New to vacuum excavation?
Please contact us before booking.
The advertised $600 fee and 6-hour duration apply to experienced operators.
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Course Overview
This course is ideal for construction workers, operators, supervisors, and anyone involved in excavation. It enhances skills in vacuum excavation, a safer alternative to traditional methods for exposing underground utilities while minimising damage risks. Participants will also gain valuable knowledge to meet industry regulations and improve workplace safety in vacuum operations.
What You’ll Learn:
- Principles and benefits of vacuum excavation over traditional techniques.
- How to read and interpret utility plans to safely navigate worksites.
- Safe operation of vacuum excavation equipment following industry standards.
- Conducting risk assessments and implementing hazard controls.
- Minimizing environmental impacts during excavation activities.
- Effective communication with team members and stakeholders for safe, coordinated operations.
Key Topics Covered:
- Introduction to vacuum excavation systems and components.
- Best practices for efficient and safe operation.
- Health, safety, and environmental compliance.
- Waste management and eco-friendly disposal techniques.
- Maintenance and troubleshooting for equipment longevity.
Course Structure: The program blends theory with hands-on training, equipping participants with practical skills and confidence to operate vacuum excavation systems safely and efficiently.
Who Should Attend: This course is suitable for workers involved in vacuum excavation and vacuum loading operations. The standard course duration is designed for existing operators. Participants with limited or no previous operating experience should contact us before booking, as additional practical training may be required.
Attire: Full PPE – Long Sleeve Shirt, Long trousers, steel capped boots, High visibility vest or shirt, Hard Hat
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisite units required for this course.
However, the advertised 6-hour course duration and $600 course fee are based on participants who already have practical experience operating vacuum excavation equipment.
Participants with limited or no previous operating experience may require additional practical training before they are able to demonstrate competency.
If you have limited or no previous experience, please contact us before booking so we can discuss the most appropriate training arrangements.
You will also need:
- Unique Student Identifier (USI)
- 100 points of identification, including at least one form of photo ID
- Appropriate PPE
Certification
MSMWJ306 - Operate a Vacuum Loading System Statement of Attainment
RIICCM303 Conduct Vacuum Excavations Statement of Attainment
Includes Verification of Competency
(includes a digital wallet card)
This competency can form part of a full qualification from Certificate III in Trenchless Technology
Additional Information
Training duration for inexperienced operators
The standard course duration of approximately 6 hours is intended for experienced vacuum excavation operators.
Participants with limited or no previous operating experience may require additional practical training to develop and demonstrate the skills required for competency.
Where additional training is required, it may be completed on the same day where practicable or on a subsequent training day, depending on the participant's experience and progress.
Additional training is charged at $600 per person, per additional day.
Participants and employers should advise Pipeline Training prior to booking where a participant has limited or no previous vacuum excavation experience.
Any other training requirements and course-specific information will be provided with the booking confirmation.
Any additional requirements and training specifics will be outlined in an email to the participant upon booking confirmation.
Full details of the NRT units
RIICCM303 Conduct vacuum excavations UOC (training.gov.au)
MSMWJ306 - Operate a Vacuum Loading System (training.gov.au)
Price
$600 per person (For Experienced operators only)
Course Duration
Experienced operators: Approximately 6 hours – $600 per person
The standard course duration is based on participants who already have practical experience operating vacuum excavation equipment.
Participants with limited or no previous operating experience may require additional practical training before they are able to demonstrate the required level of competency.
Where additional training is required, this may need to be completed on the same day or on a subsequent training day, depending on the participant’s level of experience and progress.
Additional training is charged at $600 per person, per additional day.
Participants or employers should advise us prior to booking if the participant has limited or no previous vacuum excavation experience so we can discuss the most appropriate training arrangements.
Course Dates
Find Dates
Rouse Hill Training Facility – 4/322 Annangrove Road, Rouse Hill
- Customer to supply a Vac Truck
- Dry hire available for an additional cost—please inquire if needed.
Onsite at Your Workplace
- Customer to supply a Vac Truck
Site Requirements for Onsite Training:
- Clear, flat operating area for the Vac Truck
- Vac Truck must be serviceable with the operator’s manual available

