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piling operations nvq

Piling Operations

Trade NVQ

NVQ Level 2 Diploma Piling Operations

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Success Rate

+

Delegates completed their NVQs with us in 2024

£

Eligible for CITB Short Qualification Grant
Home » Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Piling Operations – (Piling Rig Operator, Piling Operative)
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About Level 2 NVQ Diploma Piling Operations

Qualification Title
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Piling Operations
Target Audience - Occupation
Piling Operative or Rig Operator
Purpose
This diploma covers piling works and allows candidates to develop their knowledge and skills in areas relating to rig and piling operators in a safe and efficient manner while using them within the workplace.

What this NVQ involves

Our assessor schedules the appointments with the candidate at times that work for both parties.

Since the Level 2 NVQ Diploma Piling Operations are candidate-led, they can be completed swiftly once the majority of the evidence has been acquired for the proposed evidence list, a copy of which we've provided. After the evidence is gathered (by email), the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Piling Operations can be completed quickly in two to three sessions, lasting a few hours each, as long as the candidate can set aside time for the professional follow-up discussion to go over all of the given evidence.

The follow-up professional discussion can be completed face-to-face or remotely.

1st visit – Induction, planning

2nd visit – discuss evidences, identify shortfall of evidences

3rd – visit – Discuss new evidences, cover shortfall in questions (if required) - completed

Key Course Details

Duration: See section "What This NVQ Involves"

Location: Work-based, on-site assessment and/or remote

Cost: £995 + VAT, or, CITB Short Qualification Grant - £395

Dates: On-site assessment

Accreditation: OFQUAL Certification

Card Occupation: Piling Operative

CITB Support

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mark and the entire team at Workforce Skills for the outstanding training and support provided throughout my Level 7 NVQ in Senior Site Management. From start to finish, the process was handled with professionalism, clarity, and a consistently high standard of delivery.

The depth of knowledge and experience that Mark brings to the table is evident in every interaction. His guidance was invaluable, not just in navigating the NVQ requirements, but in enhancing my understanding of leadership and site management at a senior level. The training materials were comprehensive, well-structured, and directly aligned with industry expectations, which made the learning both relevant and engaging.

What stood out most was the team’s commitment to quality and their proactive approach to ensuring I stayed on track. They were always available to answer questions and provide feedback, making the journey feel both supported and efficient.

Luke Lee
Head Of Operations, MCC Homes

Reduce Your Net Cost

Trusted by over 1,000 construction employers, including CITB levy-registered companies.

  • MOST POPULAR
Option 1
Reduced via Grant

Net Cost to You

£395

Who It's For
CITB Levy Registered Companies

Funding Route
Short Qualification Grant (£600)

Option 2
Standard Payment

Net Cost to You

£995 + VAT

Who It's For
Not CITB Levy Registered Companies

Funding Route
No CITB Grant Available

*Funding is subject to CITB eligibility

Qualification Structure

Choose the pathway that best matches the role and responsibilities of the person undertaking the qualification.

Mandatory Units
Candidates must complete five Mandatory units.
Unit RefTitleLevelCITB Ref
A/615/0055Contributing to the piling operation in the workplace2235v2
A/508/6525Slinging and hand signalling the movement of suspended loads in the workplace2402Av1
M/508/6537Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace1641
T/508/6538Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace2642
Y/508/6533Moving, handling and storing resources in the workplace2643
F/615/0056Carrying out checks and/or basic maintenance on plant or machinery in the workplace2299
J/615/0057Operating piling rigs to construct and form in the workplace2390Bv2

Mandatory Units
Candidates must complete five Mandatory units and one Optional unit.
Unit Ref.Unit TitleLevelCITB Ref
A/615/0055Contributing to the piling operation in the workplace2235v2
A/508/6525Slinging and hand signalling the movement of suspended loads in the workplace2402Av1
M/508/6537Conforming to general health, safety and welfare in the workplace1641
T/508/6538Conforming to productive working practices in the workplace2642
Y/508/6533Moving, handling and storing resources in the workplace2643
Optional Units
Unit Ref.Unit TitleLevelCITB Ref
Y/615/0113Allocating and monitoring the use of plant, machinery or equipment in the workplace2214v2
D/615/0114Carrying out mud, slurry or fluid plant operations in the workplace2233
K/615/0116Carrying out tremie operations in the workplace2236v2
M/615/0117Guiding the piling rig for the formation of piles in the workplace2239v2
M/508/6571Preparing and operating 180 degree excavators to extract and excavate ground and loose materials in the workplace2388Bv3
D/508/6498Preparing and operating wheeled loading shovels to extract loose materials in the workplace2388Cv3
T/508/6572Preparing and operating tracked loading shovels to extract ground and loose materials in the workplace2388Dv3
H/508/6499Preparing and operating skid steer loaders to extract loose materials in the workplace2388Ev3
J/508/6575Preparing and operating 360 degree excavators to extract ground, face and/or loose materials in the workplace2388Jv3
A/508/6587Preparing and operating powered units, tools or pedestrian plant, machinery or equipment in the workplace2400v2
why take this nvq

Benefits of the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Piling Operations

  • Eligible for a Blue CPCS card. Before you apply, you will need to have passed the CITB Operatives level Health, safety and environment test within the last 2 years
  • CITB Grant Eligible for CITB levy registered companies
  • For CITB levy registered companies this NVQ is grant eligible for £600 CITB Short Qualification Grant
  • Demonstrates that you are highly qualified for your role
  • You earn a lifetime qualification and improves your job advancement chances
  • We are a nationwide CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO), CITB Employer Networks Partner and will help you claim funding and eligible grants

Find out more about this NVQ

We’ll check your eligibility for CITB grants and guide you through every step—from application to reimbursement.
Please complete the form below and one of our advisors will get in touch with you.
Is your company levy registered?*
Are you happy to be contacted for marketing?*

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about this NVQ? Here is a compilation of our most frequently asked questions.

Piling is the process of driving deep structural supports (piles) into the ground to support buildings, bridges, and other structures where the surface soil is not strong enough to bear heavy loads. Piling work involves operating or assisting with piling rigs and equipment to safely and effectively form these foundations.

The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Piling Operations covers the skills and competence needed for piling operatives and rig operators. It assesses your ability to contribute to piling operations, handle and signal loads safely, conform to health & safety standards, and operate or assist with piling rigs and associated machinery in your workplace.

Typical skills assessed on this NVQ include:

  • Contributing to safe piling operations
  • Slinging and hand signaling for load movement
  • Following health, safety, and welfare procedures
  • Moving, handling, and storing materials
  • Carrying out basic machinery checks and maintenance
  • Operating piling rigs (for the Piling Rig Operator pathway)
  • Optional additional plant/machinery tasks (for Piling Rig Operative)

Evidence of these skills is gathered naturally in your normal work environment and assessed by a trained assessor.

The NVQ cost can vary. Please see our payment options

There are no formal academic prerequisites for this NVQ, but candidates must be employed in a piling role or have access to piling work so they can gather real workplace evidence. Prior experience in piling work is beneficial but not strictly required.

Assessment is workplace-based and evidence-driven. It typically includes:

  • Observation of practical work by an NVQ assessor
  • Professional discussions about what you do in your role
  • Review of naturally occurring evidence (photos, documents, job sheets)
  • Practical demonstrations if required

There are no written exams — you demonstrate competence through your day-to-day work.

Acceptable evidence includes:

  • Photographs or videos of piling tasks
  • Job sheets and project records
  • Method statements or risk assessments you’ve completed
  • Witness testimonies from supervisors or colleagues
  • Professional discussions with your assessor

Workplace evidence must reflect the tasks you regularly perform.

Yes, you can be eligible for the CPCS Blue Competent Operator card, as long as you have completed the relevant health and safety test within 2 years and the CPCS theory & practical test specific to the type of machinery. Please contact Workforce Skills Support for further CPCS experienced and trainee card information and additional training needed to support card applications. Please contact Workforce Skills Support for further CSCS experience and trainee card information.

Please visit our All NVQ page to find your relevant occupation and required NVQ.

Yes. The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Piling Operations is nationally recognised and accredited (OFQUAL). It aligns with UK construction industry standards and is accepted for CPCS card applications.

Pay-Then-Claim Reduce your training costs

Claim the £600 CITB Short Qualification Grant – NVQ cost drops to just £395 after reimbursement!

Reduced cost - Pay then reclaim 

  • NVQ cost: £995 + VAT
  • CITB Grant: £600
  • Net cost to your business: £395

*only available to CITB levy registered companies

Get in touch or call us on 01623 287830.