Build Machinery Skills and Increase Your Employability
The RIIMPO320F - Conduct Excavator Operations course provides the practical skills and knowledge to operate excavators safely and effectively in civil construction environments. You’ll learn how to perform pre-start checks, manage site hazards, carry out excavation tasks, lift and place materials, and follow workplace health and safety procedures. This nationally-recognised course is perfect for those entering the civil construction industry or wanting to expand their plant operator capabilities.
Course Duration
Step 1: Complete online theory module (within 30 days)
Step 2: Book in and attend 1-day practical training
Course Outcome
Locations
17+ training centres across Queensland and Western Australia
Course Fee
Fees vary depending on location (see table below)
You Pay
CSQ and CTF Funding available (see below)
Conduct Civil Construction Excavator Operations - Course Information
The Conduct Excavator Operations course gives you the practical knowledge and skills to safely operate excavators across a range of civil construction tasks. You’ll learn about:
Legislation & Compliance: Understand WHS legislation, workplace procedures, and your responsibilities as an excavator operator.
Hazard Identification: Recognise worksite hazards, underground services, and environmental conditions that impact excavator operations.
Excavator Equipment: Learn about different types of excavators, their attachments, and their safe applications.
Pre-Operational Checks & Maintenance: Conduct safety inspections, basic servicing, and equipment checks before and after use.
Safe Operating Procedures: Operate excavators to excavate, lift, carry, and place materials with precision and control.
Load Handling & Stability: Manage loads safely, understand lifting techniques, and maintain machine stability during operation.
Control Measures & Safety Planning: Implement risk controls, traffic management, and task planning for safe excavator use.
Emergency Procedures: Act appropriately in the event of equipment malfunction, ground collapse, or on-site emergencies.
Communication & Reporting: Use workplace communication systems and report hazards, incidents, or maintenance needs effectively.
By the end of the course, you’ll be confident in operating excavators safely, carrying out a variety of excavation tasks, selecting and using attachments, and maintaining safe work practices on construction sites.
Course delivery and assessment
In order to provide you with the best learning outcomes possible, this course is delivered via a mix of online learning and face-to-face training. You will be assigned an experienced Trainer Assessor for support throughout your course.
Step 1 - Complete theory module online (within 30 days)
The online modules are self-paced and include assessments (quizzes, written tasks, or short scenario-based exercises) to ensure understanding.
Step 2 - Attend 1 day face-to-face training
Your trainer will give you practical tasks to complete based on the information you’ve learned in your online theory module.
You will need to pass both steps in order to successfully complete the course.
Who should complete this course?
Construction and trades workers - Anyone required to operate excavators on building, road, or infrastructure projects.
Civil construction staff - Workers involved in earthmoving, trenching, backfilling, and site preparation.
Landscaping and grounds crews - Teams using excavators for digging, shaping, or moving soil and materials.
Mining and resources personnel - Operators working in excavation, pit development, or material handling on mine sites.
Utility and infrastructure workers - People carrying out excavation tasks for plumbing, drainage, power, or communication services.
Local government and council staff - Employees involved in roadworks, maintenance, and public works projects.
Career pathways
Construction: Excavator operators, site supervisors, and maintenance personnel.
Resources: Mining plant and machinery operators, drilling crews, extractive industry workers, and contractors.
Infrastructure: Roadworks and public works teams, utilities technicians, water, gas, and power industry workers.
Maintenance: Plant and machinery operators, service technicians, and facility maintenance staff.
Specialised Roles: Trenching specialists, safety officers, and site inspection or quality control personnel.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements; however, students will need:
To be at least 16 years of age
Basic computer skills and internet access (for enrolment and communication)
Sufficient language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) skills to complete assessments
A valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) - mandatory for all nationally recognised training. If you don’t have one, you can apply at usi.gov.au or we can assist.
*Please note, this unit does not provide sufficient skills to independently load and unload equipment. To perform this activity safely, you must either complete or be assisted by someone who has completed Load and Unload Plant (RIIHAN308F) or an equivalent qualification.
Support when you need it
Throughout the duration of your course, you can access experienced industry professionals and support staff to guide you through the program. Our trainers are dedicated to helping you succeed and will be available to answer your questions and provide feedback on your progress. They will provide you with the guidance and support you need to fully understand the course material, as well as offer suggestions for further learning opportunities.
Related Courses to Further Your Career
Funding is Available For this Course
Construction Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ)
Eligible workers, employers and career seekers in Queensland’s building and construction industry can save up to 75-100% on courses, including short courses, units of competency, or Certificate and Diploma qualifications. While CSQ provides substantial funding, a student co-contribution fee is typically required. Check your eligiblity or contact us for more information. If you are eligible for CSQ funding, you could complete this course for only $25 out-of-pocket (a saving of $525).
Construction Training Fund (CTF - WA)
Eligible apprentices, trainees, workers and business owners in WA’s building and construction industry can save up to 70% per course with CTF funding. As an approved bulk billing provider, we handle the paperwork and claim process for you - so you only pay the gap while you upskill, get licences, and complete safety courses. Check your eligibility or contact us for more information.
The Excavator course gave me real confidence on site. Excellent hands-on training and experience, with a down-to-earth and common-sense trainer.
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Course FAQs
Fees vary depending on location - you can view specific location fees in the table above.
Yes - you may be eligible for either CSQ (QLD) or CTF (WA) subsidies for this course. Check your eligibility or contact us to find out more.
You’ll need to complete the online theory module first within 30 days of enrolling, followed by 1 day of face-to-face training.
There are no formal entry requirements; however, students will need:
To be at least 16 years of age
Basic computer skills and internet access (for enrolment and communication)
Sufficient language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) skills to complete assessments
A valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) - mandatory for all nationally recognised training. If you don’t have one, you can apply at usi.gov.au or we can assist.
*Please note, this unit does not provide sufficient skills to independently load and unload equipment. To perform this activity safely, you must either complete or be assisted by someone who has completed Load and Unload Plant (RIIHAN308F) or an equivalent qualification.
Your SOA will be issued within 3-5 business days of successfully completing the course and receiving payment.
Have Questions?
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