Introduction

Skid Steer gets its name from the way it turns and with wheels or tracks fixed at one angle, only pointing straight ahead. The wheels or tracks on each side of the vehicle are locked in sync and have their own engines. It is primarily used for digging and moving material and heavy loads and comes in various sizes to suit different purposes, such as:

• Demolition
• Roadworks
• Excavation
• Digging
• Loading
• Landscaping
• Backfilling 

This CPCS (A23) certification delivers the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding of safely operating a skid steer loader. It is specifically aimed at novice plant operators. 

Course Outline

Through a mix of practical and theory-based exercises and tutorials, delegates learn manufacturer information and general knowledge of a skid steer loader. In addition, they’ll participate in practical activities to understand components and functions, best practices and operating methods.

The course reflects national standards and industry best practices and is fully accredited in line with regulations. In addition, choose to learn with Citrus, and delegates will benefit from our custom-built training facilities and customer-first approach.

Our occupationally and technically-experienced trainers coach delegates on this course, completing the session with a practical observation and theoretical post-course assessment. Delegates must pass the examination to qualify for the CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, valid for two years.

Course Programme

This training is essential for workers to operate a skid steer loader safely. Delegates will review legal requirements, ensure safety compliance, and understand procedures, appropriate documentation and classifications.

The course content includes:

• Introduction and explanation of CPCS qualification
• The nature of the industry sector and their role and responsibilities as a plant operator
• The purpose, basic construction, controls and terminology of principal components
• All manufacturer’s requirements as per the operator’s handbook, additional information sources and relevant regulations and legislation
• All pre-use checks for skid steer loaders
• Configuring and setting the plant for site travel
• Travelling over rough, undulating ground, substantial inclines and level surfaces; laden and unladen
• Manoeuvring in confined spaces
• Configuring and setting the skid steer loader for extraction and loading duties
• All actions required for hazards, underground and overhead services
• Extracting differing types of materials from stockpiles and other sources
• Forming stores of segregated materials and constructing (temporary) ramps
• Sorting and placing materials into transporting vehicles and hoppers
• Backfilling, spreading and levelling ground and materials
• Carrying out shut down and securing procedures for a skid steer loader
• Explaining the loading and unloading procedures for machine transporting

On Completion

At the end of the training, successful delegates will:

• Have a working knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook for the skid steer loader
• Be able to locate and identify key controls and explain their functions
• Conduct all pre-operational and running checks following manufacturer's and legislative requirements
• Be able to prepare a skid steer loader for use and operate the machine safely and efficiently
• Perform specific loading and unloading tasks and operations as practised throughout the course
• Confidently carry out all end-of-work and shut down procedures

On successful completion of the course, delegates receive their Red Trained Operator CPCS Card, valid for two years.

Who Should Attend?

This CPCS Skid Steer Loader (A23) course is for novice Plant Operators who need practical and theory training and assessment to operate a skid steer. The course is available to those who need the whole package and assessment-only options.

Course Duration

This comprehensive course trains delegates to safely and responsibly operate a skid steer loader on and off-site. The training options vary:

• Novice training - five days with a maximum of three delegates    
• Preparation and Testing – two-day course split with training on day one and test on day two for a maximum of three delegates  
• Test only - one-day with a maximum of three delegates

One-to-one and group training options are also available. Please get in touch with our customer team to find out more.

Why Citrus?

We dedicate our efforts to unrivalled quality and the customer experience at Citrus Training, working tirelessly to provide exemplary service to our clients and produce excellent results from our delegates. As a result, we are the leading UK-based provider of health, safety, and technical training and assessment services to the Built Environment and Utility sectors. 

We have over 30 specialist Plant and Lifting trainers and assessors, coaching and testing nationwide to meet any specific needs of our clients. With a wealth of experience and expertise, they have successfully trained over 25,000 delegates across the Plant and NVQ training categories.

Our facilities include six technical centres with the capacity for delivering Plant Training across the UK. And our national, accredited Training and Test Centres are fully equipped to provide CPCS and CSCS accredited courses. In addition, as an approved NPORS training provider, we can also offer on-site training and testing nationwide. 

Finally, as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) by CITB, we provide quality training that meets the industry-approved standards. 

Things You Need to Know

This CPCS Certifed course has practical elements, so delegates must inform their trainer if they have any serious health issues, physical problems, special considerations or are taking any medication, which may create difficulties in participating.

Delegates must pass their health, safety and environmental touch test within two years of taking their CPCS theory test. 

If you are a CITB Levy payer, you can claim a CITB Grant for this course. Once you have booked please contact us with your CITB number and we can assist you in claiming the funds.