N202 · NPORS · Earthmoving
NPORS 360° excavator training (N202)
Dig, load, grade and reinstate with a tracked 360° excavator.
About this course
The 360° excavator is the workhorse of construction, groundworks and utilities. Novice training runs over ten days, taking you from pre-use checks to digging, loading vehicles, grading and reinstating ground on a tracked machine, with no more than three trainees. Operators who already have experience can take the refresher or experienced worker test instead, which takes less time.
What you’ll learn
- Pre-operational checks and safe mounting
- Travelling over varied terrain in open and confined areas
- Excavating and loading vehicles or containers
- Reinstating, grading and levelling ground
- Fitting and removing attachments
Training routes
- Novice
- For new operators with little or no experience on the machine. Full training, then the NPORS theory and practical tests.
- Refresher
- For card holders renewing their card, or operators coming back to the machine after time away.
- Experienced worker
- For skilled operators who have never held a card. A shorter assessment and the NPORS tests, without the full course.
The duration shown is for novice training. Refreshers and experienced worker tests take less time.
Why train with Nithcree
- Since 2001
- 25 years of training in Dumfries
- 90%
- of candidates who train with us pass
- 300+ years
- of industry experience among our instructors
Nithcree became a registered NPORS training and examination centre in 2024, adding plant training to more than two decades of driver training. Read how plant training started, or meet the team.
Questions
Common questions
What is NPORS?
NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme) is one of the main UK card schemes for plant operators. NPORS cards carrying the CSCS logo are accepted on construction sites across the UK.
Should I book novice training, a refresher or an experienced worker test?
Novice training is for people who have never operated the machine. A refresher is for card holders renewing or brushing up. The experienced worker test is for operators who already have the skills but no card. Tell us your experience and we will book the right route.
What is the difference between the red and blue NPORS cards?
Passing your NPORS test gives you a red Trained Operator card. To upgrade to the blue Competent Operator card you complete an NVQ or SVQ while working on the machine. We can explain the route when you book.
Why do you only take three trainees on most plant courses?
Seat time. With three trainees per machine, everyone spends most of the day operating rather than watching. It is also the ratio that lets an instructor give each person proper attention.
How long has Nithcree been training drivers?
Since 2001. Nithcree grew out of a family haulage business and opened its Dumfries training centre that year. We opened in Perth in 2021 and became a registered NPORS plant training centre in 2024. Read our 25-year story.
What is your pass rate?
90% of candidates who train with Nithcree pass. Our instructors have more than 300 years of industry experience between them, and two are DVSA reverse examiners. See how we do it.
Can I get funding for my training?
Possibly. Scottish funding, No One Left Behind employability support and English schemes can cover some or all of a course, depending on where you live and your circumstances. See funding options or ask us to check before you book.
Where are your courses held?
Every course runs at our Dumfries centre in Heathhall. LGV and B+E courses also run at our Perth centre.
Do you train staff for employers?
Yes. We train individuals and whole teams, from complete beginners to experienced staff who need refreshers, Driver CPC hours or an NPORS experienced worker test. Call us to plan training around your work.
How do I book?
Call 01387 256528 or send an enquiry. Tell us what you want to drive or operate and your experience, and we will recommend the right course and check funding before you commit.
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