NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plant Operations – Excavating in Northern Ireland

Price: £650 (ex VAT + fees)
Duration: 6 - 12 Months 
Location: Portadown, Northern Ireland

The NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plant Operations – Excavating is a work-based qualification designed for individuals currently employed in the construction, civil engineering, or groundworks sectors. Because this NVQ is assessed in a real working environment, candidates must be employed in a role where they operate excavating machinery.

This qualification enables you to demonstrate your competence, skills, knowledge, and safe working practices as a Plant Operator. It is suitable for those operating a wide range of excavating plant machinery within the construction industry.

You’ll be assessed against National Occupational Standards (NOS), ensuring your skills meet industry-recognised benchmarks. A certified assessor will work with you throughout the process, guiding you and supporting you in gathering the required on-site evidence needed to complete the qualification.

What You Will Learn

The NVQ covers essential practical skills and knowledge that ensure safe and productive working when operating plant machinery, including:

Mandatory Units

• Complying with Workplace Health, Safety, and Welfare Regulations
• Adhering to Workplace Productive Working Practices

Optional Modules (Machinery-Specific Units)

Depending on your role and the machinery you operate, your NVQ may include one or more of the following optional units:

• Preparing and operating 180-degree excavators to remove and dig ground and loose materials
• Preparing and operating crawler tractor dozers to carry out work operations
• Preparing and controlling draglines to extract ground materials
• Preparing and operating 360-degree excavators to excavate ground
• Preparing and operating trenchers to excavate ground
• Preparing and operating tracked loading shovels to extract ground and loose materials

These units ensure you are assessed on the specific plant equipment relevant to your job role and employer requirements.

How NVQ Assessment Works

Assessment is conducted on-site by an experienced, qualified assessor, using methods such as:

• Observation of practical work
• Professional discussions
• Witness testimonies
• Workplace documentation and evidence
• Photographic or video evidence

There are no exams and no off-site training required. The NVQ is completed at your own pace while you continue working.

Certification & Progression

Upon successful completion, you will achieve the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plant Operations – Excavating, enabling you to:

• Apply for the CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card
• Demonstrate occupational competence to employers
• Progress to more advanced NVQs in plant operations or supervision

This qualification is recognised throughout the UK construction industry and is essential for plant operators aiming to formalise their skills.