Excavation Marshal Training at a Glance

✔ Course Duration

• Novice: 1 Days
• Experienced Worker Test (EWT): 1 Day
• Refresher: 1 Day

✔ Training Location

• Vally Plant Training Centre, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
• Customer sites throughout the UK

✔ Certification

NPORS Accredited Excavation Marshal Card

✔ Price

From £280 + VAT

(Contact us for group discounts and on-site training.)

✔ Who is this course for?

• Groundworkers
• Excavator Operators
• Supervisors
• Utility Contractors
• Site Managers
• Civil Engineering Operatives

Why Choose Vally Plant Training?

At Vally Plant Training, we deliver practical, industry-focused Excavation Marshal training designed around real construction and utility work.

Whether you’re responsible for overseeing excavation activities, monitoring safe digging operations or ensuring underground services are protected, our experienced instructors provide the knowledge and practical skills needed to carry out the role safely and confidently.

We are an NPORS Accredited Training Provider and CITB Approved Training Organisation, delivering training from our dedicated training centre in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, as well as on customer sites throughout the UK.

When you train with Vally Plant Training you’ll benefit from:

• NPORS accredited certification
• Experienced instructors with real industry knowledge
• Small course sizes
• Flexible training dates
• On-site nationwide delivery
• Excellent first-time pass rates
• Friendly family-run business
• Ongoing support after your course

Is This the Right Course?

We offer three training routes depending on your experience.

Novice Training

Ideal if you have little or no previous experience carrying out Excavation Marshal duties.

Training covers both theory and practical site management responsibilities before completing the NPORS assessment.

Experienced Worker Test (EWT)

Already carrying out Excavation Marshal duties?

If you have substantial workplace experience but need recognised NPORS certification, our Experienced Worker Test provides a fast-track route without attending a full novice course.

Refresher Training

If your current certification is due for renewal or you simply want to update your knowledge, refresher training ensures your skills remain current with industry best practice.

What Does an Excavation Marshal Do?

An Excavation Marshal is responsible for helping ensure excavation work is carried out safely and in accordance with site procedures.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Monitoring excavation activities
• Identifying underground hazards
• Preventing damage to buried services
• Ensuring exclusion zones remain effective
• Checking permits to dig
• Monitoring temporary edge protection
• Liaising with machine operators
• Assisting supervisors during excavation work
• Reporting unsafe conditions
• Promoting safe working practices

What You’ll Learn

During the course you’ll cover:

Legislation

• Health and Safety at Work Act
• CDM Regulations
• HSG47 Avoiding Danger from Underground Services
• Excavation safety responsibilities

Planning Excavation Work

• Site surveys
• Utility drawings
• CAT & Genny use
• Permit to Dig systems
• Risk assessments
• Method statements

Safe Excavation Practices

• Temporary works awareness
• Trench safety
• Collapse hazards
• Safe access and egress
• Edge protection
• Water ingress
• Ground conditions

Underground Services

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Fibre optics
• Telecommunications
• Sewer systems

Working with Plant

• Excavator exclusion zones
• Communication with operators
• Banksman responsibilities
• Blind spots
• Safe machine movements

Emergency Procedures

• Utility strikes
• Gas leaks
• Electrical cable damage
• Flooding
• Trench collapse
• Incident reporting

Entry Requirements

There are no formal qualifications required.

Candidates should:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have a good understanding of spoken and written English.
• Wear suitable PPE.
• Bring photographic identification.

Course Duration

Assessment

Assessment consists of:

• Theory assessment
• Practical observation
• Practical questioning

Successful candidates receive NPORS certification.

Certification

Successful candidates receive:

NPORS Excavation Marshal Operator Card (N027)

CSCS logoed cards are available where the relevant requirements have been met.

Industries Using Excavation Marshals

Qualified Excavation Marshals are employed across:

• Construction
• Utilities
• Civil Engineering
• Highways
• Groundworks
• Rail
• Water Industry
• Telecommunications
• Housing Developments
• Infrastructure Projects

Training Locations

Training can be completed:

At Our Centre

Our dedicated training centre in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, is conveniently located just five minutes from Junction 9 of the M5 and within walking distance of Ashchurch railway station.

On Your Site

For employers, we also deliver Excavation Marshal training on customer sites across England and Wales using your own equipment and working environment where suitable.

Why Train as an Excavation Marshal?

Excavation work remains one of the highest-risk activities within construction.

Excavation Marshals help reduce risks by:

• Preventing underground utility strikes
• Improving communication
• Supporting safe digging practices
• Monitoring excavation hazards
• Protecting workers and the public
• Helping employers meet legal duties

Qualified Excavation Marshals are increasingly requested on civil engineering, utilities and infrastructure projects where excavation safety is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous experience?

No. We offer novice courses for candidates with no previous experience.

Can experienced workers take a shorter course?

Yes. If you already carry out the role, the Experienced Worker Test (EWT) may be the most suitable option.

Is NPORS recognised?

Yes. NPORS is one of the UK’s leading accredited plant and construction training providers and is widely accepted throughout the construction industry.

Can you train on our site?

Yes. We regularly deliver Excavation Marshal training on customer sites throughout the UK.

Is this suitable for utility companies?

Yes. The course is particularly relevant to utilities, groundworks and civil engineering contractors working around underground services.

Related Training Courses

• CAT & Genny Training
• 360 Excavator Training
• Plant Marshal Training
• Slinger Signaller
• Lift Supervisor
• Appointed Person
• Underground Services Safety Guide
• Plant Resources 

Book Your Excavation Marshal Training

Whether you’re new to the role or need recognised NPORS certification through an Experienced Worker Test, Vally Plant Training can help.

With flexible course dates, experienced instructors and nationwide delivery, we make it straightforward to gain the knowledge and certification needed to supervise excavation work safely.

Contact Vally Plant Training today to book your Excavation Marshal Training Course or request a quotation for on-site group training.