A front end loader ticket is a practical way to start operating machinery on civil construction and mining sites. You can enrol without any prior machine experience, and the course takes just one day of practical training once you’ve finished the online theory.
At Civil Safety (RTO 32381), we deliver the Conduct Civil Construction Wheeled Front End Loader Operations (RIIMPO321) course in Queensland and Western Australia. This guide explains what a front end loader is and which ticket you need.
What is a front end loader?
A front end loader is an earthmoving machine with a large bucket mounted on the front. Operators use the bucket to scoop up material like soil and gravel, then move it around civil construction and mining sites or tip it into trucks.
Wheeled front end loaders travel on large rubber tyres that let them move quickly around a site. You can learn to operate one in our wheeled front end loader course (RIIMPO321). Tracked front end loaders use steel tracks instead, which grip better on soft or uneven ground. We cover those in our tracked front end loader course (RIMMPO322E).
Skid steer loaders are a smaller relative that steer by changing the speed of the wheels on each side. Their compact size makes them handy in tight spaces, like building sites and landscaping jobs. Our skid steer loader course (RIIMPO318F) teaches you to operate one safely.
What ticket do you need to operate a front end loader?
Front end loaders don’t need a high risk work licence. Your ticket is the Statement of Attainment you receive once you complete a nationally recognised unit like the RIIMPO321. Employers use it as evidence that you’re competent to operate the machine safely.
You might face different rules if you fit a hook or jib to your loader and use it as a crane. In Queensland, you still don’t need a high risk work licence to operate a loader in crane mode. Whoever slings the load may need a dogging licence, though, unless a professional has already set the slinging method and lifting points. In Western Australia, you’ll need a CN licence to use a loader as a crane if it’s rated to lift more than three tonnes.
Your loader ticket also doesn’t cover loading other plant onto trucks or trailers. You’ll need the Load and Unload Plant (RIIHAN308F) course for that, or help from someone who has it.
How to get your front end loader ticket
You’ll need to meet these entry requirements before you enrol in our wheeled front end loader course:
Age: The course is open to anyone aged 16 or over.
USI: We need your Unique Student Identifier to issue your Statement of Attainment.
Reading and maths: Your skills need to be strong enough to complete the assessment.
Computer skills: You’ll need basic computer skills and internet access for the online theory.
The course starts with an online theory module that you complete at your own pace within 30 days. You’ll then attend one day of practical training and assessment with one of our trainers. We’ll issue your Statement of Attainment within 3 to 5 business days of you passing both parts.
How much does a front end loader ticket cost?
Our wheeled front end loader course costs $650, the same as our skid steer loader course. We do not currently have any upcoming dates for our tracked front end loader course, so check back for future dates and pricing info.
You may also qualify for funding that covers most or all of the fee. Eligible Queensland workers can get 75 to 100% covered through Construction Skills Queensland. The Construction Training Fund covers eligible WA workers for up to 70% in metro areas and 80% in regional areas.
What can you earn as a loader operator?
Loader operators in Australia earn between $110,000 and $130,000 a year on average, based on SEEK salary data. Treat that figure as a guide, since SEEK doesn't split pay by machine type or experience. Loader operator is also one of the entry-level mining jobs that can start your career in the resources sector.
Where to next after your ticket?
Excavator operation is a good skill to add next because excavators dig the material that loaders move. You can complete our excavator course (RIIMPO320F) on its own or as part of our 3-course bundle with the skid steer and front end loader units.
If you want both loader tickets at once, our 2-course bundle pairs the skid steer and front end loader units. You could also add our grader course (RIIMPO324) to work on road construction and maintenance.
Get your front end loader ticket with Civil Safety
You’re only one day of practical training away from your front end loader ticket once you’ve completed the online theory. Enrol in our wheeled front end loader course at one of our training centres in Queensland or Western Australia. We also train crews on-site if your entire team needs a ticket. Contact our team to check whether you qualify for CSQ or CTF funding before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll need a Statement of Attainment for the unit that matches your machine, such as RIIMPO321 for a wheeled loader. You won’t need a high risk work licence unless you use the loader as a crane in WA and it’s rated to lift more than three tonnes.
Not on its own. You’ll need Load and Unload Plant (RIIHAN308F) to load or unload other plant independently, or support from someone who has it.
It takes one day of practical training plus an online theory module that you have up to 30 days to complete. Once you pass both parts of our wheeled front end loader course, we’ll issue your Statement of Attainment within three to five business days.