Announcing the New Geotechnician VQ

June 19, 2024

The British Drilling Association (BDA) is delighted to announce the launch of the new Geotechnician VQ, now officially registered with Ofqual and available through MP Awards. This qualification was developed with substantial input from BDA representatives and other industry experts, ensuring it meets the specific needs of geotechnical and materials testing professionals.

The Geotechnician VQ builds on existing laboratory testing qualifications but has been comprehensively updated to align with the requirements of geotechnical and materials technicians. Available at Level 2 for skilled workers and Level 3 for senior technicians and supervisors, the VQ offers a robust training framework and competency assessment in five specialised pathways:

  1. Geotechnical Laboratory Test Technician
  2. Geotechnical Field Test Technician
  3. Cone Penetration Test (CPT) Technician
  4. Construction Materials Test Technician
  5. Geotechnical Instrumentation and Monitoring Technician

Each pathway comprises unique units that require technicians to demonstrate both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Technicians will need to provide evidence of their competence in various aspects of their daily work, including test criteria, data acquisition, calibration, non-conformances, reporting, health, safety, environment, and communication.

The introduction of the Geotechnician VQ is a significant milestone, offering a structured career path and recognising the valuable skills of technicians. It also supports external accreditations such as UKAS, further solidifying the qualifications’ industry relevance and importance.

To learn more about the Geotechnician VQ, visit MP Awards website – https://www.mpawards.co.uk/providers/

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