GRADE EXPECTATIONS

Trimble Earthworks Driving Operator Excellence at Flannery Skills Hub

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NEW Trimble TD520 interface

When it comes to equipping operators for the challenges of today’s technology-driven construction sites, few names resonate as strongly as Flannery Plant Hire who run a state-of-the-art Operator Skills Hub in Iver, near London. Awesome Earthmovers recently joined Lloyd Peckham, aka ‘Bearded Excavation U.K,’ for an exclusive look at how this premier training facility is shaping the future of the construction industry.

Known across many social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, Lloyd has become a household name in the construction industry, amassing a loyal following by sharing insights from his time behind the controls of heavy equipment. With a career that began on what he describes as "a rickety old Daewoo machine in a field," he now travels throughout the UK to train operators in advanced systems like Trimble Earthworks which with its advanced features and operator-focused design is setting a new standard for GNSS machine control technology.

“Training has come such a long way,” says Lloyd. “It’s not just about moving dirt anymore. Operators are now at the heart of projects, responsible not just for executing designs but for ensuring accuracy and progress. Facilities like Flannery’s Skills Hub give both new and seasoned operators the tools to thrive in this environment.”

This groundbreaking initiative was developed in partnership with Balfour Beatty to address the critical need for skilled operators in the UK’s construction and infrastructure sectors. “Our industry is evolving rapidly, and so must our training. The Skills Hub reflects this commitment, equipping operators with the latest tools and techniques to succeed on site. It’s about more than just operating machines – it’s about building careers,” says Managing Director Patrick Flannery.

At Iver, operators train using cutting-edge simulators before stepping into real-world equipment, including the latest Caterpillar and Hitachi machines. These simulators are key to Flannery’s holistic approach, offering a risk-free environment where operators can familiarise themselves with everything from machine controls to complex GNSS systems.

Originally launched in Birmingham, the development of the Skills Hub was driven by the increasing complexity of modern construction sites, such as HS2. Building on that success, Flannery expanded its Skills Hub concept with the opening of a new facility at Iver.

It is managed by Luke Wilkinson, while the overall Skills Hub franchise is spearheaded by training manager Aaron Davies. The GPS division, managed by Paul Tuoy and supported by Callum Shepardson, Flannery’s Machine Control Tech Support Manager, ensures that training remains aligned with the latest technological advancements.

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“IT’S INCREDIBLE HOW QUICKLY YOU CANGET UP TO SPEEDWHEN THE TECHNOLOGY IS DESIGNED WITH THE OPERATOR IN MIND.”

Lloyd Peckham Operator Bearded Excavation UK

From simulator to site

Lloyd Peckham’s visit to the Flannery Skills Hub began with an introduction to the facility’s training process. Guided by the facility’s team, Lloyd experienced firsthand the structured progression that operators follow, starting in the state-of-the-art simulator room. These simulators are a vital component of the training programme, providing operators with a safe and controlled environment to familiarise themselves with advanced equipment and technology before transitioning to the real thing.

“The simulators here are incredibly lifelike,” Lloyd remarks. “For new operators, they’re an ideal way to learn without the pressure of being in the field right away. It’s a brilliant stepping stone.”

Under the guidance of Callum Shepardson, Lloyd transitioned from the virtual training environment to hands-on application. Together, they collaborated to create a digital design, simulating a realistic construction scenario. Using Trimble WorksManager, they uploaded the design wirelessly to a Caterpillar 324 excavator equipped with the latest Trimble GPS technology.

Callum provided Lloyd with an overview of the CAT’s controls and the Trimble TD520 interface, emphasising the ease with which operators can toggle between 2D and 3D design models or create in-field designs for tasks such as levelling a surface or preparing a piling mat. Once the design was uploaded and the base station connected, Lloyd was ready to put his skills to work on the training field.

FLANNERY

“The seamless integration of the Trimble system with the CAT excavator made the whole process feel intuitive,” says Lloyd. “It’s incredible how quickly you can get up to speed when the technology is designed with the operator in mind. Facilities like this are shaping the next generation of operators. It’s not just about doing the job – it’s about doing it better, faster, and safer.

“When I first started, we trained on outdated machines with none of this technology. Back then, you were thrown into the deep end, learning as you went. But now, with facilities like Flannery’s Skills Hub, new operators have the opportunity to hit the ground running.

“Construction sites today are more like digital ecosystems. Designs are created with pinpoint precision, and the machines are all interconnected. Operators need to be more than just drivers – they need to be tech-savvy, adaptable, and ready to troubleshoot on the fly. That’s why training on the latest equipment is so crucial.”

Bringing Trimble technology to life

A cornerstone of Flannery’s success is its partnership with SITECH UK & Ireland, the UK distributor for Trimble on and off machine positioning technology. Carl Parsons is Sales Manager at SITECH: “Our work with Flannery goes beyond equipment supply. We provide ongoing support and updates, ensuring operators are always working with the latest technology. The partnership has created one of the most advanced GPS-enabled fleets in the UK,” he says.

The Trimble Earthworks Platform runs on an Android-based operating system with the Trimble TD520, a rugged 10-inch touchscreen display that makes navigating features straightforward and user-friendly. Operators can easily switch between 2D and 3D models, create in-field designs, and manage complex excavation tasks with just a few taps on the screen. Its intuitive interface not only shortens the learning curve for new users but also helps experienced operators unlock new levels of precision and productivity.

One of the standout features of the Trimble Earthworks platform is its semi-automatic functionality. This capability allows machines to perform precise movements automatically, such as creating flat or sloped surfaces, reducing operator fatigue and improving overall efficiency. Operators remain in control but are supported by the system to achieve smoother, more accurate results in less time.

Trimble Earthworks also shines in its ability to integrate seamlessly with the broader digital ecosystem of a construction site. Designs and updates can be uploaded wirelessly, ensuring operators always have access to the latest plans without the need for physical data transfers. This real-time connectivity streamlines workflows and reduces downtime, making projects more efficient.

Building the future

Our visit to Flannery’s Skills Hub offered us a compelling glimpse into the future of construction training. With industry leaders like Trimble, SITECH, and Flannery Plant Hire at the helm, operators are clearly being inspired and empowered to meet the demands of a digital construction era.