Thanks lads, I hear you both loud and clear.

Due to my circumstances I think the best way forward for me is to purchase a machine and get the practice in during hours that suit me best. Once im comfortable, I can then look to gaining actual work experiance.

Im self employed hence heavily committed with current work load, hence no time to seek another job and start from the bottom as such.

On the look out for a cheap 360 excavator now.
(digger land is miles away, so thats a no )