On-Site vs Training Centre: Where Should Your Team Train?
Both delivery models are legitimate, and we run both. The right choice depends on your team size, how many machines need covering, and whether the point is to certify people on the machines they'll actually use day to day.
When each option wins
On-site training (your yard/site) wins when…
Any group of two or more operators, any site with distinctive ground conditions or hazards worth training around, and any employer wanting the assessment done on the actual machines the team will use.
Training centre wins when…
A single new starter, a business without a suitable practical area, or where a controlled, standardised environment is genuinely preferable to a live working site.
How to decide
- On-site training uses your own machines, which means operators are assessed on the exact equipment they'll use — a genuine advantage for competence transfer.
- A training centre suits smaller numbers, individuals without access to a suitable machine, or where your own site genuinely can't accommodate a training cohort without disrupting live work.
- Group bookings usually favour on-site delivery — travel time and cost for multiple operators to a centre adds up fast.
- Site-specific hazards (as covered on our /site-types pages) are best addressed on-site, where the cohort trains around your real ground conditions and layout.
Side by side
| Factor | On-site training (your yard/site) | Training centre |
|---|---|---|
| Machine used for assessment | Your own equipment | Centre-provided equipment |
| Best for | Groups of 2+, site-specific hazards | Individuals, or sites without suitable space |
| Downtime to your operation | Managed around your live programme | None to your site, but travel time for staff |
| Cost for groups | Typically lower per head for 3+ | Can be lower for a single individual |
| Realism of assessment | High — real machine, real ground conditions | Standardised, controlled environment |
Cost & time
For 3+ operators, on-site delivery is usually the more cost-effective option once you account for travel time and lost productivity sending a team off-site. For one or two people, a centre booking can work out comparably priced.
Compliance
PUWER 1998 doesn't specify delivery location, but training that reflects the real machine and real site conditions is generally the stronger evidence of genuine competence if an incident is later investigated.
Our recommendation
For teams, book on-site — we mobilise across Aberdeenshire and NE Scotland as our normal way of working. For a single new starter without a suitable site, talk to us about the best fit; we'll tell you honestly which option suits your numbers.
FAQ
Do you have a fixed training centre?
We primarily deliver on-site across Aberdeenshire and North-East Scotland, working around your live operation — get in touch to discuss the best option for your situation.
Is on-site training more expensive?
For groups it's typically more cost-effective once travel time and lost productivity are factored in; for a single individual the comparison is closer.
Can you train on hired-in machines?
Yes, as long as the machine is suitable, safe and available for the duration of the course.
Still not sure which is right for your site?
Tell us what you need and Chris will call back with straight advice.