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Qualification details

CSkills Awards Level 2 NVQ in Tunnelling Operations

Qualification summary

This qualification is structured to cater for eleven disciplines within this industry sector. Those eleven disciplines are: Hand Miner; Shaft Miner; Machine Miner, Tunnelling Machine Operator, Machine Tunnelling Operative, Spoil Removal Equipment Opertive, Tunnel Services Operative,Tunnel Transport Operator, Tunnel Fitter's or Tunnel Electrician's Mate, Sprayed Concrete Lining Tunnelling Operative, Pipe-Jacking or Micro-Tunnelling Operative and Separation Plant Operative..

Mandatory Common Core applies to all eleven disciplines. Also listed is an 'Additional Unit', VR402 Slinging and Signalling the Movement of Loads which whilst not compulsory, might be of special interest to candidates in this industry sector.

Qualification details

500/7631/0
2
NVQ - National Vocational Qualification
Accreditation start date:
01/10/2009
Operational start date in centres:
01/10/2009
Accreditation end date:
31/08/2010
Certification end date:
31/08/2012
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.

When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF Section 96 website.

For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the DELNI and DENI websites.
Scotland - Ireland
English
This qualification features multiple options routes. The bulk of candidates are likely to select just one route, as this reflects their typical day to day skills. However, if their work skills broaden out over time, they may be able to achieve other associated routes or any candidate could undertake the 'Additional Unit' if their work allows. If a candidate wanted to progress they could opt to undertake Construction Site Supervision at Level 3, if their work allowed. There currently is no Level 3 for Tunnelling Operations.

As part of lifelong learning we encourage learner progression. The qualification offers employment opportunities as learners are demonstrating occupational competence by qualification achievement.
Construction Operative
Mining Engineer
  • 05 Construction, Planning and the Built Environment
    • 05.2  Building and Construction
N/A
Pass
The Awarding Body (AB) uses a Computer based touch-screen process, operated by an independent contractor, to assess a mandatory Health and Safety unit within the NVQ qualification. The candidate does not get issued with their NVQ certificate until this test has been achieved. The principle of holistic assessment is positively encouraged by the AB.
OR
Alternatively, an Independent Assessment is available, whereby the Independent Assessor (EV) will independently assess unit ‘VR01 - Conform to General Workplace Safety’ (or another Mandatory unit if the qualification does not contain VR01), for each candidate that has not completed and passed the Health & Safety Touch Screen Test. Centres will be expected to arrange with the Awarding Body an additional visit to carry out independent assessment. The centre will also be required to arrange a 15 minute interview with the candidate to enable the Independent Assessor to make a decision. This route must be used as a last resort and has been added to ensure candidates can achieve their NVQ.

The principle of holistic assessment is positively encouraged.
Candidates must complete all units from Group A plus one optional route from Group B.

Candidates may complete the Additional Unit from Group C.
  • A  -  Mandatory Core Units
    Candidates must complete all mandatory core units
  • B  -  Optional Routes
    Candidates must complete one of the following optional routes
    • 01 -  Hand Miner (Option Route)
      Candidates must complete both units
      This group represents a pathway.
    • 02 -  Shaft Miner (Option Route)
      Candidates must complete one unit
      This group represents a pathway.
      • F/103/1338 - Construct Vertical Shafts for Tunnelling Operations
    • 03 -  Tunnelling Machine Operator (Option Route)
      Candidates must complete all three units
      This group represents a pathway.
      • A/103/1337 - Excavate and Profile Tunnels
      • H/103/1378 - Plant or Machinery Operator Maintenance
      • F/103/1498 - Operate Plant or Machinery to Construct and Form
    • 04 -  Machine Tunnelling Operative (Option Route)
      Candidates must complete all three units)
      This group represents a pathway.
      • H/103/1381 - Install Tunnelling Back-up Services
      • J/103/1311 - Install Tunnel Supports
      • J/104/1790 - Operate Specialised Powered Tools and Equipment
    • 05 -  Spoil Removal Equipment Operative (Option Route)
      Candidates must complete all three units
      This group represents a pathway.
      • H/103/1381 - Install Tunnelling Back-up Services
      • Y/103/1376 - Install and Operate Spoil Removal Equipment
      • L/104/1791 - Direct and Guide the Movement of Plant or Machinery
    • 06 -  Tunnel Services Operative (Option Route)
      Candidates must complete all three units
      This group represents a pathway.
      • H/103/1381 - Install Tunnelling Back-up Services
      • L/104/1791 - Direct and Guide the Movement of Plant or Machinery
      • J/104/1790 - Operate Specialised Powered Tools and Equipment
    • 07 -  Tunnel Transport Operator (Option Route)
      Candidates must complete both units
      This group represents a pathway.
      • A/103/3752 - Operate plant or machinery to receive and transport loads
      • H/103/1378 - Plant or Machinery Operator Maintenance
    • 08 -  Tunnel Fitter(s) or Tunnel Electrician(s) Mate (Option Route)
      Candidates must complete both units
      This group represents a pathway.
      • H/103/1381 - Install Tunnelling Back-up Services
      • H/103/1378 - Plant or Machinery Operator Maintenance
    • 09 -  Sprayed Concrete Lining Tunnelling Operative (Option Route)
      Candidates must complete all four units
      This group represents a pathway.
      • R/104/1792 - Prepare Substrate for Sprayed Concrete
      • Y/104/1793 - Provide Structural Support by Sprayed Concrete
      • J/104/1787 - Operate Plant or Machinery to Construct and Form
      • H/103/1378 - Plant or Machinery Operator Maintenance
    • 10 -  Pipejacking or Micro-tunnelling Operative (Option Route)
      Candidiates must complete both units
      This group represents a pathway.
      • H/103/1381 - Install Tunnelling Back-up Services
      • L/104/1788 - Install or Excavate Tunnels by Pipejacking or Micro-tunnelling Operations
    • 11 -  Separation Plant Operative (Option Route)
      Candidates must complete all three units
      This group represents a pathway.
      • H/103/1381 - Install Tunnelling Back-up Services
      • R/104/1789 - Carry Out Mud, Slurry or Fluid Plant Operations
      • J/104/1790 - Operate Specialised Powered Tools and Equipment
  • C  -  Additional Units (not compulsory)
    Candidates may complete the additional unit
    • D/104/1794 - Slinging and Signalling the Movement of Loads