The PileSafe^® Rig Operators Course has been approximately 5 years in the making, with the first  course delivered late in 2020. Presently the PFSF has licensed an RTO in QLD and NSW to deliver the training course, see the links at the bottom of the page for contact details. RTOs in the remaining states will be licensed in the coming months. The course comprises three components detailed below:

• The Theory/ Base knowledge two day course, is delivered by a Registered Training Organisation licensed by the Piling & Foundation Specialists Federation (PFSF). The trainee must pass the assessment at the conclusion of  the two day course to progress to the log book component of the course.
  • The two day “theory/base knowledge course” is designed to prepare and familiarise the new trainee with the safety guidance and base knowledge required to safely undertake the “in the seat” logbook training. The course introduces the trainee to many elements related to rig operation, including, piling rig types, ancillary foundation equipment, piling techniques, the working platform certificate, the piling rig manual and provides an overview of the responsibilities of a piling rig operator. The course should serve as a refresher and update for an experienced operator. It is important that all trainees are exposed to and assessed on the same base information. The specific familiarisation and instruction of rig operation and installation techniques, is the sponsor company’s responsibility during the logbook component of the training.
• The 500 hour log Book component – the trainee completes 500 hours “in the seat” log book training. The trainee must be supervised by a PileSafe licensed rig operator whilst undertaking log book training. The level of supervision required for a trainee is defined by  WH&S High Risk Supervision Section 84  The 500 hours to be logged over a minimum period of 6 months.

Recognition of Prior learning – An experienced operator can bypass the log book component of the course with the provision of a letter verifying prior learning experience from their employer. A minimum of two years of experience operating a piling rig safely is required to qualify for this recognition.    Click on the link below for the Verification Letter template.

“Notice on Assessments:

1. All theory assessments must be conducted in the English language
2. Use of an interpreter to assist a candidate who does not speak or read English is not allowed

The above is a summary from the following document that is publicly available on the WHSQ website: WHSQ Assessor Accreditation Conditions

Verification Letter Templates

Company-Verification-Letter-Experienced-Operators rev2

Company-Verification-Letter-Logbook Hours-Operators rev1

PileSafe Example Verification letter

• The Practical Assessment reviews key elements of the theory/base knowledge course with a written assessment and  practically assesses the trainee’s competency to carry out a range of practical activities outlined in the Training & Assessment Strategy. The practical assessment is carried out on a one on one basis.
• The PileSafe^® Rig Operator’s course does not remove the responsibility of the PCBU to familiarise the operator with each piling rig and piling technique he or she is required to operate and install.
• PileSafe^® Rig Operator’s Course Cost – $1,500 plus GST for PFSF Members and $2,500 plus GST for Non PFSF members

Course Enquiries

QLD & NSW Courses – Kallibr Training – Jeremy Idiculas  0467 222 287 or email  Jeremy.Idiculas@kallibr.com.au

Victoria   – Construction Training International (CTI) – Call Rae Patterson on 03 5428 6790 or email Rae@constructiontraining.com.au

Western Australia & South Australia –  North West Training & Inspection Services – Call Clint Johnston on 08 9144 4250 or email clint@nwtis.com.au

Piling &Foundation Specialists Federation – Call Mark Johnson 0425 209 401  or email admin@pilingfederation.org.au