Trenching and Shoring Skill Set

This course is designed to give participants the skills and knowledge to work safely in and around trenches and excavations. The two-day course will include a combination of theory and practical-based training to ensure participants have a thorough understanding of the compliance codes in relation to excavation and best practice on the worksite. It will include undertaking a risk assessment and the installation and safe use of trench shields.

This course is ideal for people already working in the civil construction industry who wish to further their skills.

This course will be delivered over a two-day period. The first day will be theory-based and will include relevant legislation and safety awareness relevant to safe trenching practices. You will also carry out risk assessments and complete all written assessments.

Day two will cover training and assessment in practical trenching activities including the safe installation of a trench shield.

On completion of this, you will gain skills in the areas of:

• Supporting plant operations
• Installing trench support
• Conducting local risk control
• Removal of shoring

Upon successful completion, you will receive a Statement of Attainment for nationally accredited units listed in the units offered section below.

Applicants must be over the age of 17  to commence this course.

Please note that this course is only suitable for groups  (max group size 6) of existing employees in the civil construction industry who have access via their employer to all relevant machinery, equipment and suitable excavation area to conduct practical elements of training.

Equipment and site requirements include:

* Suitable area on site free from all underground services where excavation can take place to 2m depth 20 tonne excavator

* Suitable trench shield with lifting lugs and ladder access

* Suitable rated lifting chains and shackles

* Sufficient barricade to isolate open trench

Please note: A site assessment will be conducted by assessor prior to commencement of training

Core Units

This course involves accredited units.  You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes.  A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment. 

Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms.  Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance.  You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.

Once you have applied for your chosen course, you will receive a thank you email from South West TAFE with a few steps to help process your enrolment.

Complete a Pre-Training Review
You will receive an email to complete a Pre-Training Review online evaluation. This evaluation helps us tailor your training to suit your needs.

Create or provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A USI is a nationally recognised reference number that provides an online record of your training qualifications gained in Australia.
Create your USI
Already have a USI but can’t remember it? Find your USI

Skills recognition
If you have experience or prior qualifications, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning and gain credits. You will be asked to provide any relevant Statement of Attainment to support identified credits.

This course is fee free and is exempt from the usual Government-subsidised eligibility criteria. 

You may undertake up to three construction industry skill set courses for free.

There are five simple steps to apply for a course with us.

1. Apply - complete a short online application form. Once this form is submitted we'll send you a thank you email.
2. Get ready - your thank-you email will contain links to a pre-training review, to a unique student identifier and to government-subsidised training eligibility.
3. Chat with your teacher - your teacher or course specialist will contact you about your Pre-Training Review outcomes and additional course information.
4. Enrol - after chatting with your teacher, you will receive an email with your enrolment form and a link to verify your identity.
5. Sign - once you've completed your enrolment, you will receive a declaration form to review and sign.

If need any assistance with applying, contact our Customer Service team on 1300 648 911 or visit your nearest campus.

Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.

Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.

As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.