ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Construction and Civil Engineering Operations (Construction)-Construction Operations

The UK construction industry values professionals who demonstrate proven, practical skills through accredited qualifications. The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Construction and Civil Engineering Operations (Construction) – Construction Operations is a practical, work-based qualification designed to formally recognise the skills of those working on-site in various construction and civil engineering roles.

This NVQ diploma is tailored for construction operatives who are actively involved in groundworks, drainage, concreting, and other core civil engineering operations. It provides a structured pathway for demonstrating occupational competence and meeting industry requirements, especially in line with CSCS card applications.

The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Construction and Civil Engineering Operations – Construction Operations offers an accessible and effective route for recognising and validating the essential skills of construction operatives. It is an excellent investment in career development for anyone working in groundworks, drainage, or concrete-based operations within the UK’s construction sector.

Program Highlights

Mandatory Units

  • Installing, maintaining and removing work area protection and safety equipment in the workplace
  • Unit Endorsements:
  • One of the following endorsements required:
  • Protection and safety notices
  • Safety lighting
    Moving, handling and storing resources in the workplace
    Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace
    Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace
  • Optional Units – candidates must complete one unit in this group
  • Placing and compacting concrete in the workplace
  • Unit Endorsements:
  • Three of the following endorsements required:
  • Chute; Elephant’s Trunk; Skip; Pump; Mono-rail; Manually
  • Installing drainage in the workplace
  • Unit Endorsements:
  • One of the following endorsements required:
  • Inspection chambers
  • Surface water systems
  • Foul water systems
  • Surround pipe with specified materials
  • Place backfill to trench using given work instructions for both compacted and free drainage materials
    Optional Units – candidates must complete one unit in this group
    Title Level
    Preparing, mixing and distributing concrete and mortars in the workplace
    Reinstating ground condition in the workplace
    Unit Endorsements:
    Three of the following endorsements required:
  • Backfill (excavated materials)
  • Backfill (new materials)
  • Compact
  • Hard top surfaces
  • Cultivated and grassed areas
    Erecting and dismantling access/working platforms in the workplace
    Unit Endorsements:
    Own area of work (i.e. Construction and Civil Engineering Operations) Plus two or more of the following:
  • Ladders/crawler boards
  • Step ladders/platform steps
  • Proprietary towers
  • Trestle platforms
  • Mobile scaffold towers
  • Proprietary staging/podiums
    Cutting, drilling and shaping construction related materials in the workplace
    Unit Endorsements:
    Four of the following endorsements required:
  • Composites
  • Plastic
  • Masonry
  • Vitreous clay
  • Metal
  • Timber and timber based
  • Cementitious
  • Bituminous
  • Geotextiles
    Laying, placing or applying construction related materials in the workplace
    Unit Endorsements:
    Three of the following endorsements required:
  • Top soil or subsoil
  • Granular fill
  • Cohesive fill
  • Concrete
  • Cementitious
  • Bituminous
  • Geotextiles
    Preparing and mixing construction related materials in the workplace
    Unit Endorsements:
    Two of the following endorsements required:
  • Cementitious
  • Resins
  • Adhesives
  • Bonding agents
  • Colourings
  • Waterproof coatings
  • Grouts
  • Pre-mixed compounds
    Installing, maintaining and removing temporary excavation support in the workplace
    Unit Endorsements:
    One of the following endorsements required:
  • A proprietary system
  • Open and closed support systems
  • Piling systems
  • Bespoke support systems
    Identifying and marking the location of utilities apparatus and sub-structures in the workplace 2
    Preparing and operating powered units, tools or pedestrian plant, machinery or equipment in the
    workplace
    Unit Endorsements:
    One of the following endorsements required:
  • Generators
  • Pumps
  • Pedestrian operated plant or machines
  • Mixers
  • Compressors
  • Self-powered tools
    Controlling, directing and guiding the operation of plant or machinery in the workplace
    Unit Endorsements:
    Operations Guide Banksman
    Installing, constructing, maintaining, dismantling and removing temporary works in the workplace
    Unit Endorsements:
    Own area of work (i.e. Construction and Civil Engineering Operations) Plus four or more of the following:
  • Protective screens, hoardings and covers
  • Access and egress routes
  • Supports
  • Supporting structures
  • Removal equipment
  • Diverting equipment
  • Site facilities
  • Stabilisation
    Locating and excavating to expose buried utility services in the workplace
  • ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Construction and Civil Engineering Operations (Construction) – Construction Operations
  • To enrol in this qualification, candidates must meet the following entry criteria:
  • Minimum Age
    Candidates must be at least 16 years old at the time of enrolment.
  • Educational Background
    There are no formal academic qualifications required to undertake this NVQ. However, a basic understanding of construction principles and site activities is beneficial.
  • Work Experience
    Applicants must be currently employed in a relevant construction or civil engineering role, with access to real-time, site-based tasks and responsibilities. This ensures the ability to gather workplace evidence for assessment.
  • Language Proficiency
    Candidates should possess a basic level of English to ensure effective communication on-site and the ability to understand instructions, safety protocols, and contribute to portfolio development. Proficiency equivalent to Entry Level 3 in Functional Skills or above is recommended.
  • These requirements ensure that learners can fully participate in the assessment process and demonstrate their competency in real construction environments.

Installing, maintaining and removing work area protection and safety equipment in the workplace

  • Understand the requirements for site protection and safety signage or lighting.
  • Demonstrate how to install and dismantle safety systems safely.
  • Maintain equipment effectively during its use on site.
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Moving, handling and storing resources in the workplace

  • Identify appropriate manual handling techniques.
  • Safely transport and store construction materials and equipment.
  • Maintain the security and condition of stored items.
  • Reduce risks of damage and personal injury.

Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace

  • Recognise potential workplace hazards.
  • Follow site-specific safety protocols and reporting procedures.
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) effectively.
  • Promote a safe working environment.

Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace

  • Communicate efficiently with team members and supervisors.
  • Work to agreed plans, timescales, and quality standards.
  • Demonstrate team collaboration and problem-solving skills.
  • Contribute to improving work productivity.

Placing and compacting concrete in the workplace

  • Prepare work areas for concrete placement.
  • Use correct tools and techniques for placing and compacting.
  • Work to specifications using methods such as chutes, pumps, or skips.
  • Ensure compaction meets structural and quality standards.

Installing drainage in the workplace

  • Understand drainage systems, including inspection chambers and foul/surface water layouts.
  • Install drainage components accurately to design requirements.
  • Use backfilling techniques to ensure proper support and flow.
  • Adhere to safety and environmental standards.

Preparing, mixing and distributing concrete and mortars in the workplace

  • Identify correct material proportions and mixing techniques.
  • Mix and transport concrete and mortar safely and efficiently.
  • Ensure consistency and quality of mixes.
  • Maintain and clean mixing equipment.

Reinstating ground condition in the workplace

  • Select appropriate materials for backfilling and surfacing.
  • Restore surfaces including hardstanding and grassed areas.
  • Compact materials to required specifications.
  • Reinstate to original or specified condition post-installation.

Erecting and dismantling access/working platforms in the workplace

  • Identify appropriate platform systems for task and site.
  • Assemble and secure access equipment according to instructions.
  • Carry out safety checks and risk assessments.
  • Dismantle platforms safely and store equipment properly.

Cutting, drilling and shaping construction related materials in the workplace

  • Select tools and methods suitable for various materials like metal, timber, or masonry.
  • Follow cutting plans and safety protocols.
  • Produce accurate cuts and shapes to meet specifications.
  • Dispose of waste material responsibly.

Laying, placing or applying construction related materials in the workplace

  • Prepare surfaces for application of materials.
  • Lay or apply materials like soil, geotextiles, concrete or fill.
  • Ensure even distribution and bonding where applicable.
  • Maintain alignment and quality throughout the process.

Preparing and mixing construction related materials in the workplace

  • Select and measure components for mixing.
  • Produce consistent mixes of resins, cement, grouts, etc.
  • Follow safety guidelines for handling and storing materials.
  • Clean and maintain mixing tools and equipment.

Installing, maintaining and removing temporary excavation support in the workplace

  • Understand different excavation support systems.
  • Install proprietary or custom support systems safely.
  • Monitor supports during excavation.
  • Remove supports ensuring excavation stability and safety.

Identifying and marking the location of utilities apparatus and sub-structures in the workplace

  • Interpret site plans and utility layouts.
  • Use tools to trace and mark utilities accurately.
  • Follow protocols to avoid damage to services.
  • Report discrepancies or unexpected findings.

Preparing and operating powered units, tools or pedestrian plant, machinery or equipment in the workplace

  • Inspect tools and equipment before use.
  • Operate powered units such as compressors, mixers or pedestrian machinery safely.
  • Monitor performance and identify faults.
  • Shut down and store equipment appropriately.

Controlling, directing and guiding the operation of plant or machinery in the workplace

  • Understand banksman signalling techniques.
  • Direct plant and machinery movements safely on site.
  • Communicate effectively with machinery operators.
  • Maintain safe distances and awareness of site activities.

Installing, constructing, maintaining, dismantling and removing temporary works in the workplace

  • Plan and install temporary works including screens, hoardings, and stabilisation.
  • Monitor temporary works for safety and compliance.
  • Safely dismantle and remove materials when no longer needed.
  • Coordinate temporary works within the wider site plan.

Locating and excavating to expose buried utility services in the workplace

  • Use plans and detection tools to locate utilities.
  • Excavate manually or mechanically with caution.
  • Avoid damage and ensure the safety of all workers.
  • Support exposed utilities during excavation activities.

The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Construction and Civil Engineering Operations (Construction) – Construction Operations is designed for individuals working or seeking to work in the construction and civil engineering industry. This qualification is ideal for the following groups:

  • Individuals currently employed in construction or civil engineering roles looking to gain formal recognition of their skills.
  • Construction operatives seeking career progression through a nationally recognised qualification.
  • New entrants to the construction industry who have access to relevant on-site experience under supervision.
  • Apprentices undertaking a structured learning programme in construction operations.
  • Skilled workers in other trades wishing to transfer into civil engineering operations.
  • Employers and contractors aiming to upskill their workforce to meet industry standards.
  • Those aiming to obtain a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card based on NVQ qualification.
  • Individuals seeking a pathway to more advanced qualifications in construction and civil engineering.

This qualification ensures candidates demonstrate competence in real working conditions, making it essential for both career starters and experienced professionals aiming for advancement in the construction sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

The duration varies depending on the candidate’s experience and working environment, but most learners complete it within 6 to 12 months.

While it is a UK qualification, many international training providers offer it in regions such as the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. Always ensure the provider is accredited and assessments are carried out in line with UK standards.

Optional units include a variety of specialised tasks such as drainage installation, concreting, temporary works, and excavation. Your employer or assessor can help you select units that match your current job role or career goals.

Benefits include formal recognition of your skills, enhanced employment opportunities, improved job security, qualification for a CSCS card, and eligibility for advanced construction roles or further NVQ qualifications.

Yes, successful completion of this NVQ Level 2 Diploma can help you qualify for a CSCS Blue Skilled Worker card, which is essential for many job roles on UK construction sites.

Assessment is based on work-based performance evidence, including observations, witness testimonies, and portfolio submissions. There are no written exams, and assessment is conducted by a qualified assessor.

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