COURSE DETAILS

Training course type

  • On-site training and assessment
  • On-site Experience Worker Test (EWT) assessment only 

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
  • Below 5 tonnes 
  • Above & below 5 tonnes
  • 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 180° Excavator?

    A 180° Excavator gets its name from the boom attached to the vehicle which can pivot from left to right through 180°. It is also known as a Backhoe, which refers to the action of the shovel rather than its location on the machine. It is a versatile machine that can be used for a variety of different jobs.

  • What does the Tuppco training course include?
    • Have a basic understanding of the industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as an operator
    • Have a working knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook for the particular machine to be used
    • Be able to locate and identify the major components of the machine and explain their functions
    • Be able to locate and identify key controls and explain their functions
    • Conduct all pre-operational checks in accordance with manufacturers and legislative requirements
    • Identify and maintain PPE appropriate for excavator 180° use
    • Prepare excavator 180° for use
    • Conduct all necessary safety checks at the work area
    • Operate machinery safely and efficiently
    • Environmental considerations
    • Storage and transport of excavator 180° attachments
    • Explain loading / unloading procedures for machine transportation
    • Carry 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
    • 180° 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 4 trench’s and with right angles
    • Back fill with both backhoe and front bucket
    • Trench length: 6-metre square
    • Trench depth: 1 metre
    • Trench width: 1 buckets width
    • Manoeuvre through a chicane
    • Load material with backhoe and front bucket on to a vehicle/hopper x 2 each
    • 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 45 minutes

  • On-site training courses delivered

    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 180° Excavator (N201) course with TUPPCO Training is to equip learners with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to safely operate 180° excavators on construction, civil engineering, landscaping, and industrial sites. This NPORS 180° Excavator N201 training focuses on safe excavation, digging, lifting, hazard awareness, and compliance with NPORS and UK industry standards.

TUPPCO Training ensures operators are fully competent in 180° excavator operations, improving site efficiency, productivity, and operational safety.

Key Course Objectives:
  • Understand 180° excavator controls, functions, and operational limitations
  • Learn correct PPE, operator responsibilities, and NPORS-approved safety procedures
  • Conduct pre-use inspections, maintenance checks, and defect reporting
  • Operate the excavator safely when digging, lifting, loading, and manoeuvring materials
  • Identify hazards including overturning, unstable surfaces, proximity to services, and site traffic
  • Apply NPORS-approved safe excavation techniques, lifting procedures, and groundworks practices
  • Develop confidence in working in confined spaces, slopes, and complex site environments

By the end of this NPORS 180° Excavator N201 training, learners will be fully competent in safe and efficient 180° excavator operation, supporting safer site operations and effective earthmoving.

What Will Be Awarded

Upon successful completion of the NPORS 180° Excavator (N201) course with TUPPCO Training, participants will receive an official NPORS N201 certificate, confirming competence in the safe operation of 180° excavators in accordance with NPORS standards.

This qualification is nationally recognised and widely accepted across construction, civil engineering, landscaping, and industrial sectors.

Your Award Will Include:
  • Official NPORS N201 Certificate / Operator Card
  • Verified competence in safe 180° excavator operation
  • Skills in digging, lifting, loading, and site manoeuvring
  • Knowledge of risk assessment, hazard identification, and site safety procedures
  • Understanding of pre-use inspections, maintenance, and emergency procedures
  • Who the Award Is For:

    Ideal for:

    • Excavator operators and plant operatives
    • Construction, civil engineering, and landscaping teams
    • Groundworks and infrastructure staff
    • Industrial and commercial material handling personnel
    • Anyone required to operate a 180° excavator safely

    Suitable for novice learners and experienced operators seeking NPORS certification through TUPPCO Training.

How Long The Course Can Take

The NPORS 180° Excavator N201 course with TUPPCO Training is practical, hands-on, and designed to provide real-world competence in excavator operation.

Course Duration Overview:
  • Novice Training: Typically 1–2 days (depending on learner experience and group size)

  • Experienced / Refresher: 1 day

  • Test-Only Route: Available for competent operators

Training covers excavator operation, digging techniques, lifting procedures, hazard awareness, and NPORS practical assessment.
Delivered by NPORS-certified TUPPCO Training instructors with extensive 180° excavator experience.

TUPPCO Training provides this course UK-wide at construction sites, civil engineering projects, landscaping works, and industrial facilities.

Expert Training On Your Business Site

TUPPCO Training provides on-site NPORS 180° Excavator N201 training, allowing learners to train on your own excavators, in real operational conditions. This ensures maximum practical relevance, skill retention, and immediate application to your workplace.

Benefits of On-Site Training with TUPPCO Training:
  • Tailored to your excavator type, site layout, and operational requirements

  • Hands-on experience in real excavation, lifting, and site manoeuvring operations

  • Reduces downtime, travel, and operational disruption

  • Provides realistic, workplace-relevant training

  • Delivered by experienced, NPORS-certified TUPPCO Training instructors

Suitable On-Site Locations Include:
  • Construction and civil engineering sites

  • Landscaping and groundworks projects

  • Industrial and commercial premises

  • Material handling and infrastructure works

  • Confined or complex terrain environments

TUPPCO Training delivers NPORS 180° Excavator N201 courses throughout the Cotswolds, Midlands, South West, and across the UK, providing flexible, accredited, and fully on-site plant operator training.

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.

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