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Industry-standard qualification for wheeled loading shovels. Prove your competence for quarry, aggregate, and bulk material handling work across UK sites.
Whether you're new to loading shovels or need formal certification for your quarry experience, the A21 covers operators of wheeled machines for bulk material handling.
Never operated a loading shovel? The full 3-day course takes you from zero to test-ready with comprehensive loading cycle and material handling training.
Been loading trucks in quarries but don't have your CPCS card? 2 days of training gets you test-ready, or consider the Experienced Worker Test if you're confident.
Working in aggregates or extraction? The A21 is your ticket to operate loading shovels across quarry and stockpile operations throughout the UK.
Red Card expiring and haven't completed NVQ yet? Re-test to extend it while we help you get that Blue Card sorted.
Already hold other CPCS cards? Add loading shovel certification to your portfolio and increase your versatility in quarry and bulk handling roles.
Training quarry or materials handling staff? We accommodate group bookings and work around operational timelines where possible.
Book your Wheeled Loading Shovel training today
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This isn't vague promises—here's what actually happens during your training, broken down by theory and practical components.
Training routes tailored to your experience and operational background
We offer a free assessment service to help determine the best training path based on your experience and goals.
Prerequisites for certification
Before taking the CPCS technical tests, you must pass the Health, Safety & Environment test.
Valid for 2 years, this can be completed at our centre during your visit!
Comprehensive evaluation of competence
40 question examination conducted by a CPCS appointed tester.
Typically afternoon of final day demonstrating safe operation.
CPCS Red Card (Trained Operator)
Professional training with over 20 years of plant operator expertise in Staffordshire
Often 1:1 where possible. Proper supervision, not a crowded course. Plenty of time in the cab.
Modern, well-maintained wheeled loading shovels. Not hired-in kit.
Not sure if you need full training, 2 days, or EWT? We'll assess you honestly and advise the best route. No obligation.
We'll connect you to NVQ providers and help you understand funding options (CITB grants, Apprenticeship Levy, etc.).
No hard sell, no gimmicks. Just quality training and honest advice on what you need.
Duration depends on your experience level. We tailor training to what you actually need, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Competitive pricing for professional certification
Complete certification package
Eligible companies can receive substantial grants to cover training costs. Contact us to check your eligibility and find out how much you could save.
Spread the cost of your training with Klarna.
Klarna payment options may be available at checkout, subject to eligibility.
Klarna's terms and conditions apply.
Common questions about Wheeled Loading Shovel training
Complete beginners: 3 days
Some experience: 2 days
Experienced Worker Test: 1 day (test only). If you're unsure which applies, we offer a free practical assessment to advise the best route.
No. Complete beginners are welcome on the 3-day course. If you've got experience, we can shorten the training (2 days) or advise whether you're ready for the Experienced Worker Test.
Loading shovels are designed for repetitive loading from ground level. They drive forward into material, filling the bucket as they move. They're fast and efficient for filling trucks—typically 3-4 passes for a 20-tonne truck.
Excavators have digging arms that reach below ground level for excavation work. They're slower for loading but better for trenching and precision digging.
In quarries and aggregate operations, loading shovels are the primary machine for truck loading. They're built for production: speed, power, and repetitive cycles all day long.
Yes. The CPCS Red Card is valid for site work as soon as you receive it. It's recognised across UK quarries, construction sites, and material handling operations.
However, you must upgrade to Blue Card (via NVQ Level 2) within the two-year validity period.
You need to complete NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations while working on site. This typically takes 6-12 months and is assessed based on your real-world competence, not another exam.
The process:
We can connect you to NVQ providers and help you explore funding options (CITB grants, Apprenticeship Levy, etc.).
The EWT is a one-day test-only route for people with significant recent experience on wheeled loading shovels. You need to be confident you can pass both theory and practical tests without training.
Be realistic: If you're borderline, it's smarter to do 2 days of training and go in prepared. Fail the EWT and you'll have to start over with full training.
We offer a free practical assessment to help you decide if you're EWT-ready.
You'll train on wheeled loading shovels, typically with 3-5 cubic metre buckets. These are modern, well-maintained machines from our own fleet (not hired-in).
First, we'll debrief you on what went wrong. Then we'll discuss the best way to get you retested—whether that's more practice on loading cycles, another day of training, or just booking a retest.
Failing isn't the end of the world, but it's better to go in properly prepared first time.
Loading shovel operators work across numerous sectors:
Quarrying offers the most consistent employment—permanent positions rather than short-term contracts typical in general construction.
Two years. Within that time, you need to complete your NVQ Level 2 and upgrade to a Blue Card. If you don't, your Red Card expires and you'll need to retest.
Funding options depend on your employment status:
We can discuss options when you enquire. For NVQ costs specifically, there's often more funding available—talk to us about connecting with providers.
Maximum 2:1, and we often run 1:1 where possible. That means you're not sharing an instructor with a big group—you get proper supervision and plenty of time in the cab.
Because quarry operations have unique hazards and production demands:
The A21 proves you understand these risks and can operate safely and productively in quarry environments.
A21 (wheeled): Most common in UK quarries. Faster travel, better on hard surfaces, easier to move between sites. Articulated steering provides tight turning.
A22 (tracked): Less common. Better on soft or uneven ground, superior traction in poor conditions, but slower and less mobile.
Most UK aggregate operations use wheeled machines. If you need tracked specifically, ask—we can arrange A22 training.
Bucket capacity varies by machine size:
A 3 cubic metre bucket can load a 20-tonne truck in 3-4 passes. The A21 qualification covers all sizes—principles apply across the range.
Yes, particularly in quarrying and aggregates. The UK has hundreds of active quarries all requiring loading shovel operators for daily operations. Unlike construction projects which are temporary, quarries run year-round providing stable employment.
Infrastructure projects (HS2, motorways, reservoirs) also create demand for bulk material handling. Housing developments need aggregate loading for concrete production.
Job security in quarrying is generally better than general construction due to the permanent nature of operations.
Expand your qualifications with these complementary certifications
Join professional operators with recognised CPCS certification. Expert training available in Staffordshire.
Professional training available throughout the year in Staffordshire. Contact us for course dates.