ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller

The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller is a practical, work-based qualification tailored for professionals working in the land drilling industry. It supports those involved in geotechnical investigation, environmental monitoring, mineral exploration, or water well drilling. This qualification certifies your ability to perform drilling operations safely, efficiently, and in line with industry standards.

This diploma is ideal for individuals who want to validate their skills, meet UK compliance requirements, and gain access to the CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card and British Drilling Association (BDA) Audit Scheme.

Course Overview

Qualification Title: ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller
Level: Level 2 (Regulated Qualifications Framework – RQF)
Awarding Body: ProQual
Total Qualification Time: Approximately 500 hours
Assessment Method: On-site assessment, portfolio building, observation, and professional discussion
Mode of Delivery: Workplace-based learning (no exams or classroom sessions)
Regulated by: Ofqual
CSCS Card Eligibility: Yes – Blue Skilled Worker Card

Course Benefits

• Official recognition of your drilling skills and on-site experience
• Gain a nationally accredited qualification while continuing to work
• Learn safe working practices and health & safety compliance specific to drilling operations
• Qualify for senior driller positions and specialist roles
• Prepare for BDA Audit and improve your professional credibility
• Assessment based entirely on real workplace performance

Course Study Units

The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller, to achieve the qualification candidates must achieve a minimum of 53 credits (Total qualification time 570 hours):

• 29 credits from the Mandatory units, plus
• A minimum of 24 credits from pathway 1 in Group B;
• Candidates may choose to do any of the Additional units from Group C but they will not count towards qualification.

Mandatory Units 

Unit Title	Unit Level	Credit Value	GLH
Contributing to the Specified Drilling Programme in the Workplace	2	14	47
Establishing Work Area Protection and Safety in the Workplace	2	10	33
Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace	1	2	7
Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace	2	3	10

Group B

Candidates must complete both Mandatory units and one Optional unit

Unit Title	Unit Level	Credit Value	GLH
Providing for and Maintaining the Security of the Work and Environment Surrounding the Drilling Area in the Workplace	2	12	40
Drilling and Completing Holes to the Drilling Specification Programme in the Workplace	2	43	143

Optional Units

Unit Title	Unit Level	Credit Value	GLH
Reinstating Ground Condition in the Workplace	2	12	40
Carrying Out Checks and/or Basic Maintenance on Plant or Machinery in the Workplace	2	8	27
Preparing and Operating Specialised Powered Tools and Equipment in the Workplace	2	4	13
Setting Out Secondary Dimensional Work Control in the Workplace	2	8	27
Slinging and Signalling the Movement of Loads (Secondary Role) in the Workplace	2	8	27

Group C Optional Units

Unit Title	Unit Level	Credit Value	GLH
Preparing and Operating Overhead Cranes to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace	2	18	60
Preparing and Operating Excavator Cranes to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace	2	30	100
Preparing and Operating Rough Terrain Masted Forklifts to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace	2	18	60
Preparing and Operating Industrial Counterbalanced Forklifts to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace	2	16	53
Preparing and Operating Sideloader Forklifts to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace	2	16	53
Preparing and Operating Telescopic Handlers to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace	2	25	83
Preparing and Operating Reach Trucks to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace	2	16	53
Preparing and Operating Lorry Loaders or Knuckle Boom Cranes to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace	2	30	100
Preparing and Operating 180 degree Excavators to Extract Ground and Loose Materials in the Workplace	2	80	267
Preparing and Operating Skid Steer Loaders to Extract Loose Materials in the Workplace	2	20	67
Preparing and Operating Loader Compressors to Extract Loose Materials in the Workplace	2	16	53
Preparing and Operating 360 degree Excavators to Extract Ground, Face and/or Loose Materials in the Workplace	2	80	267
Preparing and Operating Crawler/Tractor Dozers to Excavate and/or Form Ground in the Workplace	2	85	283
Preparing and Operating 360 degree Excavators to Excavate Ground in the Workplace	2	80	267
Preparing and Operating Truck-mounted Boom Concrete Pumps to Receive, Pump and Discharge Materials in the Workplace	2	70	233
Preparing and Operating Forward Tipping Dumpers to Receive, Transport and Discharge Materials in the Workplace	2	16	53
Preparing and Operating Agricultural-based Tractors for Non-agricultural Activities in the Workplace	2	20	67
Preparing and Operating Trailer-mounted Concrete Pumps to Receive, Pump and Discharge Materials in the Workplace	2	18	60
Preparing and Operating Self-propelled Bowsers to Receive, Transport and Discharge Materials in the Workplace	2	12	40

Learning Outcomes

By completing this qualification, you will be able to:

• Operate drilling rigs and equipment safely and competently
• Handle drilling samples and temporary well casings accurately
• Follow site safety procedures and environmental regulations
• Record drilling data and communicate findings effectively
• Maintain equipment and support site investigations
• Work under supervision to support geotechnical and environmental drilling

Who Is This Course For?

This qualification is suitable for:

• New entrants in the land drilling industry
• Existing drillers seeking formal certification of their competence
• Operatives working in environmental, geotechnical, or water well drilling
• Employers looking to train and certify their drilling teams
• Workers aiming to qualify for the CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card

You must be employed in a relevant role and have access to a live worksite to complete the qualification.

Entry Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years
Education: No academic qualifications required
Work Experience: Must be currently employed in a land drilling role
English Language: Basic spoken and written English is recommended for safety and communication

Future Progression

After completing the ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations, you can progress to:

• ProQual Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations (Lead Driller Pathway)
• Advanced drilling techniques (e.g., rotary drilling, cable percussion, geothermal)
• Supervisory or site leadership roles
• Qualifications in health & safety or environmental site management

Possible job roles include:

• Land Driller
• Environmental Field Technician
• Ground Investigation Operative
• Well Installation Operative
• Assistant Geotechnical Technician

The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller is a key stepping stone for anyone pursuing a career in the land drilling sector. It provides formal recognition of your skills, enhances your job prospects, ensures compliance with industry safety standards, and opens the door to advanced qualifications and professional roles within the construction and environmental sectors.