You will study the underpinning knowledge essential for correctly maintaining plant machinery and receive tuition in how to maintain and safely operate plant machinery.

The following areas are covered during the course in two units (Note: we do not offer unit 3):

1. Pre-Use Safety - Plant Machinery (Compulsory)

2. Operate a 180° or 360° Excavator (Optional)

Or

3. Operate a Loader (Optional – but not offered by us)

Pre-Use Safety - Plant Machinery (Compulsory)1.   You are required to demonstrate a knowledge of the legal and safety

1. The legal and safety requirements relating to the use of a loader / excavator.
2. Check the site for hazards
3. Demonstrate knowledge of potential hazards that could arise when using plant machinery
4. Demonstrate knowledge of economic fuel use whilst maintaining maximum efficiency and work output
5. Identify and explain the function of all controls
6. Interpret instrument readings
7. Carry out daily maintenance operations and pre-use checks to the machine.

2. Operate a 180° or 360° Excavator (Optional)

1. Demonstrate knowledge of additional legal requirements specifically relating to using an excavator
2. Mount excavator, carry out safety checks and start engine
3. Carry out pre-use checks to the excavator unit
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the safe working load of the boom
5. Remove excavator bucket and re-fit or fit appropriate bucket for the operation
6. Check that the brakes and ensure the excavator is safe to use
7. Manoeuvre the machine to working site
8. Position the machine for working / excavating
9. Carry out an excavation
10. Reinstate the excavation

Candidates must achieve all assessment activities in the appropriate units.

Candidates who hold the NPTC Certificate of Competence in Tractor Driving and Related Operations - Unit 4, are credited with Unit 3 of this qualification - Operate a Loader.

Qualification Endorsement

The qualification will be endorsed either:

a) Plant Machine – 180° Excavator and/or

b) Plant Machine – 360° Excavator and/or

c) Plant Machine – Loader

Candidates seeking qualification endorsement ‘a)’ are required to successfully achieve units 1 and 2

Candidates seeking qualification endorsement ‘b)’ are required to successfully achieve units 1 and 2

Candidates seeking qualification endorsement ‘c)’ are required to successfully achieve units 1 and 3, but please note that this is not offered by us.

This qualification is examined by an Independent City & Guilds NPTC Assessor after training has been completed at a mutually convenient date. In most instances (subject to Assessor availability) we can arrange assessment directly after training. Assessment can take 1.5 - 3.0 hours and will always be at the venue at which you trained.

You will receive a City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in the Safe Use of Plant Machinery endorsed Plant Machine – 360° Excavator.

Note this is issued directly by City & Guilds NPTC.

Training is £150.00 per candidate, registration through CEPT is £27.00 and certification with City & Guilds NPTC is £35.00, assessment by a City & Guilds Independent Assessor is £77.00 total payable £314.00 (No VAT)

Courses will take place our Ryton Centre. However, if you would like this course delivered at your own site please contact us, we would be pleased to discuss viability and cost. please contact Tony Davies by email. tonydavies@bestinhorticulture.co.uk

To book your place on a course, click on the green 'Enrol for this Course' button above; but if you would like this course delivered in the workplace, please contact Tony Davies by email: tonydavies@bestinhorticulture.co.uk

We have a very high success rate in preparing candidates for assessment, to date we have achieved 100% success!

Please note we supply trainees with all items of PPE for this course (with the exception of safety footwear, which must be supplied by the trainee/candidate).

You can go on to undertake training in a variety of Certificates of Competence applicable to your role. For example:

If you work as a garden maintenance operative (gardener), the following might be useful:

• Manual handling
• Safe application of pesticides (Pa1)
• Hand held applicators (Pa6)
• Occasional chainsaw user
• Brushcutter/strimmer
• Hand held hedge trimmer
• Pedestrian mower
• Leaf blower/vacuum
• Amenity shredder
• Ride on mowers
• Compact tractors

If you work as a landscaper, the following might be useful:

• Manual handling
• Safe application of pesticides (Pa1)
• Hand held applicators (Pa6)
• Occasional chainsaw user
• Brushcutter/strimmer
• Plant machinery 360 degree excavator
• Dumper
• Abrasive wheel machine