NPORS 180 Excavator Training Course (N202)
180 Excavator Training Course Duration:
Experienced Operator:
Single-day excavator test only, 4 candidates maximum.
This is for Experienced Operators Only who require just the NPORS 180 Excavator Test. The time allocated per practical test is 2hrs 15m.
Novice 360 Excavator Operator Training:
5 days offering One-On-One 180 Digger Training for novice’s, The 1-on-1 Excavator Training Guarantees the candidate all the time allocated to gain experience of the use of the excavator. No sharing or waiting for your turn. NPORS state only 1 person over 5 days for Novice Excavator Training.
Location:
VPT. Newton Farm Business Park, Tewkesbury GL20 7BE, United Kingdom
What Three Words:
///doghouse.snack.cupboards
180 Digger Excavator Training Funding:
Eligible candidates can gain access to CITB Funding for completing their 180 Excavator Training Course, you must be registered with the CITB Levy to claim this Grant. To learn more, click on the CITB logo given below.
At Our Customers Site Nationwide:
Our instructors are ready to travel across the UK, delivering 180 excavator training to interested candidates. Contact us for Digger Training near you for a competitive quote.
*Additional mileage and accommodation charges may be applicable for carrying out NPORS 180 Excavator Training on your site.
NPORS Experienced Test From-
£400.00
-
Per Person + VAT
NPORS Card and Registration
£45.00
-
Per Person + VAT
NPORS Novice Courses From-
£2799
-
Per Person + VAT
Prices apply to NPORS Plant Training or tests conducted at our site in Gloucestershire. We also provide on-site NPORS Plant Operator Training at your location, contact us via phone or email for a custom quote to attend your site.
180 Excavator Training at a Glance
✓ Accreditation: NPORS N202
✓ Novice: 5 Days, 1-to-1 Training
✓ Price: EWT From £400 + VAT
✓ Routes: Novice, Refresher & EWT
✓ EWT: 1 Day, Maximum 4 Candidates
✓ Location: Tewkesbury or On-Site Nationwide
NPORS N202: 180° Excavator Operation • Excavating & Trenching • Pre-Use Checks • Safe Machine Operation
Gain the skills and certification you need to operate a 180° wheeled or tracked excavator safely and efficiently with Vally Plant Training’s NPORS 180 Excavator Training Courses (N202).
We deliver NPORS‑accredited excavator training either directly on your worksite using your own plant or at our modern training centre in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, serving Cheltenham, Gloucester, Worcester, Hereford, Bristol, the West Midlands, and nationwide.
About the NPORS Excavator 180 (N202) Training Course
Our NPORS‑approved 180 Excavator Operator Training course provides learners with both the technical knowledge and hands‑on skills required to operate a 180‑degree excavator safely in line with LOLER, PUWER, and Health & Safety Executive (HSE) standards.
The training focuses on the use of wheeled and tracked excavators up to and over 5 tonnes, depending on your machine category and site requirements.
On completion, candidates receive a nationally recognised NPORS Operator Card, accepted across the UK construction and civil engineering industry.
What the Course Covers
The NPORS Excavator 180 training (N202) course gives a full understanding of safe operation and site awareness, including:
- Roles and responsibilities of an excavator operator
- Conducting pre‑use machine inspections and checks
- Understanding controls, levers, and hydraulic systems
- Excavating, trenching, backfilling, grading, and lifting procedures
- Working safely on slopes, soft ground, or confined areas
- Changing buckets and attachments safely
- Loading and unloading vehicles or materials
- Site safety, hazard awareness, and communication signals
- Daily maintenance and parking procedures
- Theory session: UK legislation (LOLER, PUWER, HASAWA) and operator responsibilities
This balance of theory, practical, and assessment ensures full compliance and real‑world ability.
Who the NPORS 180 Excavator Training Is For
This course is suitable for:
- New operators – with no prior excavator experience
- Experienced workers seeking NPORS certification
- Plant operators who need refresher training
- Groundworkers, civil engineers, and construction professionals expanding their skill set
- Companies and site supervisors wanting to certify or upgrade their teams for compliance
The course is open to individuals and businesses. Group sessions and corporate bookings are available at discounted rates.
Training Routes Available
We provide flexible options tailored to your experience level:
- Novice Excavator 180 Course – Full operator training (1 – 10 days).
- Refresher Training – For those renewing or updating previous excavator experience (1–2 days).
- Experienced Worker Test (EWT) – Fast‑track, practical assessment only (approx. 2–3 hours).
All routes lead to NPORS Operator Card certification upon successful completion.
Training Locations
Choose how and where you train:
On‑Site Excavator 180 Training
Delivered at your own site or depot, allowing candidates to train in a familiar environment with equipment they’ll use daily.
This option helps minimise downtime and maintain productivity, ideal for contractors and plant hire firms across the West Midlands, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Bristol, and the South West.
Tewkesbury Training Centre
Our state‑of‑the‑art facility in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, is equipped with modern excavators and realistic practical training areas for earthmoving, trenching, and lifting operations.
Perfect for individuals or small groups needing intensive, instructor‑led training.
Certification – NPORS Excavator 180 Ticket
Upon passing both theoretical and practical assessments, you’ll receive one of the following recognised NPORS cards:
- NPORS Red Trained Operator Card (valid for up to 2 years) – for new operators
- NPORS Traditional 5‑year Card – for experienced operators completing the EWT
Your NPORS card is accepted on all UK construction, groundwork, and infrastructure sites as proof of operative competence and compliance.
Already hold a Red NPORS Card? Upgrade easily to a Blue Competent Operator Card through our NVQ Level 2 Plant Operations pathway, proving long‑term capability and unlocking additional job opportunities.
Excavator 180 Training Course Costs
We offer highly competitive pricing with no hidden fees and transparent course options.
| Course Type | Duration | From Price (ex VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Novice (Full Course) | 1-10 Days | £2800.00 |
| Refresher | 1–2 Days | £750.00 |
| Experienced Worker Test | 2–3 Hours | £400.00 |
✔ FREE re‑test for novice candidates
✔ Price Match Guarantee – we’ll beat any equivalent NPORS course quote
✔ Group and company discounts available
Benefits of NPORS 180 Excavator Training
- Gain a nationally recognised NPORS qualification
- Improve employment opportunities across UK construction
- Ensure legal compliance with Health & Safety and site regulations
- Operate confidently in real‑world environments
- Reduce on‑site accidents, downtime, and maintenance issues
- Meet CITB, HSE, and contractor certification requirements
Your NPORS Excavator 180 ticket demonstrates both operator competence and your commitment to professional industry standards.
Why Choose Vally Plant Training
✔ NPORS Accredited & Recognised Nationally
✔ On‑site or Tewkesbury Training Centre options
✔ Qualified Instructors with Industry Experience
✔ Modern Excavators & Safe Training Environments
✔ Fast‑track certification pathways (EWT & NVQ)
✔ Flexible schedules and weekend availability
✔ Competitive, transparent pricing with no hidden costs
We’re passionate about safe, efficient, and compliant plant operator training — delivering high‑quality NPORS courses across the UK construction sector.
Areas We Cover
We regularly provide Excavator 180 Training throughout:
Tewkesbury, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Worcester, Hereford, Oxfordshire, Bristol, Bath, the West Midlands, Gloucestershire, and surrounding counties.
Nationwide training can also be arranged for on‑site assessments or multi‑site company programmes.
Book Your NPORS Excavator 180 Training Course (N202) Today
Get certified the right way with Vally Plant Training – your trusted NPORS provider for professional and compliant excavator training in the UK.
✔ Training on‑site or at our Tewkesbury facility
✔ Recognised NPORS certification & card issuance
✔ Expert training tailored to your equipment and site conditions
Contact us today to book your 180 Excavator Training Course (N202) and become a certified NPORS excavator operator.
360 Excavator Training Courses
For 360 Excavator Training please visit our 360 Excavator Training Page.
Let’s Get You Trained and Certified — Enquire About NPORS Courses Now
Join thousands of successful operators who’ve advanced their careers with Vally Plant Training — simple booking, fast results, real qualifications.
-
- We offer 180 Excavator Training Courses, which are available 7 days a week and can be scheduled to suit your business needs.
- VPT retains a team of well-trained, friendly, and knowledgeable instructors who are ready to share their knowledge of the excavator, plus the construction and agricultural industries.
- We have our own training center for 180 Excavator Operators in the UK, conveniently located close to the M5 junction 9, in Tewkesbury. This has its own purpose-built practical training area to simulate real working environments for excavators.
- The 180 Excavator Training Courses we offer, plus the test packages, have competitive pricing and discounts for multiple/group bookings.
- We can also send a fully qualified NPORS Excavator assessor to locations across the nation, for your convenience.
Our 180 excavator training courses are designed for both new and experienced operators looking to gain a recognised 180 excavator licence or upgrade their existing skills. Commonly referred to as 180 digger training or an excavator 180 course, this training ensures operators can safely and competently operate a 360° excavator in line with current site safety requirements.
Vally Plant Training delivers NPORS 180 excavator operator training for individuals and companies, covering safe operation, machine controls, excavation techniques, lifting operations, and daily inspections. Whether you are looking for a digger course, digger driver training, or formal 180 operator training, our programmes are structured to meet NPORS standards while remaining flexible and practical.
NPORS 180 Excavator Courses, Tickets & Licences
Successful candidates can achieve a recognised NPORS digger ticket, often referred to as a 180 ticket or digger ticket, depending on site terminology. Our 180 excavator courses are suitable for construction, utilities, groundwork and civil engineering environments, helping operators meet employer and principal contractor requirements.
For experienced operators, we also support routes toward 180 excavator operator certification and NVQ-linked assessments, where applicable.
The 180 excavator training cost varies depending on operator experience, course duration, and whether training is delivered on-site or at a designated location. We provide clear guidance on 180 digger training cost and NPORS 180 excavator training prices at the enquiry stage, ensuring there are no hidden fees.
Group bookings and on-site delivery can offer cost-effective solutions for companies requiring multiple digger tickets or excavator course certifications.
Gain necessary expertise in terms of operating essential heavy machinery with courses like
- Specialised Lift Supervision Training
- Slinger Signaller Training
- Telehandler Training
- Cat & Genny Training
- Abrasive Wheels Training
- Crusher and Lorry Loader Training
- Dumper Training
- Plant Loader Securer Training
NPORS Plant Loader Securer Training
NPORS Lift Supervisor Training
Vehicle Banksman Training
Telehandler Suspended Loads Training
Attachment Training Courses
Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered
The 180 Excavator training is designed to impart to individuals the skills and knowledge that are necessary for safe and efficient operation of 180 excavators and associated heavy machinery that is used in construction, mining, and other industries. Completing this 180 excavator training is a must to ensure the safety of operators, teaching them how to prevent accidents, and maximise productivity on job sites. Enrol and get your Digger Ticket without delay!
The HSE States that operators of machinery MUST be trained and competent for their job role.
Anyone who operates or intends to take up a job that involves operating 180 excavators needs to complete a proper 180 excavator operator training and get certified. This list usually includes construction workers, heavy equipment operators, site supervisors, and contractors. The 180 Excavator Training can also be very valuable for individuals who are seeking employment in industries where excavators are common use.
The excavator training program will cover a fair range of topics that include, but not limited to:
- equipment familiarisation
- safety procedures
- pre-operation inspection
- proper operation techniques
- trenching and excavation techniques
- site hazards identification
- emergency procedures
To book your 180 excavator operator training, contact Vally Plant Training to book your space.
The duration of the complete 180 excavator training program will vary based on factors such as the level of experience of the participants and the depth of the curriculum. The basic 180 excavator courses will last anywhere from a 5 days to 2 weeks. At Vally Plant Training, we also offer shorter refresher courses for experienced Excavator operators.
At Vally Plant Training our prices for the 180 Excavator Training is based on 1 on 1 training over 5 days, this gives the candidate full time on the machine reducing waiting times for your turn if there are 3 candidates over 2 weeks. NPORS Stipulate that you can not do more than 1 person over the 5 days for the 180 Digger Training.
While this is not a legally mandated course, many employers prefer operators with 180 Excavator Training, owing to their occupational health and safety policies. Plus, regulatory bodies also recommend (or require) operators to be trained and certified in a 180 excavator course before operating heavy machinery like excavators on site.
Some employers may offer in-house training or provide recommendations for external training providers. You can also call Vally Plant Training for all reputable 180 Excavator Training, which includes the 180 excavator training for 1 person over the 5 days one on one training.
A 180 excavator driver can earn anywhere between £24,000 and £40,000 pa. However, this varies with factors like their competence, qualifications, skills, and experience. After completing the 180 excavator operator training and receiving the NPORS Excavator Operator card, you can get better work opportunities acquiring this NPORS Card.
If you are planning to apply for the 180 Excavator Training courses in the UK, do reach out to us using our contact form to enquire about our excavator courses. You can also contact us to find out more about the other NPORS Courses that we are offering, and if there are any special offers available.
A 360 excavator licence, often referred to as a 180 ticket or digger ticket, confirms that an operator has completed recognised training and assessment. NPORS certification is widely accepted across construction and related industries.
Yes. NPORS 180 excavator training is recognised across the UK and accepted by many contractors, employers, and principal contractors, subject to site requirements.
The cost of 180 excavator training varies depending on experience level, course length, and location. On-site group training can be more cost-effective for employers. Contact us for accurate NPORS 180 excavator training prices.
360 Excavator Training & Testing Prices
Excavator Training (NPORS Accredited)
-
Above 10 Tonnes: £2,700.00 + VAT
-
Below 10 Tonnes: £2,300.00 + VAT
Experienced Worker Test (EWT – NPORS)
-
Above 10 Tonnes: £360.00 + VAT
-
Below 10 Tonnes: £320.00 + VAT
NPORS Card & Registration Fee
-
£40.00 + VAT per person
All prices are subject to VAT. NPORS card and registration fees are charged separately per candidate.
Vally Plant Training is based in Gloucestershire and delivers 180 excavator training across the South West and UK-wide, including on-site training at client locations.
Our Experience Is Your Advantage
Hear what our incredible customers have to say about our NPORS Training and Testing!
Vally Plant Training is an NPORS-approved plant training provider based in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, delivering accredited plant operator training courses across Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bristol, Worcestershire, Birmingham, Wiltshire, and the wider Midlands and South West.
We offer flexible, practical NPORS training for individuals and businesses in construction, industrial, agricultural, and private sectors, ensuring compliance with UK health and safety standards while helping operators gain recognised certification and real-world skills.