want to move onto machines. You build every skill step by step, with a theory day at Seven Hills and a full practical day on a real excavator at Bayview.
You need a current White Card for Day 2, so book that first if you do not have one yet.
Next step
Check dates and book the Sydney course on the Excavator course page.
