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Course details

TheMSMSS00021 — Operate a hydro excavation system (Hydro Excavation Operator)skill set is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and practical skills to safely and effectively operate hydro excavation equipment. Hydro excavation — also known as non-destructive digging (NDD) or vacuum excavation — uses high pressure water and an industrial vacuum system to precisely excavate soil without damaging underground utilities. This nationally recognised training prepares workers to perform hydro excavation across a variety of applications, including civil construction, utilities maintenance, and industrial services. Participants will learn to operate equipment, manage site hazards, and implement best-practice environmental and safety controls. At Link Resources, we proudly deliver this course inQueensland (Brisbane, Sunshine Coast), South Australia (Adelaide), Victoria (Melbourne), Tasmania, and can provide on-site delivery anywhere across Australia.

Course Content

Participants will learn to:

Prepare and set up hydro excavation systems, including pre-operational inspections
Operate high pressure water and vacuum systems to safely excavate around sensitive underground assets
Manage soil disposal and environmental controls to reduce impact on surrounding areas
Identify and control site-specific hazards
Implement communication and safety protocols on excavation sites
Perform equipment maintenance and complete operational documentation

The training combines essential theoretical components with extensive hands-on practice using hydro excavation equipment.

Course name

Operate a hydro excavation system

Duration

2 days

Cost

$780

Course code

MSMSS00021 Operate a hydro excavation system

On-site & Group bookings

Available on request

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In all our locations!

Target audience

TheMSMSS00021 — Operate a hydro excavation systemcourse is tailored for workers and businesses involved in civil construction, utilities, industrial maintenance, and any operations where precise, safe excavation around underground assets is required.

Who Should Attend?

Civil Construction and Infrastructure Workers

Crews performing trenching, potholing, and excavation works near sensitive utilities
Contractors engaged in roadworks, bridge works, and infrastructure upgrades

Utility and Service Providers

Technicians working for water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications providers who need to excavate around live services safely
Utility maintenance and repair teams responsible for emergency works and planned service upgrades

Industrial Services and Maintenance Crews

Workers tasked with cleaning and maintaining industrial sites where underground services may be exposed
Shutdown and turnaround maintenance personnel requiring safe excavation techniques

Specialist Hydro Excavation and NDD Operators

Operators and contractors providing hydro excavation, non-destructive digging, or vacuum excavation services
Businesses looking to expand into utility location and safe excavation services

Labour Hire & Multi-Skilled Workers

Labour hire staff placed into construction, civil, or utilities projects needing hydro excavation competency
Multi-skilled operators aiming to increase their value to employers and access more job opportunities

Why Target These Groups?

Hydro excavation is considered a high-risk activity that requires specialist training to prevent damage to underground services, avoid environmental harm, and protect worker safety. This course ensures operators can:

Perform precision excavation safely and efficiently
Minimise risks to critical infrastructure and surrounding environments
Increase job readiness and meet strict WHS and utility network requirements
Provide a professional, compliant service to clients and contractors

Link Resources Operate a hydro excavation system course worker using hydrovac equipment for safe underground excavation

Course delivery

Face to face training and assessment is conducted at one of Link Resources purpose built training facilities. Upon arrangement, training and assessment can be conducted on-site at the premises of industry clients providing there a suitable infrastructure and industry training facilities.

Link Resources Training Facilities:

Sunshine Coast →

8 Technology Drive, Warana QLD 4575

Brisbane →

18/229 Junction Road, Cannon Hill QLD 4170

Moreton Bay →

Neilson Road, Kurwongbah QLD 4503

Adelaide →

414B Churchill Road, Kilburn SA 5084

Devonport →

14 Loone Ln, Spreyton TAS 7310

Launceston →

55 Oakden Road, Prospect TAS 7250

Melbourne →

24/94 Keys Road, Cheltenham VIC 3192

Gippsland →

48A Standing Drive, Traralgon East VIC 3844

Link Resources Operate a hydro excavation system training operator exposing underground utilities using water and vacuum

Entry requirements

All students must be literate in the English language (no interpreters allowed).

At enquiry, students can enter the program by expressing an interest and being sent an information pack that contains a booking notification and course information (Course Brochure). This expression of interest enables the RTO and client to work together to identify any additional support needs & make adequate provisions.

Payment Options

Please see the Link Resources Payments, Cancellations and Refund Policy below in Student Information for all details on Payments for your course.

Payment can be made via direct bank transfer, eftpos, cash or cheque. For billing information including who to write a cheque to, please emailaccounts@link-resources.com.auor call(07) 5491 2144.

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Pathways

Training & Education Pathways: After achieving these units of competency students may undertake a range of associated construction and demolition units and qualifications.

Outcomes

Students who are deemed competent will receive a Statement of Attainment recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework. This certification is nationally recognised. The Statement is issued by Link Resources Training Pty Ltd (RTO 45483).