The BDA has recently reviewed the NOS (National Occupational Standards) that forms the basis of the NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) in Land Drilling.
An NVQ Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification which allows you to demonstrate and prove that you are working to national standards and are competent in your specialised field. It also allows for learning, development and sharing best practice. It is a valuable qualification that is now a requirement on all sites throughout the UK.
The new NVQ was designed to more accurately reflect the role of the Lead Driller and the Support Operative. This revised NVQ was made available in Spring 2017 and will sit alongside the existing CSkills NVQ until this is withdrawn (note – the CSkills NVQ does not now meet the National Occupational Standards).
Click on here to view the MP Awards qualification: http://www.mpawards.co.uk/qualifications/
To obtain a CSCS Land Drilling card it is necessary to either have an NVQ or be registered to take it. Entry into BDA AUDIT is also conditional on being NVQ qualified.
NVQ Land Drilling – Level 2 qualification is available for two occupations – Lead Driller (who drills the hole) and Drilling Support Operative (2nd man). A Lead Driller award is in one or several drilling applications using rotary, cable percussion or dynamic sampling rigs. Applications include ground investigation, drilling for grouting, anchoring, waterwell, geothermal and landfill
The NVQ is obtained through on-site assessment. An industry experienced and qualified Assessor visits you at work several times to explain the NVQ units, discuss procedure and gather evidence. He introduces the Level 2 portfolio which is assessed against the National Occupation Standards (NOS). Your Assessor carries out observations which provide vital evidence about your skills and competency. He conducts questioning to determine your level of knowledge. You will need to gather further evidence e.g. witness testimonies and references from your clients and/or employer. The Assessor helps you to collate the portfolio for submission to the awarding body (currently MP Awards) for verification and eventual award. The addition of training to cover any shortfalls in skills or competencies ensures that the qualification is open to all.
We are also in the process of developing a new NVQ Level 3 qualification (Advanced Driller), with MP Awards, to give a career progression for the more able Land Drillers, who do not want to go down the Occupational Work Supervisor (OWS) route.
Please contact the BDA office for further information on the process and assessment centres in your area.
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