The ProQual Level 2 Diploma in Construction Operations (Construction) thus serves as a critical first step, building a robust platform of practical ability and site awareness. It prepares you for immediate entry into the workforce as a competent operative, with the foundational expertise to contribute to construction projects effectively and safely from day one.
This introductory course provides a foundational gateway into the dynamic construction industry, equipping learners with the essential practical skills and knowledge required to operate safely and effectively on site. It is designed for individuals seeking to start or progress their career, offering a hands-on understanding of core construction operations. Please note that this qualification is not regulated by Ofqual, and it stands as a valuable industry-recognised credential in its own right, focusing on the direct application of skills in a working environment.
Learners will engage with key areas including health and safety protocols, the principles of building methods, and the correct use of materials and equipment. The curriculum emphasises competency-based assessment, ensuring you can confidently perform tasks to industry standards. Successful completion may also provide a pathway to specialised on-site certifications, such as plant operator tickets or safety training cards, which are often required for specific roles within construction operations.
Program Highlights
The ProQual Level 2 Diploma in Construction Operations (Construction), to achieve candidates must achieve 38 credits:
- 10 credits from the Mandatory units
- A minimum of 20 credits from Optional Group B
- A minimum of 8 credits from Optional Group C
Mandatory Units
| Unit Title | Unit Level | Credit Value | GLH |
| Workplace health, safety and welfare | 2 | 4 | 40 |
| Conform to productive working practices | 2 | 4 | 40 |
| Set out secondary dimensional work controls | 2 | 2 | 20 |
Optional Group B Units
| Unit Title | Unit Level | Credit Value | GLH |
| Install road drainage | 2 | 8 | 80 |
| Lay domestic drainage | 2 | 8 | 80 |
| Reinstate ground conditions | 2 | 8 | 80 |
| Lay kerbs and channels | 2 | 4 | 40 |
| Lay modular pavement | 2 | 8 | 80 |
| Form concrete structures | 2 | 8 | 80 |
Optional Group C Units
| Unit Title | Unit Level | Credit Value | GLH |
| Excavate holes and trenches | 2 | 4 | 40 |
| Install street ironwork | 2 | 4 | 40 |
| Provide temporary excavation support | 2 | 8 | 80 |
| Search for underground services | 2 | 2 | 20 |
| Lay and finish concrete | 2 | 8 | 80 |
| Prepare and operate machinery to receive and transport loads | 2 | 6 | 60 |
| Arrange and secure loads | 2 | 8 | 80 |
| Operate a powered tool and equipment | 2 | 2 | 20 |
| Sign, light and guard the work area | 2 | 4 | 40 |
| Guide moving loads or machinery | 2 | 8 | 80 |
| Prepare and operate machinery to compact materials | 2 | 6 | 60 |
| Sling and signal the movement of loads | 2 | 6 | 60 |
Entry Requirements
Prospective learners must meet the following essential criteria to enrol in this course:
- Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 16 years of age.
- Educational Background: While no formal qualifications are mandatory, a basic level of numeracy and literacy is required. Prior achievement of a Level 1 qualification in a related subject, such as a Certificate in Construction Skills or another foundational industry certificate, is considered advantageous.
- Language Proficiency: Learners must possess a sufficient command of English to understand course materials, follow site safety instructions, and complete written assessments. This is critical for maintaining a safe working environment.
No prior construction work experience is required, making this diploma an ideal starting point for new entrants to the industry. By meeting these requirements, you can begin your journey to gaining the practical skills and knowledge needed for a successful career as a construction operative.
Learning Outcomes
Workplace health, safety and welfare
- Understand health, safety and welfare requirements
- Understand the organisation’s approach to health, safety and welfare
- Understand risk control in the workplace
- Confirm health and safety requirements in the workplace
- Work in accordance with health and safety requirements
Conform to productive work practices
- Know how to work productively in the workplace
- Understand low/zero carbon outcomes
- Understand equality and diversity in the workplace
- Know how to communicate with others
- Work productively in the workplace
Set out secondary dimensional work controls
- Know the secondary dimensional control requirements for the specified task
- Know how to conduct pre and post-operational checks of equipment
- Measure and set out secondary dimensional control requirements to specification
Install road drainage
- Know the requirements for installing road drainage
- Know how to prepare for installing road drainage
- Install drainage components to line and gradient required
Lay domestic drainage
- Know the requirements for installing domestic drainage
- Know how to prepare for installing domestic drainage
- Carry out work safely and to specification
Reinstate ground conditions
- Know the requirements for reinstating ground conditions
- Know how to prepare for the reinstatement of ground conditions
- Reinstate ground conditions to specification
Lay kerbs and channels
- Know how to prepare for the construction of kerbs and channels
- Know how to set out the work area for the construction of kerbs and channels
- Lay kerbs and channels to specification
Lay modular pavement
- Know the requirements for modular paving
- Know how to prepare and set out for modular paving
- Lay modular paving
Form concrete structures
- Know the requirements for forming concrete structures
- Know how to prepare for the formation of concrete structures
- Mix, place and finish structural concrete
Excavate holes and trenches
- Know the requirements for excavation work
- Know how to prepare the work area for excavation work
- Manually excavate holes and trenches
Install street ironwork
- Know how to prepare for the installation of ironworks fixtures in the road
- Know how to excavate for installation of ironwork fixtures in the road
- Excavate and install ironwork fixtures in the road
Provide temporary excavation support
- Know the requirements and type of temporary supports and equipment required for the work
- Know how to install temporary excavation supports safely
- Install temporary excavation supports
Search for underground services
- Know how to interpret information from public utilities plans and drawings
- Know how to prepare, set up and restore the site
- Search for, locate and avoid underground service apparatus
Lay and finish concrete
- Know the requirements for laying and finishing concrete
- Know how to prepare for laying and finishing concrete
- Lay and finish concrete to specification
Prepare and operate machinery to receive and transport loads
- Know the requirements for receiving and transporting loads
- Know how to prepare and conduct pre-operational checks of machinery and the work area
- Conduct pre-operational checks of machinery
- Operate machinery to receive, transport and discharge the specified load
Arrange and secure loads
- Know the requirements for arranging and securing a specified load
- Know how to prepare for arranging and securing a specified load
- Work with colleagues to arrange and secure a specified load
Operate a powered tool and equipment
- Know how to conduct pre and postoperational checks of powered tool, equipment and the work area
- Know the safety requirements for operating powered tool and equipment
- Operate and monitor powered tool and equipment
Sign, light and guard the work area
- Know how to prepare and select equipment for signing, lighting and guarding the work area
- Know how to prepare, set up and restore the site
- Prepare for the provision, use and removal of traffic control systems
Guide moving loads or machinery
- Know the procedures for guiding the movement of loads and machinery
- Understand the safe movement of loads or machinery
- Move loads or machinery
Prepare and operate machinery to compact materials
- Know the requirements for compacting materials
- Know how to prepare and conduct pre-operational checks of machinery and the work area
- Conduct pre-operational checks of machinery
- Compact materials and restore the work area
Sling and signal the movement of loads
- Know the procedures for slinging and signalling loads
- Know how to sling and signal loads safely and securely
- Sling and signal loads safely and securely
Target Audiences
This ProQual Level 2 Diploma in Construction Operations (Construction) is specifically designed for individuals at the outset of their construction career or those seeking to formalise their site-based skills with a nationally recognised diploma. It provides the essential, practical foundation required to operate safely and productively on a live construction site.
- New Entrants: School leavers or career-changers with no prior industry experience who require comprehensive training to enter the construction workforce confidently.
- Trainee Operatives: Individuals currently in entry-level site roles, such as labourers or general assistants, looking to upskill, gain a formal qualification, and improve their prospects for specialisation.
- Apprentices: Those undertaking a construction apprenticeship, for whom this diploma serves as the core knowledge and competency component of their programme.
- Workers Seeking CSCS Card Eligibility: Individuals needing to achieve a recognised qualification to apply for a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Labourer’s Card or similar site accreditation, which is often a mandatory requirement for site access.
This course is your foundational step towards becoming a competent, safe, and employable construction operative, opening the door to a wide range of opportunities within the industry.
