The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller is a foundational, industry-recognised qualification designed for individuals operating within land drilling environments, such as those for water wells, geotechnical investigation, and mineral exploration. It is a vocational award that focuses on assessing and certifying the practical competencies required to perform the role of a Land Driller safely and effectively. As a ProQual-accredited programme, it validates occupational skills against national standards, providing a crucial benchmark of professional capability for practitioners in this specialised field, although it is not regulated by Ofqual.
Through a combination of on-site assessment and evidence gathering, the diploma covers essential operational areas including the preparation of drilling rigs and equipment, conducting drilling operations to specified parameters, and performing routine maintenance and basic fault diagnosis. The curriculum emphasises rigorous health, safety, and environmental awareness, ensuring all practical work meets stringent industry expectations and legal guidelines. This hands-on approach ensures that qualification holders are not just theoretically knowledgeable but are demonstrably competent in the day-to-day realities of land drilling work.
The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller serves as a key professional credential for operatives seeking to formalise their skills and enhance their employability. Achieving this diploma provides tangible proof of a worker’s ability to perform core drilling tasks to a recognised national standard, which is highly valued by employers across the drilling and exploration sectors. It is a definitive step towards establishing a robust, competency-based career foundation within this essential technical industry.
Program Highlights
The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller, to achieve the qualification candidates must achieve a minimum of 53 credits: Candidates may choose to do any of the Additional units from Group C but they will not count towards qualification.
Mandatory Units
- Contributing to the Specified Drilling Programme in the Workplace
- Establishing Work Area Protection and Safety in the Workplace
- Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace
- Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace
Group B
Candidates must complete both Mandatory units and one Optional unit
- Providing for and Maintaining the Security of the Work and Environment Surrounding the Drilling Area in the Workplace
- Drilling and Completing Holes to the Drilling Specification Programme in the Workplacepact materials in the workplace
Entry Requirements
To ensure candidates can successfully engage with this practical qualification, the following criteria are typically required:
- Age and Status: Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and must be working, or have secured a work placement, in a land drilling environment. This is essential as the assessment is conducted through observation and evidence collection in a real workplace.
- Educational Background: While there are no mandatory formal academic qualifications, possession of related credentials such as a Level 1 Award in a construction operations field, relevant safety certification (e.g., CCNSG Safety Passport), or a CSCS/GQV Skills Card can demonstrate foundational knowledge and commitment.
- Language Proficiency: Candidates must have a sufficient understanding of English, both spoken and written, to follow safety instructions, interpret site documentation, and communicate effectively with assessors and site personnel.
Applicants should be in a role that allows them to undertake a range of land drilling tasks under supervision, providing the opportunity to generate the necessary practical evidence for assessment.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller, participants will achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate the ability to follow and contribute to a specified drilling programme.
- Establish and maintain a safe and secure drilling work environment.
- Adhere to general health, safety, and welfare practices in the workplace.
- Apply productive working practices within a land drilling environment.
- Provide and maintain the security of the work area and drilling equipment.
- Operate drilling equipment and complete boreholes to specification.
- Carry out routine checks and basic maintenance on plant and machinery.
- Restore ground conditions following drilling operations.
- Prepare and safely operate specialised powered tools and lifting equipment.
- Record and maintain accurate documentation of drilling activities.
Target Audience
The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller is designed for individuals starting or developing their careers in the essential field of land drilling. This qualification is ideal for practical, hands-on workers seeking formal recognition of their skills against an industry-standard benchmark. It is particularly suited for:
- New Entrants and Trainee Drillers beginning their career on-site and needing to build a portfolio of proven competencies.
- Drilling Operatives and Assistants who work with rigs and equipment and aim to formalise their on-the-job experience with a nationally recognised credential.
- Site Technicians in geotechnical, environmental, water well, or mineral exploration sectors who perform drilling operations as a core part of their role.
- Individuals seeking a CSCS/GQV or industry-specific skills card, as this diploma is often a key requirement to obtain the blue skilled worker card or equivalent.
- Workers requiring proof of competency for client contracts or to meet specific site safety and assurance schemes.
Ultimately, the ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller is for dedicated site-based personnel committed to building a solid, certified foundation of practical skills, ensuring they are recognised as safe, competent, and qualified professionals within the land drilling industry.
