Training Courses

Experienced Operators Programme for 360 Mini Degree Excavator (A FÁS Certified Course)

Candidate Requirement:

Candidates for this programme must have at least six months full time experience as a mini digger operator within the previous two years and completed the CSCS New Entrant Programme.
Candidates must also possess the FÁS Safe Pass Registration Card.
Candidates must be over 18 Years of Age.

Course Objective:

To provide an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and attitudes associated with mini digger operations and to obtain the appropriate certification.

Course Content:

Candidates will undertake a 3 hour corrective training session with the course instructor. Corrective training cannot give skills and knowledge not held, but allows the experienced operator to eliminate ‘bad habits’ gained on site. On completion of any corrective training, candidates are allowed 45 minutes to undertake a multi-choice question paper. The candidate must complete all practical tasks within 1. 25 hours

On the practical test the candidate will demonstrate tasks with the excavator.

The Candidate needs to:
  • Carry out full pre-start and running checks as required by the manufacturer.
  • Prepare the digger for travel.
  • Travel to the excavating area. The route must include:
    a) travelling up and down the incline(s)
    b) passing through a restriction being no more than the width of the excavator plus 800mm, in a forward and reverse direction
    c) travelling over rough, uneven terrain.
  • Excavate a vertical trench to a depth of 1.0 metre +/- 30mm. The trench must be straight within +/- 60mm. (see plan) The minimum length of the trench will be as follows: Excavate a vertical trench 0.5m deep +/- 35mm for a length of 8 metres. The trench depth must be straight within +/- 60mm. (see plan)
  • On completion of task 4, excavate a square excavation at the end of the trench, with vertical sides and 3 x width of the bucket to the same depth and tolerance as the trench.
  • On completion of task 5, reinstate and compact the earthworks back to the original state.
  • Load material into a vehicle to capacity.
  • Remove the existing bucket and attach the replacement.
  • Travel the digger to a park position, shut down and secure.
Certification: A FETAC National Certificate and CSCS card, which is valid for 5 years, will be awarded to each successful participant on this course.
Duration: 1 Day
Number of Participants: 3


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